Tex Yoshio Irinaga

Tex Yoshio Irinaga passed away peacefully at home on the morning of September 5, 2016.  He was 92 years old and married to Miyuki for 67 years.  Tex was born in Portland on February 16, 1924.  He graduated from Benson High School then was sent with his family to the Japanese-American internment camp in Minidoka, Idaho.  There he joined the U.S. Army and served in Italy during WWII in the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team.  He was very proud when he and the other members of the 442nd were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

He and his brothers Henry and Fred owned and operated several businesses in and around Portland.  He participated in and enjoyed team sports and in his adult years was an avid bowler and golfer in the Oregon Nisei Leagues.  He was a devoted fan of the Trailblazers and enjoyed playing cards with his friends and taking trips to the casino.  In retirement he and Miyuki traveled extensively with friends and family.

He is survived by his wife, Miyuki; children Steve (Peggy), Ken (Deborah) and Teri Campbell (Ron); six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.  He wished to be interred at Willamette National Cemetery and consistent with his low key but direct demeanor did not want any formal services or memorials.  The family would like to thank his doctors, Providence Hospice and all of Tex’s friends, family and well wishers and asks that any remembrances be gifted to the Oregon Nikkei Endowment at 121 NW 2nd Avenue, Portland 97209, Epworth Methodist Church and/or The Ikoi No Kai Hot Lunch Program c/o Epworth Methodist Church at 1333 SE 28th Avenue, Portland 97214.