Harry Hayao Tatsumi

Hayao Tatsumi was born January 4, 1934 in Mukden, Manchuria, China to Shiro, a third generation Japanese American citizen, and Hanaco Tatsumi. When his mother registered his birth with the US Embassy the clerk asked what the name Hayao meant. Hanaco responded “hurry” but the clerk heard “Harry”, giving him a new first name.

During the times of internment camps in the United States, Harry’s parents decided it would be safer for them to stay abroad until the camps ended. That is when they moved back to Seattle, Washington where he attended High School. Harry then enrolled in the University of Washington for a year until he put his education on hold in order to serve his country by joining the United States Army where he served for 2 years, climbing the ranks and becoming a Specialist 2nd class, while also earning the Good Conduct Medal.

After his time in the service Harry was not satisfied with not finishing his education so he went back to school to finish out getting a Bachelors degree majoring in Electrical Engineering, which he put to use in many ways, one of which included working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He worked on several major projects including the design of the power house for the Bonneville and John Day Dams.

While visiting his Uncle in Tucson, Arizona he met the love of his life Noriko. She was a fashion designer and knew Harry’s uncle from a local organization they were a part of. From the first time Harry came over to see Noriko, their French poodle (who barked at any guy that came through the door) fell in love with Harry. That’s when they all knew he was someone special and Noriko would say “they were chosen by a dog”. They got married on January 4th 1969 in Tucson, Arizona but moved to Portland, Oregon shortly after where they had three children Byron, Robert and Cecelia.

Harry retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1999, but continued to work as a consultant for another 5 years and became a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed traveling a lot with Noriko, going all over the world to countries such as Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, and Canada. But out of all they places they adventured to, Mexico was their favorite destination and they traveled there often. Not only was he well-traveled but he was well versed in many languages, having learned Japanese, Russian, Chinese, English, French and Spanish.

Harry is survived by his wife Noriko, his two sons Byron Tatsumi (Walnut Creek, CA), Robert Tatsumi (Lake Oswego, OR) and his daughter Cecelia Tatsumi (Misawa AB, Japan). He also leaves behind a Sister Akiko Taniguchi (Seattle, WA) and 6 Grandchildren.