Sad that  you are  gone  Kenny.  You were  the  BEST  announcer in the  UNIVERSE.    EVERYONE  who know  you  ,will never  forget  you my friend.  I pray GOD gave  you a special  place  in heaven  made  just  for  you.  GOD bless  you my friend  love Andy & Cindy

I didn't know he had died. I remember seeing him at nearly every race since I was a child. He seemed like a giant to me. I was too shy to talk to him although I always wanted to. He seemed so kind and dedicated and my own grandfather admired him so much. I'm sorry I missed my chance to truly meet him.

I still look for your smile when I run by Mom and Dad's.  Both you and Pearl were always such a beautiful presence in my life from childhood. You are both so missed.  All my love, Ronnica

Missing you and your racing enthusiasm and knowledge.                              It's just not the same. 

I still think of you often Kenny, and miss you dearly. I always felt like a far better man in your presence! You were an amazing role model.

I think of you all the time, and remember what a great man you were. We had so much fun together over the years. RIP my dear friend. 


Kenny’s enthusiasm for racing came from his genuine caring about the people in the sport. Always encouraging to everyone. I met him in the 80s while writing about the race program in Madera.  Seeing him at places like Tulare and Hanford were always a highlight of my trips to the Central Valley.    He was honored last year by the West Coast Stock Car hall of fame 

As usual he was humbled by the honor. It was an honor to be his friend

I am saddened to hear Ken passed away.   He was a great man and touched everyone’s life who knew him. I loved it when he came into our office at Dalena/Benik Insurance.  I considered him my friend and I am a better person for knowing Ken.   It was an honor to know him.   Gaye Cissel

How can I imagine that Ken is gone?  How can there not be his familiar voice, his smile and handshake,  his encouragement and best wishes for a good race?  In my 30 years of running, Ken has always been there.  One of the best fortunes in my life is that I knew him.  With my very sincere condolences to his family.

I met Ken over 25 years ago, when I started working at Channel 30.  He would often come in to tape our public affairs show to publicize upcoming races.  He was the quintessential Race Director.  I would always look forward to seeing him.  He was a friend to all and never forgot a name.  The community has lost a great person and a fine friend.  My prayers to Ken's family during this time of their loss.  

I met Ken in the early 80’s I began road racing this man got to know who I was .  All ways acknowledge me as I with  him .  Will miss such acknowledge man in  the running community he knew us all by name . God  bless 

I first met Ken in 1982 when I joined the Fresno Joggers.  However, it was only when we started to play golf together in 2010 that I came to know him. Ken was energetic and kept very active and I admired him for his dedication to working with so many diverse organisations. We spent many happy  hours together on the golf course and I will miss my friend and golf partner. 

I just wanted to share a special memory with his daughter Cindy. Several years ago my mom, dad and myself were at a function with Kenny and he chose to sit at our table. We must have talked for a good two hours or more. Kenny had always been a very private person and we really didn't know anything about his family. He told us about being interred during World War, all of his brothers and so much more. But the one thing that stood out to me from that day was Kenny telling us how proud he was of his daughter and grand daughters. To most of us he the golden voice of auto racing, but to Kenny his family was everything. I am so proud to call him my hero, mentor and great friend. Earlier in 2019 I had talked about meeting with Kenny in Fresno to discuss archiving all of his racing memorbilla from Clovis, Kearney Bowl, San Jose and Madera. Sadly I never follow thru to my great regret.

Irreplaceable voice
Encyclopedia of racing
Absolutely the best ever 
Kenny will be sorely missed
I just thought he would be here forever 
RIP great one!

I had the pleasure of meeting Ken when I worked for Team in Training & through the running community.  We talked about his role with Special Olympics (I always wanted to volunteer) and he challenged me to assist him....and I accepted his “just do it attitude “ & I assisted him for 7 fabulous years. It was an honor and a joy to be his announcer assistant!!!! Blessings and wonderful memories!!  Condolences to his family. You will be extremely missed. 

