A true and loyal heart has stopped beating. Eiji Takazato Locke, 59, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 after a long battle with cancer. Eiji was preceded in death by his cherished Mother, Fumiko Locke and his Grandfather, Hollis Locke. Eiji was born on July 5, 1958 on Okinawa, one of the Ryukyu Islands in southwest Japan. He and his mother came to live in Grand Rapids when he was six years old. A man of quiet determination and a phenomenal work ethic, Eiji joined Butterworth Hospital's Environmental Services team in September 1975 at just 17 years old, building a proud career there that lasted 38 years before his illness compelled him to retire in November 2013. During his career, he received seven service awards, plus several teamwork awards from co-workers. In his spare time, Eiji found joy in taking his boat out to go fishing with his Mom on Murray Lake, woodworking, bowling, and driving the latest muscle cars. He was known for his generosity, his Goulash, regular stops at Big Boy on Pearl St., and his goofy obsession with the game show "The Price is Right". He also loved old school R&B music and for all his shyness, was a fantastic dancer. The charm of his "granddaughter-of-the-heart" Stella, always melted him into a puddle at her feet. Most of all, Eiji was honored to be a devoted, dependable and loyal son; and when his dear mother became ill with cancer, he lovingly took care of her until her death in 2012. Eiji is survived by his beloved girlfriend of 12 years, Janel Short; his adoring Grandmother, Patricia Mae Locke; his Uncle Chip, Aunts Lil, Karen, Pat, and Bobbie; many cousins; closest friends Greg, Terry, Robert and Tom; and his 150-lb. German Shepherd, Duke. His loved ones thank the Spectrum Health Butterworth family for their support of Eiji as a career employee, and later as a dedicated medical team during many hospital stays throughout his illness. Per Eiji's wishes, cremation is taking place. We welcome you to share memories and photos of Eiji in the guestbook.