Tofu maker ran family firm
Haruo Honda / 1919-2006
Haruo Honda, retired owner of Honda Tofu factory in Wahiawa, died Thursday at his home.
Honda, 87, retired in 1976 after he and his wife operated the family business for 26 years. He started out delivering fresh tofu to the homes of customers of the business founded in 1917 by his parents, Eizo and Tsuyo Honda. The company, now operated by his son Dennis and his wife, Dulcie, supplies restaurants and supermarkets including Costco and Sam's Club.
After retirement, Honda continued to greet customers at the small plant on Mango Street, said his son Leslie.
Honda was born in Wahiawa. He was awarded the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce 1948 distinguished service award for community involvement, said his wife, Josephine. He was active in the North Oahu Lions Club, the Wahiawa Methodist Church and was a leader of a Cub Scout pack for several years. He was a member of the Wahiawa Japanese Civic Club and Wahiawa Kumamoto Kenjin Kai.
"He had to forgo all of that because of the hours he kept. In a small family-run business, he didn't have time," said Josephine Honda.
A memorial service will be held at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow at Mililani Mortuary. Friends may call after 5:30 p.m. The family suggests that casual attire be worn and that flowers be omitted.
He is survived by wife Josephine S.; sons Victor A., Dennis M., Leslie T. and Neal S.; brothers Mitsuo and Sadao; and five grandchildren.