Jeff Takeyama wore a variety of hats during his lifetime.
One of his favorites was a white U.S. Open ballcap he frequently donned for informal photos. Others were worn metaphorically, as a husband, dad, doting grandfather, accountant and vigilant protector of the family’s beloved Malibu home of 41 years.
On Jan. 8, the devastating Palisades fire claimed the spacious home in the 23000 block of West Paloma Blanca Drive as well as Takeyama’s life at the age of 69.
“Life can change in an instant,” Takeyama’s grief-stricken family wrote in a GoFundMe post. “In every fire before this one, including the 1993 (Old Topanga) blaze, he worked tirelessly to keep us and our neighbors safe. This time, the fire was different, and we are heartbroken beyond words.”
Takeyama’s son, Alex, declined to discuss the circumstances surrounding his father’s death.
“This is a deeply personal time for our family, and we kindly ask for privacy,” he said in an email, while raising concerns that emergency responders may have failed to issue timely mandatory evacuation orders to his parents and their neighbors.
Although biographical information for Takeyama is scant, a Facebook post from a classmate in the 1973 graduating class at Torrance’s North High School fills in a few of the blanks.
“Jeff was a huge part of North’s early ’70s tennis dynasty,” the individual said. ” He was a fierce competitor! He was also a funny, and mischievous soul. Additionally, Jeff was a brilliant CPA. He had a unique and creative way of viewing the world, and world events.”
Takeyama’s family said on GoFundMe that his death leaves a gaping hole in their lives that can never be filled. They are now focusing on comforting his grieving wife, Jane, who also lost treasured mementos from her travels, family keepsakes and photos, and the tight-knit community that she has called home.
“The neighborhood will never be the same and creating a new path for her feels overwhelming,” the family said.
In addition to Jane and Alex, Takeyama is survived by two daughters, a son-in-law and a grandson.