Hiroshi Matsushima

Hiroshi Matsushima Obituary

Hiroshi was born in Portland to Umata and Fumi Matsushima, residing here his whole life, except when the Japanese were interned during World War II. His family was sent to Minidoka, Idaho and later Crystal City, Texas. He graduated from Lincoln High School, attended the University of Oregon, and then went on to graduate from the University of Portland. He served in the United States Air Force.

As a youth, he worked in the family business Teikoku/Anzen, established in 1905 by his grandparents. As the sole owner, he ran Hiroshi’s Anzen until 2014, managing to keep the business open a total of 109 years. Hiroshi loved his customers and the community.

He was a Blazer fan and an original Season Ticket Holder. Hiroshi was an avid reader of history and religion. He loved his friends, the Oregon Coast, traveling, and most of all, his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Shigeko, and brother Masaki.

Hiroshi is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Janie, daughter Becky (Stacy) Talus, their children Jackson, Reed, & Ellie, son Darryn, his daughters, Maile & Anela, and son Ryan (Kelly) and their sons Henry & Owen. He is also survived by countless relatives and friends.

He will be dearly missed by his family and those who knew him for his friendly smile, laughter and humor. At Hiroshi’s request, there will be no funeral services. He was a member and supporter of many temples, churches, and organizations. In lieu of flowers, his wish is to support the Oregon Nikkei Endowment.

Born: September 4, 1939 Death: December 18, 2017 Share your thoughts and memories in the guestbook.

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2 replies on “Hiroshi Matsushima”

Chuck & Lynetta Weswig
Meeting Hiroshi always resulted in a smile. Sometimes it was because of memories that we shared from our children being involved in the same school & activities but often it was simply his attitude towards life. He was a positive influence on many and will be remembered.

01/13/2018
lori Kennedy
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I enjoyed working with Chuck and the family over the years. He was a kind man. I hope he was able to enjoy some of his retirement. Rest in peace.

01/12/2018
Jerry and Donna Ching
Chuck was a gentle soul, and a dear, dear friend. We feel blessed that the Matsushimas welcomed us into their lives, as our children grew up together, and our friendship deepened. We will miss Chuck, and will forever love, honor, and remember him.

01/01/2018
Bishop Zuigaku Kodachi
I was greatly shocked by Hiroshi’s passing since we had just talked with he and his wife a month earlier. We would like to express our sincere sympathies to your entire family. May the Lord Buddha bless him.

12/31/2017
David Yudkin
Hiroshi had always been warm, friendly and supportive, toward me and Ive missed him since the shop closed. Saddened by your loss, weve lost a wonderful, kind person.

12/31/2017
Gerry Knechtel
Hiroshi and his family were good neighbours . He was a good father and friend and will be missed by our family.

12/31/2017
Angie Regali
Dear Becky, Your father was a wonderful man. I always enjoyed listening to the many stories youve told about him in the short time that Ive worked with you at West TV. Sending you love and hugs. XOXO

12/31/2017
Scott Wilhelm
I’ll always remember his wisdom and serenity. We had a lot of great talks over coffee. Rest in peace Hiroshi.

12/30/2017
Linda Guerber and Carol Asakawa
Our deepest sympathy to a good friend and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

12/30/2017
Wendy Evans
Thinking of you and your loved ones!

12/29/2017
Cynthia Wong
Heartfelt condolences to Janie and family from Cynthia and Gordon Wong. Hiroshi was a pillar of the Japanese-American community in Portland and will be greatly missed by many. May he rest in peace and may his memory be eternal.

12/29/2017

I grew up going to Anzen. I even interviewed the Matsushimas as a highschooler for a project on Portland history. I will never forget the lessons I learned from Hiroshi and Janie then, before, and after. Bless them both.