1949
Roberta
2010
Roberta Lynn Tsuboi
May 14, 1949 — May 8, 2010
Robbie was born in Portland Oregon on May 14, 1949 to Ted & Nobi Tsuboi. She had two siblings, Cliff Tsuboi and Annie Migaki. In 1976, her family became extended when Nobi married into George Azumano's family (Loen, Jim and Bette). She graduated from David Douglas High School in 1967 and went on to study at Portland State University and Western Business College. She had a varied career, most recently doing bookkeeping, accounting and taxes for Gary Goertzen CPA, the Oregon Restaurant Association and lastly, at Lynch Company.
Growing up as a child, she always brought home stray cats, dogs & sometimes people (much to her mom's dismay) but always felt that every living thing deserved to be loved and have a home. Her choice of dogs was always done at the Multnomah County Animal Shelter where she picked the first small dog in the first cage as it pained her to see all of the dogs waiting to be adopted. Interestingly she tended to name her animals after food (Puddin', Sweetpea, Muffin, Punkin, Pickles).
Her love of dance was expressed during the 60's as a Go-Go dancer and also by doing the choreography & dancing for the Portland Theatre Workshop musical productions. Later in life she discovered the love of hula and became active with the Hula Halau He Makana 0 Aloha where she also unofficially adopted "The Boys" (aka Aukai & Ka'au) as her own.
Although she did not have children of her own, she spent time in developing and organizing the Jr. JACL/Unite People & Epworth Methodist Youth groups. These groups also became her children in which she would listen and advise them with her "Robbie-isms".
Robbie's desire to help others was shown in her volunteerism with Dignity Village & Goose Hollow Family shelter.
Because of her enthusiasm to keep the history of the American born Japanese alive, she was active in the Oregon Nikkei Endowment Project. Even though she did not play an instrument, she formed the Minidoka Swing Band in 2007 to honor the Japanese Americans who were interned during WWII at Minidoka. Throughout her illness and discomfort, she continued to recruit swing band members from staff at the hospital as she passed through the Emergency Room and also on the cancer unit at the hospital. This is so "Robbie" and brought a smile to the staff at Providence St. Vincent Hospital.
Even with a very busy schedule, Robbie always had time for her nieces and nephews. They never felt left out and were always intrigued with creativeness and generosity in her gift giving during birthdays and holidays.
She was a good friend to all who knew her, always had an open ear to listen to them no matter how busy she was, and could make each person feel loved and special. *Please join the family in the Collins Hall for a celebration of her life after the service*
Growing up as a child, she always brought home stray cats, dogs & sometimes people (much to her mom's dismay) but always felt that every living thing deserved to be loved and have a home. Her choice of dogs was always done at the Multnomah County Animal Shelter where she picked the first small dog in the first cage as it pained her to see all of the dogs waiting to be adopted. Interestingly she tended to name her animals after food (Puddin', Sweetpea, Muffin, Punkin, Pickles).
Her love of dance was expressed during the 60's as a Go-Go dancer and also by doing the choreography & dancing for the Portland Theatre Workshop musical productions. Later in life she discovered the love of hula and became active with the Hula Halau He Makana 0 Aloha where she also unofficially adopted "The Boys" (aka Aukai & Ka'au) as her own.
Although she did not have children of her own, she spent time in developing and organizing the Jr. JACL/Unite People & Epworth Methodist Youth groups. These groups also became her children in which she would listen and advise them with her "Robbie-isms".
Robbie's desire to help others was shown in her volunteerism with Dignity Village & Goose Hollow Family shelter.
Because of her enthusiasm to keep the history of the American born Japanese alive, she was active in the Oregon Nikkei Endowment Project. Even though she did not play an instrument, she formed the Minidoka Swing Band in 2007 to honor the Japanese Americans who were interned during WWII at Minidoka. Throughout her illness and discomfort, she continued to recruit swing band members from staff at the hospital as she passed through the Emergency Room and also on the cancer unit at the hospital. This is so "Robbie" and brought a smile to the staff at Providence St. Vincent Hospital.
Even with a very busy schedule, Robbie always had time for her nieces and nephews. They never felt left out and were always intrigued with creativeness and generosity in her gift giving during birthdays and holidays.
She was a good friend to all who knew her, always had an open ear to listen to them no matter how busy she was, and could make each person feel loved and special. *Please join the family in the Collins Hall for a celebration of her life after the service*
Memorial
First United Methodist Church
1838 S.W. Jefferson St.
Portland
,
OR
US
97201-2463
Sunday, May 23, 2010, 3:00 PM
Cemetery
Rose City Japanese Cemetery
5625 N.E. Fremont St.
Portland
,
OR
US
97213-1754
Tuesday, May 25, 2010,
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Roberta Lynn Tsuboi, please visit our flower store.