Tetsuo Ned Takasumi

Tetsuo “Ned” Takasumi

July 29, 1925-March 20, 2016

Ned Takasumi passed away March 20, 2016, in Portland, Ore., at the age of 90.

Ned was born and raised in Hood River. During high school, he and his family were relocated to an internment camp, and Ned finished his GED in the camp. After his release, Ned went into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Japan. When his tour was over, he enrolled in college, graduating from the University of Oregon with a degree in history.

After college, Ned reenlisted in the Army, entering as a commissioned officer. His Army career took him to many parts of the United States, as well as several tours overseas, including Germany and Vietnam. Ned was in the first group of advisors to go to Vietnam in 1962. During his time in the Army, he became an Airborne Ranger, and also spent three years on the All-Army Pistol Team. He rose to the rank of major and received several medals, including the Bronze Star.

Midway through his military career, Ned served as an ROTC instructor at Oregon State University, where he met his wife, Jean. After his retirement from the Army in 1970, he and Jean settled in Portland, but it didn’t take Ned long to realize that he wasn’t quite ready to retire. He soon accepted a job at Key Bank and ended up spending nearly 20 years there, retiring in 1990 as vice president of Building and Planning. During those years, he also served on several boards, including the Clackamas County Design and Review Board and the Happy Valley Planning Commission.

Throughout his life, Ned pursued a wide range of interests, including flying a plane, climbing Mt. Hood, hunting, fishing and golfing. In his retirement, he travelled to Scotland, Alaska, Canada, Baja and throughout the West to enjoy his favorite outdoor activities.

Ned is survived by his wife, Jean; three daughters: Karla, Laura and Melissa; three granddaughters; one brother, Fred, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Ned’s life will take place May 14 from noon to 2:30 p.m. at The Aerie at Eagle Landing in Happy Valley. Please RSVP at his site at Lincoln Memorial by May 1 if you plan to attend, or contact family members with that information.

Memorial donations may be made to the Oregon Food Bank or the charity of your choice.