- Date Of Birth: June 9, 1949
- Date Of Death: November 6, 2011
- State: Idaho
Representative Patrick A. Takasugi
Patrick (Pat) Takasugi, 62, beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend, passed away, surrounded by his loved ones, after courageous battle with a rare appendiceal cancer, pseudomyxoma peritonei, on November 6, 2011. When Pat passed away, he was surrounded by the most important priority in his life, his family.
Pat was born in Brigham City, Utah on June 9th, 1949. His roots in farming began early when he grew up on his father’s farm in Wilder. Pat graduated from Vallivue High School and the College of Idaho where he received his B.A. in Political Science. After college he took a path surprising to some, but not to Pat. He volunteered in the U.S. Army. While in the army he continued his pattern of never doing things in a small way. During his military career, he served as an officer in Army intelligence and earned Airborne wings, the Ranger tab and the Special Forces Green Beret. Pat also became certified in several forms of martial arts.
In 1996, Pat was appointed Director of the State of Idaho Department of Agriculture by Governor Phil Batt. Pat continued this role under three governors, serving the state for 10 years. Pat’s farming and agricultural advocacy continued while both farming and acting as Director of the Department of Agriculture. He was an active member of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, including roles as the President and serving on the Board of Directors. He was also President and on the Board of Directors of the Western U.S.A. Trade Association. He travelled internationally representing the agriculture industry and the State of Idaho. He was an active member and officer of the U.S. Department of Agriculture & State Committee. Subsequent to his role as Director of the Department of Agriculture, Pat was elected as a State Representative in 2008 representing the 10th district.
Pat had the gift of making friends and was well known for his exuberant personality, wonderful laughter and joy for life. If Pat was in the room, you knew it, whether by his strength of presence or his laughter. He was a person of strong opinions – you knew what he believed and trusted him to act with integrity.
Pat is survived by his loving wife Suzanne; his precious children Taylor 17, Cole 16, and Paige 13; loving and proud parents, Michio and Ayako Takasugi; and his loving younger sister, Colleen Iwano; Andy Iwano brother-in-law, David Iwano, nephew; Laurie Backes, sister-in-law; Kathy Backes, sister-in-law and Alan Backes, brother-in-law.
The family extends our deepest appreciation for the wonderful care provided by Dr. Dan Zuckerman and staff of MSTI Boise and to his farm managers and friends of 30 years, Raul Luna and Leo Sandoval.
