Seattle, Washington - Theodore "Ted" Taniguchi, born in Tacoma in 1928 to Yonezo Taniguchi and Chiyomi Takeuchi, passed away peacefully on December 15th at the age of 95. Ted's life was a testament to resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to education, community service and family.
At the early age of 13, Ted, along with his parents and younger brother Harry, faced the profound challenges of internment during World War II. Despite the hardships in the camps, Ted remained determined to focus on his education, laying the foundation for a remarkable journey ahead.
Upon returning to Tacoma in 1945, Ted enrolled in Stadium High School as a senior. Driven by a passion for science, he graduated high school a semester early and pursued a career in pharmacy. Ted's journey led him to the University of Washington School of Pharmacy (Class of 1949), where he became a trailblazer in the field, completing a hospital pharmacy residency and master's degree at the University of Michigan.
Ted's impact on the field of pharmacy was notable. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of clinical pharmacy practice at the University of Washington Medical Center as its first director of Pharmacy, and became the School of Pharmacy's first clinical professor in the 1960s. Throughout the 1980s, he was asked to teach the pharmacy law course at the School of Pharmacy. He was a co-founder of the UW School of Pharmacy Alumni Association in 1976 and charter member of the School of Pharmacy Dean's Circle. His contributions were recognized with numerous accolades, including being named the UW School of Pharmacy Distinguished Alumnus in 1991.
He served on the board and house of delegates for the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists and Washington State Pharmacy Association for many years. In 1973, Ted became the first hospital pharmacist and non-pharmacy store owner elected president of the Washington State Pharmacy Association, and later received the Washington State Pharmacy Association Legend Award. He spent six years on the Washington State Board of Pharmacy in the 1970s, including a term as Chairman.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ted was a dedicated community servant. His involvement included leadership roles in the Japanese American Citizens League, Seattle Buddhist Temple, the Buddhist Churches of America, and the Chief Seattle Council Boy Scouts of America, where he received the prestigious Silver Beaver Award in 1991.
In 1993, after 35 years of dedicated service, Ted retired from the UW Medical Center. His retirement, however, was far from leisurely. Ted remained active with the University Kiwanis Club for 25 years, serving in numerous chapter and district leadership positions and contributing to various regional and international service projects, with a particular focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
His unwavering support extended to supporting his family in their respective interests, as well as various UW athletics programs. A devoted UW Husky fan, Ted supported Husky football, women's basketball, volleyball, and softball as a long-time season ticket holder.
Ted Taniguchi will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his profound impact on the community and his dedication to family. Surviving him are his wife of 54 years, Akico (Tatsumi); children Alicia (spouse Jimmy Eng) and Todd (spouse Kym Kinoshita); and grandchildren Jordan and Carter Eng.
His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. May Ted rest in eternal peace. In memory of Ted, 'Go Huskies!'
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