Posted on: Friday, November 12, 2004
Toichi Toyofuku, 87, youth sports organizer
By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Central O'ahu Writer
Toichi "Pep" Toyofuku was always willing to lend a helping hand to community activities in 'Aiea, especially youth athletics.
Toyofuku died Oct. 27 at age 87. In 2002, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease.
"He was a man who liked things done well," said 'Aiea Community Association president Claire Tamamoto, his daughter. "He had lots of energy and was very opinionated, although he didn't call himself that. He'd always say, 'I'm just always right,' so we made him a T-shirt with that on it."
Toyofuku helped organize the 'Aiea Intermediate School Parent Teacher Association. He was also a scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 147 from 1967-1971. Toyofuku also was president of Pep Hawaii Inc., a family business he founded in 1953. The company represents producers of decals, labels and pillboxes, among other manufacturers.
"In business, he really worked hard for his clients," said Tamamoto. "With him, it wasn't about making sales. He'd tell clients to order only what they needed or not to overspend."
Toyofuku is survived by his wife, the former Sachiko Muroda; son, Duane; daughters, Gayle Smoot, Lynne Toyofuku-Aki, and Tamamoto; sisters Susanne Hotta and Kameyo Kurakake, and 10 grandchildren.
A service will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 26 at Hosoi Mortuary.
Reach Rod Ohira at 535-8181 or rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.
Originally from Papa'aloa on the Big Island, Toyofuku was a former 'Aiea Little League president and coach who organized the 'Aiea Sportsman's Club that successfully lobbied the city for the 'Aiea annex field. He helped introduce PONY (Protect Our Nation's Youth) baseball to Hawai'i and served as the Pacific Division division director in the 1960s and '70s.
Toichi Toyofuku
