Joseph (Joe) Tokeshi, veteran, retired Los Angeles County Deputy Probation Officer, and longtime resident of Claremont, passed away peacefully on August 8. 2021, 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 during WW2 at Heart Mountain Relocation Center in Wyoming. Upon release, the family moved to Glendora, CA, where they farmed. After pausing high school to help his family on the farm, Joe earned his high school equivalency, then served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following that, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Psychology from Pomona College in 1955 and worked for the L.A. County Probation Department for over 30 years. On June 28, 1959, he married Hideko, with whom he spent 49 years with before her passing in 2008. In 1960 and 1963, respectively, 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. 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 as well as adoring grandchildren; Matthew Joseph Colinco, Claire May Colinco, Ryan Douglas Tokeshi, Taylor Nichole Tokeshi and sister-in-law, Suchila Tokeshi. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 49 years, Hideko; his parents Dosho and Maka Tokeshi; and 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 ^st . When pandemic conditions ease, there will be a graveside service.