Summer 2018 Volume 43 | Issue 3
In Memory of Tosh Okamoto 1926-2018 With heavy hearts, we say our final goodbye to Tosh Okamoto – one of the Fabulous Seven founders, passionate leader, mentor, and friend. He was our rock, a community leader with endless devotion to people, especially those served by Keiro Northwest. When Tosh witnessed the urgent need of the issei (first-generation Japanese Americans) for caring and culturally-compatible skilled nursing, he took action. He co-founded Issei Concerns (renamed Nikkei Concerns and now Keiro Northwest) to set things right. As Board President and long-time member of the Board of Directors (1975-2007), Tosh continued to open the eyes, hearts, and pocketbooks of the community to the growing needs of seniors and their families. He guided us as we grew from one small nursing home to the seven programs we offer today. Tosh was a hands-on, practical man who led by example. He understood families in need, because his mother and mother-in-law were Keiro residents. He was a Top: Tosh with two of his great-grandsons
volunteer who lent a hand wherever and whenever needed. He was a donor and
Bottom: Tosh with Tomio Moriguchi, outside the original Keiro garden
sponsor who unwaveringly contributed first and encouraged others to follow
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
settled in at Nikkei Manor with his wife, Toshi, and recuperated at Keiro, too.
suit. Tosh explored his creative side with Nikkei Horizons’ woodcarving classes,
Keiro in Action
3
Keiro Family Forum
4
Partnering with the Next Generation
5
Long-term care is changing… Fast! 5 A Winning, Values-based Team
6
Events 8 Family Album Volunteer & Donor Lists
9 10
Tosh won well-deserved recognition from far and wide, but he is likely best remembered for being a great man, someone who taught us about individual commitment, responsibility, and honor. He encouraged us (including several CEOs) to embrace the rich wisdom of the older generation and face our fears in new and uncharted territory. Tosh may be gone, but his spirit gently reminds us that there is more work ahead. Memories of his easy smile encourage us to never give up and to put others first. He would definitely want #40moreyears for the organization that he loved so much.