Tadashi Takaishi

Tadashi "Tad" Takaishi was born in Osaka, Japan on January 1st, 1935. He left his earthly home peacefully surrounded by family and was reunited with his Treasure, Janice Carol (Crissman) Takaishi, on July 13th, 2023.

Tad came to the United States in 1960 to get an education, which he did, while also meeting the love of his life and establishing a home, career and family.

He attended Friends Bible College in Haviland, KS sponsored by Howard and Eva Ellis. In addition to his formal education, Tad was taught how to drive and many other things by his American brothers Charles and Robert Ellis. Through the Ellis', he was introduced to the telephone industry, which was the beginning of his career. The Ellis family remained lifelong friends.

Following his matriculation in Haviland, he furthered his education at Wichita State University, receiving a BS in Mathematics in 1969 and continuing with post graduate education in engineering. While at Wichita State, he met Jan on a blind date. She famously quipped that her friends made her choose between two men for this blind date and Tad was the winner of her coin flip. Tad and Jan were joined in marriage three times in 1970 (a story for another time). They were married for 43 years until Jan passed in 2013.

Tad started his career with Haviland Telephone Company and eventually began to work for US Telephone. The company was bought by Sprint who later relocated him to Kansas City.

In his retirement, Tad loved to spend time spoiling his grandchildren, making bacon, and tinkering around the house. Those who knew him well knew that he never sat still. In fact, he went to the Olathe YMCA every weekday for 15 years, walking on the treadmill and even taking spin classes. As usual, he made many wonderful friends that he looked forward to visiting with while there.

Tad is survived by his three daughters, Mary, Jessica and Tammy, daughter-in-law, Le, son-in-law, Brian, sisters-in-law Mary Cay, Judy and Rebecca, brothers-in-law Paul, Keith and Kerry, and 15 nieces and nephews. He is also survived by the pride of his life, his 6 grandchildren: Aleia, Morgan, Jaidyn, Trowa, Tadashi and Hartley.

Tad was a kind, loving, giving soul. He was quiet but made friends easily, keeping those friendships for decades. He cared deeply and fiercely for his family. He was beloved by those who knew him and was an amazing husband, father, Papa, uncle, brother and friend who will be deeply missed.

Please join us in celebrating a life well lived. Visitation at Penwell Gable in Olathe on July 28th from 6 to 8pm. Service at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Olathe at 10am with luncheon to follow. Interment will be at a later date.

Memorials suggested to YMCA of Olathe.

To share a memory of Tad or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.