I knew The Gooch, as a young man, growing up in Boulder while I was studying at the University of Colorado, also studying architecture, and environmental design & planning as the program became later.

He was enormously talented as an architect and designer, a myth, as his designs were very well thought out as his pencil brought the canvas to life. He created architectural masterpieces with talent that was uncompared to others.
I am a Cadd designer now, and always strive to remember those that have gone before me and the valuable lessons that they taught me.
Rest in peace Gooch, you will be missed.

Hey Gooch....still thinking about you, man. We're starting to plan another Gooch get-together with the guys. There will obviously be numerous toasts involved. 

See you later,

Oh Gooch I can't believe such a bright light is gone. You were one of the treasured memories of my childhood. You were one of the best.You took the time to call when brother Rob died... Of course you did! Thank you for being who you are.

Elliot, Conor, Kara and the rest of the Taniguchi family, we were so sad to learn that Gooch died, and are sorry for your loss. Growing up he was my favorite adult -- mischievious, generous, incredibly fun and loving, not to mention wildly talented. He called me Puddin' from the time I was a toddler until the last time I saw him, at my wedding (where he laid down the law with my new husband about how I was to be treated and loved). I look forward to seeing you (kids) at the memorial, and celebrating his life.

oh, taniguchi family, i am so so sorry. i just learned of gooch's passing. i grew up in a gorgeous house he designed, and he spent a lot of time with both of my parents. he was a tremendously funny and loving man. he was also generous (to a fault). he and my dad both promised to give me $500 on my 18th birthday if i never smoked -- how he hated that he was a smoker. a light has left our world. kara and conner and elliott, your dad loved you so much, and i am so sorry for you loss. please know that i am thinking of you and of your dad. love, dawn

Celebration of Life Update:

We would like to share that there will be a celebration of life for Gooch on Saturday, May 21 from 3-6pm at Koenig Alumni Center at CU (University & Broadway). We look forward to celebrating and sharing the incredible life of our dear friend. While holding this event at CU is so meaningful to Gooch's legacy, we are also faced with the challenge that there needs to be a guest list to comply with CU's liquor policies. If you are able to attend, could you please message me privately so that we can compile a list of participants. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Kara Taylor
karataniguchi@hotmail.com

My condolences to the Taniguchi family. I just wanted you to know that your dad was such a sweet and warm friend. His ever-present smile, as others mentioned, brightened a room. Always a gentleman, I'm sad to hear of his passing too soon. Rest in peace Gooch and God be with your children and family.

God bless the Taniguchi family... Ken (Gooch) has been a long time friend of mine even though there were many many miles between us. I was introduced to him when I (The Astronauts) started performing at Tualgi. We fast became friends and then room mates. Ken was a great friend of everyone in the band and eventually manage our night club in Denver (The Baja Club)..... Rest In Peace my friend.

I first knew Gooch from his Honeybucket days in Boulder and then as a friend who always enjoyed hanging out and having a few beers. He was a good friend, a great guy who always had a good story and a very very talented designer. RIP old friend.

A bunch of us guys who worked for Gooch in the early to mid 1970's are having a get together tonight (4/22/2016) at what used to be the Catacombs at 6:30. I think it's called License No. 1 now. And Joe Sanchez will be flying in from Las Vegas. Joining are Eric Smith, Wayne Stryker (who is driving down from Aspen), David Beal, Danny Cervantes, Greg Thrush and me. Hope I'm not missing anyone. We've been doing this just about every year for some time now but this one is an extremely sad gathering. I speak for all us guys when I say Gooch had a significant and major impact on our lives. None of us would be where we are today without him. It's hard to put in words how fundamental he was to our becoming who we are now. We all have heavy hearts.

Danny Cervantes had just visited Gooch in Hawaii a few months ago and we'll learn more about how he died tonight at our "wake" and I'll pass it on.

Edit: I understand Gooch had pancreatic cancer. Rest in Peace, Gooch.

I'm a contractor in Boulder  and have built many Taniguchi designed structures----Does anyone know how he died? He always seemed to be in such great shape,, went to the gym regularly.  How in the world did such a young guy pass away?
I would sure like to know----tony smith----
SmithConstructionBoulder.com

How can this be?------such a loved man----with so many friends-------and only 3 tributes----the one by Kara was actually a copy of what was in the newspaper.. Good bless  the family and our thoughts and prayers are with you

Gooch was always a bright light wherever he went. He had more friends than most. He was fun to be around. In one's life there are always people you never forget. Gooch was one of those people. He will be sorely missed.

"Gooch" was one of the first people we met before moving to Boulder.
Dian and "Gooch", together, designed our house & family home (44 years ago).
It has served us well in spite of a few "Gooch quirks".
Our sons grew up as friends of Elliot and Conor; are still friends today.
We often share how "Gooch" defended his clients (us) in the Catacombs one snowy Dec. night in 1972.
We always enjoyed his humor...and his love of family....
We extend our sincere condolences to his family...
Dian and Pete Quatrochi

Kenneth Sadao Taniguchi passed away Thursday, April 7, 2016 at his family home in Honolulu at the age of 74. He was born in Honolulu on September 8, 1941 to Edward and Fumiko Taniguchi. He was called “Dad”, “Uncle Moki” and “Grandpa Tu Tu” by his family, but was known to his friends as “Gooch”.

He was a graduate of McKinley High School in Honolulu and the University of Colorado in Boulder where he majored in Architecture. Upon graduation, he joined Junge Associates where he was a project designer for residential and commercial land development. In 1970 he founded Taniguchi Associates providing architectural services on over 1,500 projects spanning 10 states over a 30 year period. He served on the Copper Mountain Development Associate Design Council for many years. From 2000 to 2010, he continued his architectural practice as a sole proprietor. He retired in 2010 and returned to his family home in Hawaii.

Ken was an active member of the Boulder community. He served on the Boulder Chamber of Commerce Advisory Panel; was active on the Mental Health of Boulder Sports Council, and devoted many volunteer hours to organizations sponsoring individuals with disabilities.

“Gooch” had a life-long passion for sports and particularly enjoyed coaching youth-soccer, Little League baseball, and Pop Warner football. When he wasn’t coaching, he spent endless hours driving and watching all of his children’s events.

For all of his architectural awards and accomplishments his biggest sense of pride came from his three children and their families: Elliot (Nicole) Taniguchi and son Kai of San Diego, California, Conor (Robyn) Taniguchi and children Kate and Oliver of Los Angeles, California, and Kara (Bryan) Taylor and son Brady of Denver, Colorado. He is also survived by his brothers Dwight, of Honolulu, and Steven (Barbara) Taniguchi of Boulder.

His friends and family will remember him for his incredible talent, kindness, sense of humor and a beaming smile that was ever present. Without a doubt, Ken had a unique personality and he will be sorely missed. A memorial service will be held May 14, 2016 at Nuuanu Memorial Park in Honolulu at 10:00 a.m.