Brandt Kikuo Tarumoto

Brandt Kikuo Tarumoto, 63, of Buckeye, Arizona, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Brandt was born on January 20, 1963, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Barry and Helene Tarumoto. When he was two and a half years old, his family moved to Los Angeles, California, where he was raised and spent most of his life.

He graduated from Daniel Murphy High School and, at the age of 20, proudly enlisted in the United States Army, serving two years in the reserves. Brandt later married Brenda Louise Washington, and in 1990 they welcomed their daughter, Brittanie, who remained one of the greatest joys of his life.

Brandt dedicated 30 years of service to the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, retiring on July 1, 2021. Later that same year, he moved to Buckeye, Arizona, to be closer to his daughter, Brittanie, and his son-in-law, Brandon Morales, who were living in Mesa at the time.

Brandt is survived by his loving mother, Helene Tarumoto; his wife, Annette Tarumoto; his daughter, Brittanie Tarumoto, and her husband, Brandon Morales; his brother, Bryant Tarumoto, and his partner, Karen Murakami; Annette’s children, Kayley Wilson and Kevin Tucker; granddaughters Paige M. Coburn and Dillan O. Tucker; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

Known to many as “Maddog,” Brandt had a big personality, a competitive spirit, and a genuine love for life. He was always willing to help someone in need and had a way of making people laugh wherever he went. Brandt enjoyed many hobbies and passions over the years. He rode motorcycles, raced slot cars, and even competed as a professional foosball player. One of his proud moments was having his race car featured in Total BMW magazine.

Even as health issues eventually limited his ability to continue some of the things he loved most, Brandt’s sense of humor and positive spirit never faded. He faced life with resilience, laughter, and a determination to keep enjoying every moment he could.

Brandt will be remembered for his kindness, his humor, his competitive drive, and the love he had for his family and friends. To those who knew him, he was truly one of a kind.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.