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.