Kirk Mamoru Takeuchi

1958 – 2024

Kirk Mamoru Takeuchi was born in Santa Barbara, CA at St. Francis Hospital in 1958 and passed away peacefully on January 25, 2024 after a year-long battle with cancer. He loved the outdoors, was trained in judo and aikido by sensei Kenji Ota. He was an award-winning athlete in track at La Colina JH and San Marcos HS where he went to Masters meet and qualified for the CIF State tournament. He was hit by a car while riding a motorcycle which put an end to his track future. He also declared himself as the class clown; his laugh was infectious. His many jobs included “300 lbs. For Hire” with his friend Doug; Club Tan; flipping houses; and sales at Beverly Clark. He became a hero at age 25, when he apprehended a purse snatcher while eating at Joe’s Cafe–receiving the “Extra Step Award” from the Kiwanis Club of Santa Barbara and a commendation from the State of California.

He married Susie Souza and had two great boys, Clark and Clayton, raising them as a single dad when they were 3 and 4, respectively, until he married Shelley on November 11, 2011.

In 2014, they moved to the Land of Enchantment, where two of Kirk’s relatives were incarcerated in the Santa Fe Internment Camp during WWII. He was a member of the New Mexico Japanese American Citizens’ League, and championed all of Shelley’s many activities as a member of the Board.

Kirk is survived by his parents, Mamoru G. and Yukiko Dianne Takeuchi; his sister Lori and her husband Michael Schneekloth; his stepmother, Reiko; his two sons; ex-wife; aunts and uncle and cousins; and his loving wife, Shelley. He always made Shelley laugh, no matter her mood.

Memorial luncheon to be held on March 9 at Faith Lutheran Church, Carpinteria, CA. 1335 Vallecito Pl. off Ogan Rd. (mountain side of freeway) at Noon in the reception hall, Hawaiian attire requested, followed by a celebratory toast at Island Brewing Company at 2 p.m. 5049 6th St. Carpinteria. Near the Railroad tracks on Linden. For more info or to RSVP, please call 805-684-4707.