Tatsumi Misaka

Tatsumi “Tats” Misaka passed away peacefully at his home in the early morning hours of Friday, August 1, 2014. He was born on June 14, 1928 in Ogden, Utah to Fusaichi Misaka and Tatsuyo Murakami Misaka. He graduated from Weber State College and the University of Utah with a major in Business Administration and a minor in Economics. Tats was a man of integrity. He was never afraid to voice his opinion on matters of principle. He was practical, down to earth, and a “no frills” sort of person. He preferred to demonstrate his love and support by his actions rather than in words. He was devoted to his wife, family and friends as they were the top priority in his life. He was so proud of all his children and grandchildren.
Tats served in the army during the Korean War. He was assigned to Headquarters Company 3 in the 179th Infantry Battalion of the 45th Division. He received the Army Occupation Medal (Japan), United Nations Service Medal, a Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars and a Combat Infantry Badge.
Professionally, he owned his own Financial and Management Company and devoted many of his working years helping ethnic minorities and women interested in establishing their small businesses. He was awarded the U.S. Small Business Advocate of the Year in 1975 and the U.S. Small Business (Minority) Advocate of the Year in 1985. He is also known for mentoring many young Asians in business matters.
Tats served on several community boards such as the Children’s Center and the Family Counseling Center and held many community leadership positions including the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the first Asian American civil rights organization. He was a President of the JACL Salt Lake Chapter, Governor of the Intermountain District Council and served on the National JACL board in many capacities.
Tats was an outstanding athlete and loved his sports. He participated in baseball, basketball, bowling, and golf. He helped organize many youth sporting events. He was an avid, longtime member of the University of Utah Crimson Club.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Sachiye and brother Osamu Misaka.
Tats is survived by his wife, Jeanette, his children, Tina (Jeff Ryder), Diane (Roger Anderson), and Kirk Misaka (Anne Barclay) and grandchildren, Tevis Miller, David and Mikaela (Mika) Misaka, brother, Wataru (Katie) and sister in law, Yo Misaka, and many nieces and nephews.
The family extends their sincere appreciation to the doctors and staff of the VA Hospital, the Garden Terrace Center, and Access Home and Hospice Service for the compassionate care given to Tats and members of his family.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 8, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple, 211 West First South, Salt Lake City. Visitations will be held one hour prior to the service as well as Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Mountain View Memorial Mortuary, 3115 East 7800 South, Salt Lake City. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.mountainviewmortuary.com
Tats will be missed and will always be remembered for his love and support for his family, his loyalty to his friends, and his service to his community and country.