Calvin Satoru Taira
April 23, 1936 ~ January 19, 2014
Calvin S. Taira, a dentist in Potomac, Maryland, passed away at Virginia Hospital Center surrounded by his wife and children. He was 77.
Born in Los Angeles, CA, he resided there until World War II when his family was interned with other Japanese Families to Heart Mountain, Wyoming. After moving to the Washington, DC area after the war, Calvin worked in the family grocery store, attended Eastern High School, George Washington University, and Howard University Dental School.
New acquaintances quickly became close or lifelong friends. It was said of Dr. Taira that he never met a stranger. His love of his school friends, golfing buddies, and patients gave him years of happiness. If he wasn't at his office, chances were he was either playing golf or discussing the next game.
Dr. Taira leaves behind his wife, Faye, son, Gregg, daughters, Helene, Kelly, and Amy, 13 grandchildren, and many loyal friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to:
Japanese American Veterans Association C/O Mark Nakagawa
9455 Park Hunt Court, Springfield, VA 22153
or
MDS Foundation
4573 South Broad St, Yardville, NJ 08620.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
Born in Los Angeles, CA, he resided there until World War II when his family was interned with other Japanese Families to Heart Mountain, Wyoming. After moving to the Washington, DC area after the war, Calvin worked in the family grocery store, attended Eastern High School, George Washington University, and Howard University Dental School.
New acquaintances quickly became close or lifelong friends. It was said of Dr. Taira that he never met a stranger. His love of his school friends, golfing buddies, and patients gave him years of happiness. If he wasn't at his office, chances were he was either playing golf or discussing the next game.
Dr. Taira leaves behind his wife, Faye, son, Gregg, daughters, Helene, Kelly, and Amy, 13 grandchildren, and many loyal friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to:
Japanese American Veterans Association C/O Mark Nakagawa
9455 Park Hunt Court, Springfield, VA 22153
or
MDS Foundation
4573 South Broad St, Yardville, NJ 08620.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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Calvin was the one constant in my life for 40 years. We shared many wonderful times together as we went from young adults to senior citizens. We called each other brother with the best of intentions. Best of all we also shared some of our secrets which we both held in trust. There was no finer man to have for a friend. I am happy and grateful to have had him as long as I did. Calvin was not a religious man but I know that the way in which he lived his live he is in the House of the Lord.
Knowing Calvin for 23 years as my dentist, golf partner and friend has been a rewarding experience. To meet a man of Calvin’s character is rare. I will remember him for his never ending generosity, integrity and sense of humor. I always saw Calvin as a humble man who was always unselfish when it came to others. Spending any time with Calvin was always pleasurable. It always made me happier to arrive on Saturday for golf and learn he was in my foursome, it meant certainly a fun day. If there is a heaven, Calvin is certainly in the front row! Peace my friend, hit em straight.
To Calvin’s family and friends, my sincerest and deepest sympathies. As for Calvin. I cannot find the words to express my loss. Forgive me if I borrow from Shakespeare: Give me my Calvin;and when he shall die Take him and cut him out in little stars And he will make the face of Heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night And pay no worship to the garish sun
My friend calvin rest in peace you will be missed and god bless the family
Dear Taira Family, What can I tell you about Calvin that you already don’t know. I do however believe it bare’s repeating. Calvin was the most kind, generous, thoughtful and just a great person to spend time with. Whether it was on the golf course, having dinner or a drink, even in his chair, he was someone that you always look forward to the next time you would meet. Jews would call him a Mensch, Italians, Bravo Persone. Me, I am very glad that I was able to call him my Friend. My Deepest sympathies.
Calvin’Family. I am lucky to have known Him and proud to have called Him my friend. There’s an old Irish tradition that says when a loved one passes away we need to do just one thing to assure them a safe and speedy journey into the gates of Heaven, give them the Irish Blessing. *May Road rise up to meet you, *May the Wind always be at your back, *May the Sun shine warmly on you face, and *May the Rains fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again may Almighty God hold you in the palm of his hand… God Bless you Cal, I’ll see you on the Back-Nine. George O’Hare
Calvin’Family. I am lucky to have known Him and proud to have called Him my friend. There’s an old Irish tradition that says when a loved one passes away we need to do just one thing to assure them a safe and speedy journey into the gates of Heaven, give them the Irish Blessing. *May Road rise up to meet you, *May the Wind always be at your back, *May the Sun shine warmly on you face, and *May the Rains fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again may Almighty God hold you in the palm of his hand… God Bless you Cal, I’ll see you on the Back-Nine. George O’Hare
I first met Dr. Taira in 1970 and he was the only dentist I’ve seen for all these many years. We shared stories about family and common interests and he always left me with a smile. I extend my deepest sympathy to Faye, your family, and all the office staff as well. He will be deeply missed.
To Calvin’s family. Calvin started as my dentist over 30 years ago and we became friends over that time. Seeing Cal was not a trip to the dentist but a chance to sit and talk with a friend. Condolences to his family. Now he is playing from heaven’s tees
Gregg~ On behalf of our family, we send our greatest condolences. We know the sorrow your family is feeling, but we also know that your father is now in a serene place looking down upon all of you with a smile… Kenny, Krissy, Jordan, Kayla and Jasper Lew
He was my fried and a great golf partner. We always made each other laugh. I miss him.
We will certainly miss Dr. Taira. We were so saddened by his loss. He was always there for us. Over the last thirty years I can’t remember the number of times he made special trips to the office to address one of our dental problems…..and that includes Sundays! It was so easy to talk to him, especially about New York City!!!
Calvin was always a delight and a good friend. We will miss him.
To our close and wonderful friend and dentist. We shall never forget your many kindness aforded to us. We always looked forward to our visits. Vernon especially enjoyed the many golf outings. He will be greatly missed.
I soon discovered that after marrying into the Fontana family, it required becoming a fan of Calvin. From his laughter, friendship, or his love for his patients, Calvin earned every level of admiration. My wife has never met a dentist that could live up to her expectations of what Calvin demonstrated during her childhood. Nor have I met a man who always had such a kind smile on his face. Our deepest sympathies to the family, and our deepest appreciation to Calvin.
We meet few people in our lifetimes that we grow to appreciate and really call a friend. I was introduced to Calvin by his son a decade or so ago. He was a pleasure to play a round of golf with and to have a meal with afterwards. I will miss him.
Faye & Gregg & Family: Please accept our most sincere condolences at this very sad time. We have always thought of Calvin as our friend – not just our dentist. I can truly say that I looked forward to my dental appointments. It was always such fun talking and laughing with Calvin. He had such a great sense of humor and personality. We will sorely miss him. Caroll & Bonnie Ripley