FAMILY PLACED OBITUARY

TAKAO “AKA” SATO
TAKAO In loving memory of Takao Sato who passed away November 20, 2017 in Aiea, Hawaii after spending the weekend in Las Vegas celebrating his 88th birthday with his family. Born on Nov. 12, 1929 in Tenney Village in Ewa Hawaii to Torajiro and Take Sato. A kind and caring Dad, survived by three children, Stanley (Ann) Sato; Kenneth Sato and Charlene (Douglas) Brandt; sisters Harriet Yano, Helen Inouye, Alice (Richard) Kotake; 5 grandchildren. He was married for 52 years to his loving wife Mitsue who he joins in heaven. Takao was an iconic career banker and worked tirelessly for 48 years helping countless consumers and businesses in Hawaii. He started as a teller in 1952 and his career spanned banks, Bank of Hawaii, City Bank and Hawaii National bank before retiring from the Bank of Honolulu as Chairman. He was the first Nisei in Hawaii to rise through the ranks from teller to become a bank president at age 43. Far ahead of his time, he made his indelible mark on Hawaii's history and turned the islands into a better place. Takao's banking quote "In this age of consumerism, banks are faced with the challenge of providing the kind of reliability, quality, fullness of information and uses of credit that people expect of financial institutions" Takao graduated from Waipahu High School in 1948 and was an all-star basketball player leading Waipahu High School to three OIA basketball championships. His athletic accomplishments lead to his eventual induction into the OIA Hall Of Fame in 1990. He graduated from the University of Hawaii in 1952 and later attended the Pacific Coast Banking School at University of Washington. He was a self-taught ukulele player, an excellent golfer and avid fisherman. In 1965 while fishing at Ewa Beach, he caught the "big one", an unofficial IGFA world record 20lb bonefish (Oio) on 12lb test line. Unfortunately his efficient family cleaned the fish before it was officially weighed. He really enjoyed his years of fellowship with Arthur's Gang and Selohssa and spoke fondly of all their activities. A consummate storyteller and chef, we will miss his funny stories, his famous Shrimp Tempura, Award winning Hamburger, Dried Tako, Chili pepper water and fabulous Pipikaula. At Takao's request, Private Services were held. Rest in peace Dad ~ In lieu of flowers and memorial contributions, donations can be made with a note "In Memory of Takao Sato" sent to: Japanese American National Museum, 100 N. Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012; or to a charity of your choice.

Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased

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