Watch: Pasco reveals bronze statue immortalizing ‘Peanuts’ Fukuda

Downtown Pasco now honors a familiar face from the past. A new bronze statue of Noburo “Peanuts” Fukuda was unveiled this weekend at Peanuts Park, marking a permanent tribute to the man who became a local icon through his decades of service and kindness.

Fukuda, a railroad worker who emigrated from Japan in 1919, spent nearly 50 years working for the Burlington Northern Railroad. To many residents, he was simply the “candy man.” He gained this reputation by handing out sweets to children throughout the city for years. His presence in downtown Pasco left a lasting mark on multiple generations of families who lived and worked in the area.

The 5-foot sculpture, created by Texas artist Seth Vandable, captures a specific moment in time. It depicts Fukuda on his three-wheeled bike, a gift from the Pasco Kiwanis Club in 1974. He famously used this bicycle to collect litter and keep the park tidy, showing the quiet dedication that defined his life. One hand of the statue holds a candy bar, acknowledging the small gestures that made him a beloved local figure.

Commissioned by the Pasco Arts and Culture Commission for $50,000, the statue sits at the north entrance of the park. It stands between Viera’s Bakery and El Torito Mx Market, serving as a reminder of a man who found joy in serving his community. Fukuda passed away in 1993 at age 95, but this new monument ensures his history remains a part of the city landscape.