Yukus Inouye, former Utah County commissioner, died Wednesday at his home in Highland.
Mr. Inouye, 91, was born in 1916 to Chokichi and Towa Inouye, who immigrated to Utah in 1912 to work for the Utah-Idaho Co.
In 1972, Mr. Inouye campaigned as a Democratic candidate for Utah County Commission. Mr. Inouye won the election in a heavily Republican county, becoming the first Japanese-American to serve in such a position in Utah, according to "The Almanac of Women and Minorities in American Politics."
Throughout his life, Mr. Inouye dedicated his life to serving others. He worked with the Boy Scouts of America. He was president of the Farm Bureau, as well as chairman of the Community Action Program of the Private Industry Council.
He also served in the temple presidency for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tokyo from 1980 to 1983.
Mr. Inouye is survived by six children, 26 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. His family said he enjoyed fishing and was an avid Brigham Young University sports fan.
Funeral services for Mr. Inouye are scheduled to begin Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Highland 11th ward chapel, 4679 W. Wasatch Dr. in Highland. A viewing is also scheduled tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Anderson & Sons Mortuary, 49 E. 100 North in American Fork.
The family said donations can be made in memory of Mr. Inouye to the Highland City Library Foundation. They said Mr. Inouye hoped a library would be built in Highland one day.