Toshi Higashi

Toshiko Yamada Higashi, 93, passed away peacefully at her home on Jensen Street, July 13, 2016.

She was born February 26, 1923, in McCammon, Idaho, to Isotoro and Misao Hashimoto Yamada, immigrants from Japan. Toshi began her life the 3rd of 6 children, part of a hardworking family striving to live their American dread in McCammon where her father owned a restaurant. They later moved to Tyhee, where they had a truck farm and grew a variety of produce including cabbages, carrots and potatoes to sell at local markets. Toshi attended school in Pocatello and graduated from Pocatello High School in 1941.

Toshi married the loved of her life, Sho Higashi, January 28, 1950 in Pocatello. They briefly lived in Seattle, Washington, but returned to the town she loved, Pocatello. They had 3 children: Joanne, Kent and Richard.

Toshi loved to garden. Vegetables, fruits or flowers – it didn't matter; Toshi had skills passed down from generations of family farmers and a magical touch. She also enjoyed fishing. Big Lost River was where she could be found teaching her grandchildren how to fish and serving specially prepared Japanese nigiris and other snacks. She loved to spend time with her grandkids, family and friends.

Toshi had another talent for helping things thrive and grow – she worked as a kindergarten aide at Wilcox Elementary for many years, helping children feel comfort and safety in a new place and guiding them as they learned new skills. She loved the time she spent with the children at school. She made many good friends there.

Toshi was a founding member of the Pocatello/Blackfoot Japanese American Citizens League, a civil rights organization built to share cultural traditions and expand relations in the community. Helping others and sharing celebrations together were an important part of Toshi's character.

A member of the Chubbuck United Methodist Church, she always had a smile and an eager attitude when it was time for the annual Renaissance Fair, Christmas events or to harvest the church garden to donate to those in need. She is described as loveable, a hard worker, a busy body, family oriented and someone who would drop anything to help anyone in need.

But a description of Toshi would not be complete without showcasing her love for cooking and her sense of humor. She used both to bring comfort and joy to those around her. Anyone who dropped by to visit was not allowed to leave without a bite to eat or at least taking some food to go. Her teriyaki chicken is world famous and the recipe is a guarded family secret.

Toshi is preceded in death by her husband, Sho Higashi; parents, Isatoro and Misao Yamada; brothers, Mike and Jiro Yamada; and sisters, Miyo Fuji and Natsuyo Tominaga. She is survived by her brother, Kunio Yamada; daughter Joanne (Paul) Kent; sons, Kent and Richard (Heidi) Higashi; and 7 absolutely amazing grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Like flowers in her garden, our love for her will continue to grow.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at 2:00p.m. at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road. A viewing will be held Monday, July 18, from 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m. and Tuesday July 19 at 1:00p.m. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.wilksfuneralhome.com, 208-238-8000.