Nofuko Yokomi passed away on October 28, 2013 at the age of 86. She was born in Tokyo, Japan on September 2, 1927 to Kenji and Ume Takimoto. Working for Mutual Trading Company, Nofuko would travel to the Los Angeles office. During one of her visits, she met and fell in love with Akira Yokomi. Akira and Nofuko married and shared their lives for well over 30 years. Together they developed the Central Fish Company; providing a service to the Fresno community by offering fresh fish and Asian goods as well as donating to numerous religious, ethnic, and non-profit organizations that focused mainly on the west and downtown sections of Fresno. Over the years, the people who frequented the store became more than just customers but long-standing friends. A symbol of their deep appreciation of these strong relationships and true commitment to the west-side was the building of their new store on the corner of Kern and G Streets.
After the untimely death of her husband, Nofuko continued to work for a few more years until she finally sold the business to her nephew, Ernest Doizaki and retired. Remaining on the family farm in Fowler, Nofuko enjoyed outings and traveling with her friends and family. A significant event in her life that she was most proud was Fresno Unified's naming of a newly built school, Akira Yokomi Elementary, in honor of her deceased husband. Nofuko moved to Los Angeles to live the remainder of her years at the Keiro Retirement Home, which she found to be very enjoyable.
Nofuko is survived by many loving nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and great-grand nieces and nephews.
A Private service was held on Saturday, November 9, 2013, at Fukui Mortuary "Chapel in the Garden".