Linda Yoshida — a woman recalled fondly as an author, businessperson, philanthropist and best friend — has died, leaving an important legacy that casts its shadow across East Multnomah County and beyond.
Linda Yoshida, wife of Junki Yoshida, died Wednesday, Dec. 4, following a long battle with illness.
Linda will be recalled as someone who delighted in serving the community and who was always ready to lend a helping hand.
“Linda had a kind heart and did so much for so many people and groups,” said Terry Smoke, a retired and former co-owner of the Troutdale General Store, whose relationship with the Yoshidas went back many years. “She was always there. Of course there were the [fundraising] parties at the Yoshida estate. And the two of them together started the river safety program that has prevented drownings in the Sandy River.”
For years the Yoshida’s welcomed hundreds of visitors to their property along the Sandy River each August for the Soulful Giving Blanket Party, raising money for Randall Children’s Hospital and programs at Providence Cancer Center, along with funds for families and individuals with the disease. Linda — always front and center — could be found greeting guests to the popular event as they arrived.