Alvin Minoru Taniguchi (Al) died on October 31, 2023 from complications following ankle surgery. He was 84.

Alvin was born on November 17, 1938 in Hawaii on the island of Kauai to Masao (George) and Toyono (Madge) Taniguchi. Three siblings followed: Jane (Tommy) Yotsuuye, Gladys (Roy) Oyama, and Gerald (Mary Jane) Taniguchi. He is survived by his wife Stephanie, her son Matthew (Anna Rebecca) Jorgensen and his 5 children: Darik (Johanna) Taniguchi, Janal Taniguchi, Taniya (Isak) Chai, Alisha Taniguchi and Brandon (Cherry) Taniguchi, as well as numerous grand- and great-grandchildren.

Alvin graduated from Waimea High School in 1956 and maintained lifelong friendships from those years. He went on to complete Dental School at the University of Washington, followed by service in the U.S. Army Dental Corps from 1963 - 1965. His dental school classmates held a 60th reunion in September, and Al enjoyed every minute. He practiced at Redmond Parc Square Dental and he loved his patients.

Alvin shared his passion for life with his friends and family. Over the years he was active in body surfing, spear fishing, flying, scuba diving, skiing, and tennis. He loved to eat and was an excellent chef. After retirement he worked on refining his golf game, and trying to convince others to love fishing as much as he did. He was active in his church, and he loved our Lord.

There will be a memorial on November 11. Please contact Stephanie for details.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to SmileTrain.org, an organization dedicated to helping those born with cleft lip or cleft palate.

The world truly was a better place for having had Al in it. He lived his life with kindness, joy, gratitude, generosity, and love. Those of us who loved him feel the loss deeply. He made a difference.

Well Done Good and Faithful Servant.