When I learned of the passing of Nao Takasugi, my first reaction was “no way” – to me Nao was the forever man, an unchanged rock of calmness and integrity. He was nearly always cheerful: a rare man who would pat you on the shoulder, say “good to see you” – and truly mean it every time.
For those who knew Nao, they will remember his enthusiastic smile, warm handshake and genuine goodness. I was a brash young politico when he took me under his wing. He taught me that humility in politics was more important than bravado, he showed me that we could hold on to our beliefs, fight hard for them while still respecting and genuinely liking those who oppose us. He showed me that nice guys don’t finish last.
Nao was a humble man who treated everyone with dignity. He rarely bragged, so a lot of people didn’t know about his many accomplishments as businessman, community leader and elected official. He served as a Councilman, Mayor, Assemblyman and Port Commissioner. He was honored by three different Presidents, mentored numerous young people and founded many businesses (including a bank). He could have claimed a Senate or Congressional seat had he wanted it, but his heart was local.
California has lost one of her true statesmen – a man of unquestionable integrity and honesty who genuinely tried to do the right thing, and yet held on to his principles and beliefs with a fierce determination.
That determination was chronicled in Tom Brokaw’s book “The Greatest Generation” which told the Takasugi’s story: coming home from college to the chaos of forced internment, his father passing the keys to their small store to an employee – who handed the keys back years later. I remember having a drink with Brokaw when he was writing the book, and he mentioned that if anyone had a right to be bitter, it was Nao – yet he was man of absolute optimism and faith in the goodness of people. That’s a quality I strive to live up to.
I remember Nao and his wonderful wife Judy dancing at my wedding and Nao taking me aside to remind me not to let ambition come before family. I remember the shock of his heart attack and spending hours at the hospital waiting for news – then just a few months later trying to keep up with him on his regular 5-mile walk.
I remember his gentle counsel during the turmoil of my children’s long hospital stay and my promise to bring the girls down so he could meet them. We’ve been planning and rescheduling a trip since the girls got out of the hospital. In my mind, I can vividly imagine the scene – his beaming smile when he would bend down to great them at their level… I guess I won’t be able to keep that promise now.
We will all miss his goodness and his gentle counsel. He’ll make heaven a brighter place with his presence, but here it will be a bit dimmer for his absence. It also reminds me that the clock never stops marching – and we must make time for the truly important things.
Farewell Nao… and thank you.
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