Tsutomu "Tom" Akita, peacefully passed away Dec. 28, 2010 at his Gresham home, following a courageous battle with cancer. His gentle all around good nature will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Tom was born Oct. 20, 1925, in The Dalles, the son of Nobuhei and Chiyo (Hori) Akita. He spent his younger years in the
Dallesport, Wash., area, and attended high school in Lyle, Wash. In 1944 he was inducted into the US. Army, where he
served as a Military Policeman assigned to the 390th Railroad Military Police Battalion. He received an honorable discharge
in 1946 at the rank of corporal.
After serving his country, Tom worked as a gardener for Multnomah County for over 25 years. He also owned and operated Eastmont Nursery, which he continued to operate until just a few years ago.
Tom was a very hardworking, generous man. He took a lot of pride in his plants and was known for his roses, Asian pears, bonsai, and Japanese lace leaf maples.
He is survived by his children, Carol Harmon of Portland, Toni Busse of Gresham, and Mark Akita of Beaverton; siblings, Saburo Akita of Dallesport, Wasco Fujiwara of The Dalles, and Fred Akita of Dallesport; four grandchildren, Randy, Andrea, Kylie and Nicholas; and 11 nieces and nephews.
There was a viewing was held from 10 am to 5 pm Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011, in Bateman Carroll Funeral Home, Gresham. Family and friends were welcome to come pay their respects and enjoy many photos of Tom's life. A committal service with military honors was held in Willamette National Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends of Tsutomu "Tom" Akita will be held Saturday April 9th, 2011 from 12pm-3pm at St. Peter's Catholic Church Parish Center, 1222 W 10th., The Dalles, Oregon. There will be pictures to view. Please come share your stories of Tom. Lunch will be served.
Contributions may be made in memory of Tom to Mt. Hood Hospice or Loaves and Fishes, Meals on Wheels (Gresham).
For more information and to share your stories of Tom, please visit our online memorial at www.batemancarrollfunerals.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18