July 25, 1925 - January 10, 2016 Takeshi "Kit" Kitamura passed peacefully in his home in Cheviot Hills on January 10. Both of his daughters, Irene and Louise, were with him to assist him during his final journey. Kit had a full life, including serving in the 100th Infantry Battalion of the 442nd Regiment Combat Team, the most decorated unit for its size and length of service in the history of US warfare. Later, he became a civilian working for the U.S. Department of Defense in Japan, where he spearheaded negotiations to return Okinawa, which had been occupied by the U.S., to Japan in the early 70s. He is undoubtedly happy that he is now with his wife and cancer-free. Memorial services will be held at the Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park on January 23 at 11 am. Their address is 1218 Glendon Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024, phone number 310-474-1579.
