Grandfather, interned during WWII, Pomona College grad, U.S. Army veteran

Joseph (Joe) Tokeshi, veteran, retired Los Angeles County Deputy Probation Officer, and longtime resident of Claremont, died peacefully on August 8 at the age of 92 at Sunrise of Claremont.
Joe was born on July 22, 1929, in Brawley, California to Dosho and Maka Tokeshi. He and his family were interned at Heart Mountain Relocation Center in Wyoming during World War II. Upon release, the family moved to Glendora, where they farmed.
After pausing high school to help his family on the farm, he earned his high school equivalency, then served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following his service, he earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science, with a minor in psychology, from Pomona College in 1955. He then began a career with the L.A. County Probation Department that would last more than 30 years.
On June 28, 1959, he married Hideko, with whom he spent 49 years before her passing in 2008. In 1960 and 1963 the couple welcomed two sons, Douglas and Gregory, then a daughter, Patricia, in 1965.
“Joe was a calm, positive soul, whose interests ranged from gardening, bonsai shaping, farming, fishing, pumpkin carving, and eccentric art to music, dogs, sports and blackjack,” his family shared. “He was known throughout his life as a humble, honorable man, who treated everyone with kindness and fairness.”
He is survived by his loving children Douglas (Lori) Tokeshi, Gregory (Lucy) Tokeshi and Patricia Tokeshi (Clyde) Colinco; adoring grandchildren Matthew Joseph Colinco, Claire May Colinco, Ryan Douglas Tokeshi, Taylor Nichole Tokeshi; and sister-in-law, Suchila Tokeshi.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 49 years, Hideko; his siblings and their spouses George Tokeshi, Edward (Yone) Tokeshi, Ruth (George) Mouri, James Tokeshi, William Tokeshi, May Inouye and Thomas Tokeshi.
A private, family burial was held on August 21.
The family will hold a graveside service when pandemic conditions ease.