Today the worldwide dragon boat community is sad to learn of the passing of TK (Takako) Kimura. Go anywhere in the world and if there is a dragon boat race, someone will know of TK. Living in Southern California with her husband, Mike Baker, TK became legendary in the sport of dragon boat, having promoted paddling worldwide as a premier paddler, caller (drummer), and coach. Her infectious laugh, adventurous outlook, confidence, courage, spirit and strength caught the attention of all who knew her. In 2002 TK went from being a novice paddler coming out of chemo therapy for breast cancer to become a highly sought after dragon boat and outrigger competitor.

TK participated in the formation of the first breast cancer paddling team in California- LA Pink Dragons (LAPD). She and her husband Mike, Executive Director of the Southern California Dragon Boat Club, have been instrumental in growing the sport on the West Coast.  TK also competed with premier competitive dragon boat teams, particularly with Wasabi in Oregon. TK was an ambassador for the sport, having served for many years as a National Representative for the Western/Pacific region of the US for the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission (IBCPC). With her energetic and joyful attitude, through the years TK recruited hundreds of people of all ages and ethnicities to the sport.

In 2018, TK was diagnosed with ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a disease that cripples voluntary muscle action. It is not curable. Despite the poor prognosis, TK remained optimistic and positive. Helped by her husband, team mates and friends, TK continued in the sport as a caller. Using a microphone to amplify her voice, TK brought many teams to victory across the finish line. TK has been an inspiration to so many of us in the dragon boat community. For TK, it was just about “doing what I love” and having joy in watching others enjoy. A fascinating documentary of TK Kimura’s life by Kathy Ly of the Southern California Dragon Boat Club can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kathleenly/videos/10219658963758960.

The United States Dragon Boat Federation and the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission send their sincere condolences to Mike Baker, the Southern California Dragon Boat Club including LAPD and to all who knew and loved TK Kimura.

Betty Solley
Chair, USDBF Breast Cancer Paddlers Committee
IBCPC Membership Director