Duane Mitsuo Takaki
May 25, 1947 ~ February 19, 2011
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Duane Mitsuo Takaki, DDS, 63, passed away Feb. 19, 2011, due to injuries sustained from a stroke. Survived by his wife, Jeannie Takaki; children, Karis (Roberto Lopez) Takaki of New Jersey and Stacy (Alexander) Takaki Goss of London, UK; mother, Sachiko Takaki; siblings, Melvin (Josephine) Takaki, DDS and Alan (Sue) Takaki, DDS; beloved nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends. Preceded in death by his father, Harry Takaki, DDS.
Duane was born May 25, 1947, in Pueblo. He graduated from Northwestern University Dental School in 1973 and joined his father and two brothers at the family's Takaki Dental Care Center. He loved his work, was active with several dental societies, and also was the local dentist for Total Long Term Care. Duane was honored to be appointed to the Colorado State Board of Dental Examiners and was currently serving his second term. Duane liked to say that 'life is good' and lived life to the fullest by participating in yoga, hiking, sports, laughing and spending time with his friends and family.
There will be no viewing. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Memorial service, 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011, at Praise Assembly of God, 2000 Troy, with Pastor Darron Wilson officiating.
Those who desire may make memorials to Yaffe House, which sheltered Duane's family while hospitalized in Denver or Pueblo Animal Services because of his love for his dog, Buddy, in care of Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, CO 81003. Online condolences, MontgomerySteward.com
Dr. Duane was my dentist when growing up. I remember the clinic on Orman very well. Dr. Duane was a very funny and caring dentist. Becase of him, I’m not scared to go to the dentst, even at my age of 51. Thanks Dr. Duane!
Dear Family of Duane,
It’s with such sadness that I read of Duane’s condition and passing. He was a very special, fun, intelligent, and caring person that I had great respect for. It was a privilege to have known Duane, even briefly through high school and our reunions. May memories fill your hearts with his joy of living.
I am saddened to hear about the passing of Duane. We were such good friends from Minnequa School, Corwin Jr. High to Central high School. My deepest sympathy to the Takaki family.
I had the privilege of working for Dr. Duane before moving to California 5 years ago. It was extremely difficult to leave an office that personally meant so much to me. I can confirm what others are remembering about Dr. Duane. He cared for people. He genuinely cared for people. For me, he displayed that by a quick hug he gave me after I told him that my husband and I were expecting our second child. In dentistry, maternity leave can be a scheduling nightmare, and I was a little anxious because I know your personal good news may not be good for business. But Dr. Duane immediately smiled, said “I’m so happy for you”, gave me a quick hug, and then teased me about being so sluggish the last couple weeks. I can still see him put the back of his hand up to his forehead and feign a fainting spell…all while chuckling. I never forgot that simple act of kindness. To Jeannie, Karis, Stacy, and the entire Takaki Family, I send my deepest condolences.
My deepest condolences to all of the Takaki family. I went to school with Duane from Kindergarten through high school and have the greatest of respect and affection for him. What a tremendous loss for so many! Having moved away to California, I saw Duane mostly at our high school reunions over the last many years, and his warm, engaging personality always made it seem as if no time at all had passed since our last meeting. He never failed to remind me of the time we were dance partners in the “Tarantella” for a performance in school way back when! His humor, intellect, and kindness will be missed. With sympathy from Jerry and myself, Ethie
Dear Takaki family,
I did not know Duane, personally, but the name Takaki has been one I have known since I came to Pueblo in the 60’s. I got to know Mel and Alan via my YWCA volunteer experiences, so I wanted you to know that I have been thinking of you since I read the news of Duane’s passing. This has to be a jolting loss for all of you. May God bless you with an ability to grieve as you need…to lead to the peace you cherish. Very sincerely,and thanking all of you for the ways you have given to Pueblo,
Leah Samuelson
I went from elementary through high school with Duane and remember what a fun classmate and good person he always was. I enjoyed seeing him at our class reunions and am dismayed and deeply saddened by his passing. He and his family were a wonderful part of our Pueblo neighborhood and I and my family will forever be grateful for the fond memories. Our condolences to his family.
I only knew Dr. Duane briefly. I was Dr. Mel’s dental assistant 1989-1990. He appeared to me to be a quiet, content man with a dignified and gallant presence. My sincere sympathies to the family for their loss.
