MORIAKI "Mo" NOGUCHI, CJAAA President from 1990-1995, passed away on December 3, 1995. He was someone who enjoyed life to its maximum and all of the people who were a part of it.
Mo was born on August 17, 1925, and raised in San Francisco's Japantown until his family temporarily moved to Central California in 1942. Later that year, the family was moved to the internment camp, Poston III, in Arizona. After a year there and completion of high school, Mo was able to leave the internment camp for employment at a resort hotel in Colorado Springs. Later, he moved to Chicago where he enjoyed the big city life (Downbeat Room, College Inn, and, of course, the museums and galleries), the company of his brother Yo, meeting former San Francisco friends and others, all the while living in the comfort of the Division Street YMCA.
Mo was then inducted into the U.S Army and joined the 442nd Infantry Regiment in Europe. He sailed back with the unit for its celebrated return to New York City. After his discharge, he chose to return to the West Coast. By then, the family home was again in San Francisco. Mo was able to continue his education, which had been disrupted, by enrolling at UCB. Euclid Hall became his home away from home. He made many long lasting friendships while on campus. One Euclid Hall housemate. Mas Hongo, remembered Mo as a serious student, who declined his invitations to take a study break and enjoy a beer on the roof.
After graduation in 1950, Mo began working in San Francisco. He initially worked for the federal government, then for the City and County of San Francisco, and lastly, the City's Community College System until retirement. Mo, who had been in personnel work for the major part of his career, was then asked to serve as a personnel consultant for the Asian Art Museum and for a newly formed City & County Managers association.
His jobs were coupled with his continuing community service. Many of us know Mo well because of his involvement with many organizations and clubs. In addition to his tenure on the CJAAA Board, Mo served on the board and committees of Kimochi, JCCCNC, the Optimist Club, Marin JACL, Marin Buddhist Church, and, for his love of golf, the Golden Gate Golfers. Mo looked for ways to benefit these groups by recruiting new and young members. He knew that would strengthen their future. Former Bear Root editor Patty Wada fondly recalled that Mo always encouraged the Sansei and Yonsei members to take on leadership roles. Mo was the catalyst for many CJAAA activities, including the ceremony for the Japanese American graduates of 1942, the functions with Chancellor Tien in attendance, and the Big Game reunions. CJAAA can be especially proud of Mo's work in helping to organize the scholarship program. He developed a network with other "Blues" to always have a geographically representative group of recipients. The program represented a full circle of involvement for Mo because he had been a resident of Euclid Hall and the proceeds from the sale of the property enabled the scholarships to be established.
Although Mo was often in charge of an event, he usually ended up doing everything from start to finish. He sought perfection in his involvements, and to those who knew, Mo was the one who would always make a personal "dry run" to ensure that all arrangements were in place. For example, when Mo worked on the alumni golf tournament, he always checked out the golf course and the accommodations the day before and reviewed the tee-off schedules. Mo worked tirelessly to make sure an event would go smoothly so that everyone attending would enjoy themselves. Board member Mark Abey, who often played golf with Mo, remembered his gracious hospitality in welcoming newcomers to tournaments and making them feel comfortable.
Mo liked listening to classical music for relaxation. For excitement, he enjoyed watching his favorite teams, the Giants and the 49ers. For challenge, he worked to improve his golf game.
In his last year, we learned how brave Mo could be in fighting a major illness. He continued to live as full a life as possible. His one-year battle with cancer was too short, but in that time, Mo saw many friends, joined in on post-golf parties, traveled with his wife Nellie to places they enjoyed, and spent time with their children, Ellen, Robert, and John, and grandchildren Lia and Paul. On his last trip to Southern California, Mo even organized, a mini-reunion to cheer up several of his ailing friends. All these activities Mo did in a caring and friendly way and that is why he is remembered so fondly by family and friends.
George Yasukochi, who oversaw Mo's work as the Euclid Hall house manager, composed this haiku dedicated to Mo:
Editors note: We thank Tak Shirasawa for writing this remembrance piece. Thanks also to George Yasukochi, Mas Hongo. Mark Abey, and Patty Wada for their contributions.
