Takeo "Tak" Muraoka

May 17, 1929 - June 19, 2010

Takeo "Tak" Muraoka Obituary (Age 81) Takeo Muraoka, a devoted father, a consummate friend and a top salesman at Burgan's Furniture for many years, died June 19, 2010 at Hospice of Spokane. He was 81. Born in Mountain View, California on May 17, 1929 to Tsutae Muraoka and Toshiye Sugino, Tak grew up in nearby Sunnyvale with his parents and 10 boisterous siblings. He wound up at the Heart Mountain Relocation Center in Wyoming after the U.S. government chose to exclude Japanese immigrants and their American-born children from the West Coast during World War II. When the war ended, Tak settled in Ritzville, WA. He left high school to join the U.S. Army in 1951, fighting in the Korean War with the 40th Infantry Division until his release two years later. In 1955, Tak moved to Spokane and never left. The same year he landed a job in the warehouse of Burgan's Furniture, retiring nearly 50 years later as a top salesman. His flawless taste nicely complimented his unforgettable ability to work the showroom floor. He wasn't all about business, however. He married the love of his life, Marjorie Kikuye Mihara, on November 22,1958 at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Spokane. The couple, who met at Heart Mountain during World War II, were doting parents to their beloved daughter Tami. Tak's other passions included playing baseball, golfing in the Nisei Golf League and bowling in the leagues at North Bowl during the 1970s. He loved betting on horses and playing blackjack and poker. Tak also enjoyed watching sports and old western movies. He was enamored with cars including his first, a 53' Chevy Bel Air. Tak was an accomplished gardener, raising cantaloupes, apples and cherries for years at his former Spokane Valley home. He was so many things to so many people. He was a favorite uncle to his 30 nieces and nephews, an adoring grandfather who spoiled his two grandchildren rotten, and a loyal friend who met his buddies for breakfast each morning at the Hillside Inn, which he affectionately referred to as Annie's in honor of its owner. He is survived by his daughter Tami Schwartz and her partner Don Jamieson of Spokane, grandchildren Alexander Schwartz and Jack Jamieson also of Spokane and siblings Masa Muraoka of Whitefish, MT, John Muraoka, of San Mateo, CA, Jack Muraoka of Kennewick, WA, Dick Muraoka of Cerritos, CA, Rose Lamb of Spokane, Betty Mow of Aiea, HI, Nancy Gilliand of Somers, MT, Kiyo McClain of Spokane, Bob Muraoka of Whitefish, MT, and Don Muraoka of El Dorado Hills, CA. Tak was preceded in death by his parents Tsutae and Toshiye Muraoka, his sibling William, and his cherished wife Marjorie Muraoka. A Memorial Service will be 2:00 PM Saturday, July 10 at Heritage Chapel.