I had been working with Duane on the State Board of Dental Examiners for almost 4 years before I got to really see his personal side. He was always the quiet thinker at our meetings. But when he spoke, you listened. So, for years I always thought him as this reserved man who cracked the occasional joke and was always a voice of reason. It wasn’t until we took a break one night after a day of meetings at a confernce we were attending in KC together, with our Board Chair Dr. Bob Murphy, that I really learned there is so much more to Duane. He loves people and making sure they are enjoying life as much as he is. We went to a casino that night. A dull one at that where the crows appeared intent on their games and not really enjoying themselvses. Duane had us saddle up to a dead craps table. Bob and I had zero familiarity with the game so we simply handed Duane our money and asked him to perform his magic. And perform magic he did. Not as we expected, winning us a lot of money – in fact, he lost all our money :), but rather in a different way. In a matter of minutes he had everyone at that table, including the casino staff cracking smiles, laughing, and actually enjoying their time in this time capsule. Duane opened up and as a result, we all did that night. And he did it so effortlessly, simpling by showing us all he was there to have a good time and by shouting out the occasional “Waka Waka!”. I’m not sure where Duane picked up the saying. He may have told me that evening, but my memory is not a strong one. However, I did look it up recently when I first heard of Duane’s hospitalization, and I was excited to read about 2 things. First, it’s a Cameroon saying. Having been raised in East Africa for the 1st fourteen years of my life and being part Somali, I have a strong connection to the continent of Africa. Secondly, it means “do it!” Simply awesome! Duane, I’ll always remember you every time I think to myself, “waka waka!” whenever a challenge or an obstacle comes my way. And of course, I’ll make sure to share it with a room filled with people in need of a spark whenever such opportunity should present itself. Thank you for such a lovely gift and thank you for sharing yourself with us during your short but bright life on this earth.
Mo
To Jeannie and the Takaki family,
Thank you for sharing Duane with us all these years. He was a pleasure to work with and a joy to be around while working with the State Board of Dental Examiners. I will miss him dearly and will always remember him. Thank you!
Mo
My deepest condolences to Dr. Takaki’s family.
Dr. Takaki was a kind and warm person with great knowledge of dentistry. Those of us in the Attorney General’s Office greatly appreciated being able to work with him while he served on the Colorado State Board of Dental Examiners. He will be missed by all.
Dr. Duane wasn’t just our family dentist, he was also a friend! His smile would make any visit to the office a pleasant one, and it’s that smile that will be the brightest, shining star in the heavens! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this emotional and difficult time.
To Duane’s family,
My sincere condolences to you on Duane’s passing. I was a classmate of his from Corwin Junior High through Central. I remember a happy, friendly, smart man who was a friend to everyone. At our reunion he was just as I remembered him. I know he will be truly missed by many.
It is with great sadness we’d like to say to Jeannie and family how sorry we are to learn of Dr. Duane Takaki passing.
Our deepest and sincere condolescences to all the TAKAKI families.
Lan & Ann Nguyen and family
To the Family of Dr.Duane Takaki,
I trust the passing days and fond memories will foreshadow the sadness in your hearts.
Duane and I served together on the Colorado State Board of Dental Examiners since his appointment in 2004. I looked forward to seeing him at those monthly meetings. He always had a quick warm smile and “How are you doing?”for each of us and he genuinely DID care how we were.
He had a great sense of humor and was very pragmatic and concise when the discussion topics in our Panel or full Board meetings were difficult. His perspective was fresh and he was never afraid to speak his feelings about the topic at hand.
He contributed much to the dental community of Colorado and in his participation with Central Regional Dental Testing Services, Inc. He was a competent and enthusiastic dental examiner.
We will also miss his expertise and his counsel on what makes a great Scotch!!
A dedicated professional who served his State Government on a volunitary basis that was admired, but most all all respected, by all the members of the State Board of
Dental Examiners and especially by me. I will always remember “The Duaner”.
Joe Albi
Former Member of the State Board
To Jeannie and your entire family we would like to say how sorry we are for your loss. Duane was an amazing man and will be missed greatly by so many people including our family! Heaven will be a better place with him there as it was with him here! Not very often you meet such a wonderful family such as yours. Our hearts are with you! Bryan and Cindy Wilson
I felt a great sadness yesterday when I learned of Dr. Duane’s passing. He was my friend and I always looked forward to seeing him at the clinic. He was one of the most kind, gentle, caring and generous individuals I have had the good fortune to know and was always genuinely glad to see you. We would joke about when we could finally retire, about hiking on the Bartlett Trail near my home, the cost of our dauthers weddings and of course about dogs. Many years ago I needed about $800 in dental work. The office manager informed me that I had to pay for the services prior to having the work performed. Not having the money at the time, I asked Dr. Duane if I could pay him $200 up front then $200 a month on the balance. He said that would be fine and I never forgot his kind act of generosity. He presence will be deeply missed by many.
My sincerest condolences and deepest sympathies to his family and staff.
I remember when Duane first started to work at the clinic. He was so very nice. I gave him a ride home many times as we lived close back then.
I am sure he will be missed by many people but his family will miss him the most. Rest in peace Dr. Duane.
My deepest and sincere condolences to all the Takaki families. The good Lord will take very good care him. He will be missed by many,many friends and relatives, he will never be forgotten!
Jeannie,
I only knew you and Duane because of yoga. But, I loved to watch the two of you together. I want you to know how very sorry I am for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Peggy Pechek
Dear Jeanine,Stacy,Alexander and Takaki Family:Your love one has left behind a thousand moments that will live in your heart forever…Please know at this difficult time,that you are in so many thoughts and prayers.Thinking of You.So sorry for your lost.Vesna Dragicevic,Patrick,Veronica Gates,Vesna,Michael Goss,Jasna Goss,Vadim,Michele Goss,Elizabeth Goss
For Karis and family: we are so very sorry for your loss. Your dad was such a nice man, and though I did not know him well, it is apparent that he made this world a better place. Our love and thoughts are with you now as you go through this most difficult time. We love you, Leslie and Ashley