I met Kenny at Kearney Bowl when I was 10 years old, but it wasn't until 2016, when we became active in the Legends of Kearney Bowl, that he and I actually became friends.  Kenny never failed to greet me with open arms and a kiss, often repeating, "Racing needs more women with your enthusiasm."  Introducing the LOKB lineup he would say, "The #33, owned by Judie Moradian, driven by Phil Moradian."   That is how my husband got the nickname "My Driver."  I have nothing but wonderful memories of Kenny: his kindness, his gentleness, his racing knowledge, his expert announcing.  His voice is an integral part of my life as a race fan and, in my mind and heart,  it will forever be the voice of the LOKB.  I will miss him so much.  

I met Ken in 1989. He introduced running to the community with his supportive, encouraging, and inspirational  "You can do it." attitude. I have attended the Runner of The Year Series for many years, and it was Ken who made it possible for me to keep on running.  I will miss him dearly.  Ken inspired many people in many ways. He was kind to my family.  Our condolences to Ken's loved ones.  Thank you, Mr.  Ken Takeuchi for all you did. 

Kenny was so nice to my family and I. Heck Im sure there was  nobody he wasnt nice to. He was the Greatest announcer of his time nobody could compare to him. Such a kind soul to all. RIP Kenny 🙏

My friend Kenny will never be forgotten, he was that friend that you could  not see for five years or longer and then it was like we saw each other daily when we met up somewhere. RIP Kenny you were every ones friend.

Kenny will be missed more than I can say. I’ve known Kenny for at least 50 years. He was always so loving. His voice and that laugh was like no other, and never will be. We had so much fun working together on the Vukovich plaque dedication and ribbon cutting.
I have many other memories that will be with me for the rest of my life. He was very special to me.
I know you’re up there announcing those races in heaven.  
RIP my friend. 

RIP Sir.   It was an honor to know you . 🙏🙏🙏

Kenny was such an inspiration to me throughout my racing career. Prayers to his family and friends. I was truly honored to be his friend.

I have known Kenny for over 40 years. He was one of the nicest people I have ever known. Kind to everyone.

I will miss him dearly. Rest in Peace gentle man..

Kenny became a cherished friend to me and Jo Ann.  He was a very big part of the LOKB. He kept the spirit of  Kearney Bowl alive with all his  total recall of the history of the Fresno track. Will be greatly missed.  Love you Kenny from the Perry’s. 

To Kenny's family. The Sumner family sends prayers to yours. We have know your dad  for so long .he was always first class. Loved chatting with him . He will truly be  missed.

Its hard to find words to say how much Kenny meant to us, as a dear friend and helping hand whenever ask to help with a racing event.  We will miss him terribly and pray for his family today.  Just want you to know he was loved dearly by us and so many...RIP dear one.  Johnny and Brenda Anderson

Your Father very special person .  He came to my house not really knowing me and spend hours explaining  old Indy and Midget pictures and Autographs .  Then after that he would say hi and shake  my hand and ask how my car was going .  He was a first class guy and i think the best historian i ever meet .  Our prays go out to your family .                                         Robert Ghioldi Jr . AKA   Ropin R 

Many blessing to Ken’s family during this time of loss.  I was lucky enough to work with Ken for almost 20 years during the The Brian Sturgeon Run, Susan G Komen for the Cure and a few others.  We had just talked a few months ago that we would work together on some upcoming races.  I will miss his smile and can do attitude. I know he will be deeply missed every time a race comes up.  He was a joy to be around.  I’m blessed to have known him.  

He is survived by his daughter, Cindy Campbell and her husband Duane, brother, Leo Takeuchi, sister, Erma Aoki, grandchildren, Lindsay, Chelsea and Ashley Campbell, great grandchild, Melody Haussmann.

OBITUARY

Kenneth Kazuto Takeuchi

January 27, 1927 – December 6, 2019

Lisle Funeral Home

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