Richard Yoshikawa – professional photographer, past county supervisor – has died at the age of 91 in his native Stockton.

Having been interned in a World War II detention camp in Arkansas during World War II, he didn’t let that change him as a productive and responsible American – still exhibiting a definite pride in his Japanese culture.

Yoshikawa was the first Japanese-American to become a member of the Delta College Board of Trustees and was appointed to the county board of supervisors by then Governor Ronald Reagan to fill a vacant post.  Yoshikawa was elected to office twice more by voters in 1976 and in 1980.

He was described by his peers as a soft-spoken business man and politician, thorough in his research, not having a mean bone in his body.

A memorial celebration of his life is set for June 16 at 4 p.m. at Calvary Presbyterian Church on Country Club Boulevard in Stockton.