Back in World War II, after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, a young Utahn – a native American born of Japanese immigrant parents – faced some disheartening experiences.
In high school a few years before, he’d been business manager of the Jordan High campus newspaper. As such he’d visit businessmen in the area – Crescent, Draper, West Jordan, Riverton, South Jordan, Midvale, Sandy, and his hometown of Union – selling ads for the paper … and with considerable success.
But now, with America at war with Japan, things were different. He was refused food at a cafe where previously he’d been welcome. A barber he thought was his friend refused to cut his hair.
Shortly afterward, the young Utahn and his wife bought a farm in Highland, Utah County. While cleaning ditches in springtime he waved a friendly greeting to three young passersby. One shouted back an insulting obscenity.
Not many Utah County people knew Yukus Inouye then. But now, as a businessman and agriculturalist as well as a former county commissioner for six years, he’s well-known.
Reminiscing about the frustrations of the war years, Mr. Inouye told this writer recently: “I promised myself I wasn’t going get discouraged. I believed in this country its principles of democracy. I made a commitment – that I was going to get involved and be the best citizen could be.”
Yukus did just that. He held numerous positions in scouting; served on the Lehi Irrigation Board, in leadership capacities for the Soil Conservation Service and County Canning Crops Association. He was president of the County Farm Bureau for several years.
Further, he became involved in insurance, financing, real estate development, raising of purebred cattle, contracting, environmental issues. He was active in fishing, hunting. sports and other hobbies.
As a young man Yukus wasn’t able to go to college. But he took correspondence courses, and he’s obviously a well-educated man, college or no college. He and his wife Mary saw that their six children didn’t miss educational opportunities. All have college degrees.
Yukus’ father and mother, Chokichi and Towa Inouye, had come to America in 1912. His father worked at first as a farm laborer with Utah-Idaho Sugar Company. Then he rented a farm in Taylorsville. When “Yuke” was in the second grade. the family moved to Union east of Midvale, where they’d purchased a farm.
At Jordan High, Yukus played guard on the football team coached by Eddie Kimball, later head football coach and athletic director at BYU. Although small (in the 135 pound range) he was named to one all-state selection and helped Jordan to state and southwest regional championships. The latter was achieved through a victory over Phoenix.
Coach Kimball remembers Yukus as “one of the greats that l have coached.” One of the little guard’s best distinctions was his ability to break through the line and tackle the opposing ball carrier, Eddie reminisced when contacted yesterday. “Yuke was fast and a good interference runner. He relished the game and always played with that big smile.”
After the football triumphs of high school days, the negative experiences of wartime were depressing, But gradually Yukus’ effort to “get involved” paid off. He and his wife noticed a steady improvement in public acceptance and recognition.
No where was this more evident than with the six Inouye children: Ronald was student body president at American Fork High; Donna was a cheerleader at A.F. High and commandant of the Cougarettes at BYU; Gerry and Vicki Lynn were cheerleaders; Jay Dee was senior class president; Carolyn earned her share of the successes.
Through his community involvement, Mr. Inouye has developed many positive philosophies. To name a few:
– Every individual should have equal opportunity regardless of race, color or creed – but he must EARN his station in life and not expect it free.
– He believes in hard work as a pathway to success … and his own life bears this out.
– “Always tell the truth – then theres no need trying to remember what you said.”
– People in public leadership must forego their selfish interests and work for the benefit of the people in general.
– “As parents and leaders we have a responsibility to build a bridge that future generation can cross when we have finished our stewardship.”
Mr. Inouye says his six years as Utah County commissioner were among the happiest of his lIfe. “One of my most valuable lessons was learning to broaden my outlook – to avoid “tunnel vision” and look at the whole horizon for decisions and judgments that would be for the greatest long-range good of the people.”
A project or two close to his heart didn’t find fruition during his two terms in office. And, typically in public office, some of the most far-reaching decisions were met with mixed reaction.
But there were some big moments – and one of the most- satisfying of all came after he left office. At the Utah Association of Counties annual conference several weeks ago he was honored with the “1978 Outstanding County Official Award.”
The recognition was sweet indeed – and even those who rejected him in the frustrating war years must experience a feeling of pride now in the accomplishments of Yukus Inouye and his family as achievers and worthy American citizens.