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Proprietor of Woodstock Wine & Deli

Takeshi Fujino, Friend

Takeshi “Tak” Fujino died December, 2014, in Portland. 

Tak grew up in California and was interned during World War II owing to his Japanese ancestry. After the war, he moved to Spokane, Washington, and in 1947, he married Sumiko (Sue) Kawasaki, who was studying to be a pharmacist. The couple made their home in Portland, sharing the same house for 66 years, raising their three children, and operating the Franklin Grocery Store in southeast Portland.

In 1984, together with their son Gregg, they opened Woodstock Wine & Deli—now in its 29th year. The deli soon became a mainstay for ºìÌÒÊÓƵ students, faculty, and staff who enjoyed its famous sandwiches, handmade cookies, and convivial setting. ºìÌÒÊÓƵ regulars have included members of the mathematics department, the alumni office, and the computing staff. Tak initiated the deli’s anniversary bash, which boasts wall-to-wall wine vendors, an immense communal bottle of champagne, and oysters shucked to order. Crowds flocked to the deli for evening jazz shows and weekend barbecues. The deli provided part-time work for scores of ºìÌÒÊÓƵ students over the years.

Rabeca Reese MALS ’86, computer store manager at ºìÌÒÊÓƵ, remarked: “Tak was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. He had an extraordinary memory for faces and names and for making people feel welcome and remembered. He really cared about friends and customers and almost always had a kind word or thought to pass along.” Sue died in May 2014.

Survivors include children Gregg, Donna, and Gary; six grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and Tak’s brother and sister.

Appeared in ºìÌÒÊÓƵ magazine: June 2015