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Kazuo "Kaz" Ikeda, 94, passed peacefully Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, in Arroyo Grande. He was born in King City, Calif., the oldest son of Juzo and Sei. The Ikedas came to the Arroyo Grande area in the 1920s, where they began to farm. He graduated from Arroyo Grande High School and went on to play baseball for Cal Poly for two years before returning to the family farm. During World War II, Kaz and his family were interned at Gila Relocation Center and because of the generosity of the Loomis Family, the Ikedas were able to return to farming on the Central Coast after the War. Farming was more than just a job to Kaz - it was a family tradition passed down from his father to sons to grandsons continuing on with great-grandsons. He was one of the founding members of the Pismo Oceano Vegetable Exchange (POVE). Kaz valued family more than anything else. He was happily married for 62 years to his wife, Mitzi, and raised their four children Julie, Stan, Patricia and Vard. He always made sure his wife, kids and grandkids were happy, healthy and well taken care of. His definition of family didn''t stop with the Ikedas - it included his extended farming and community families. Kaz was a proud, honorable man who treated everyone around him with care and respect. While his work revolved around the farm, his other passion was baseball. He played baseball in his youth, coached for many years and enjoyed watching games any chance he got. He was one of the founders of the Arroyo Grande Babe Ruth Baseball League and has several fields in the area named in his honor. Kaz was a Rotarian for over 60 years having spent time giving back to the community. He had received many honors, which include: Grand Marshal of the Arroyo Grande Harvest Festival, Arroyo Grande''s Citizen of the Year, San Luis Obispo County Agriculturalist of the Year, Santa Barbara County Farmer of the Year, Nisei Week Pioneer and was inducted into the Arroyo Grande Eagle Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame. Kaz is survived by his wife, Mitzi; four children Julie Nishioka (Forrest), Stan Ikeda (Terri Ann), Patricia Kawaguchi (Patrick) and Vard Ikeda (Terri Lea); 10 grandchildren Caroline, Traci, Brycen (Marian), Shelby, Misha, Grant, Garrett, Carly, Robyn and Kent. He is also survived by his sister in-law, Marion Ikeda; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Juzo and Sei Ikeda; brothers Seirin and Saburo (Shizuwa); sister, Emiko; and granddaughter. Lindsey. Viewing will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, at the Marshall-Spoo Sunset Chapel, 1239 Longbranch in Grover Beach. A memorial service will be held at noon Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013, at the Arroyo Grande Cemetery. Donations in Kaz'' honor can be made to the Arroyo Grande Eagle Athletic Foundation, 495 Valley Road, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420; and Mustang Athletic Fund, Cal Poly, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93407. Marshall-Spoo 489-5552 Grover Beach
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I deeply regret that I was in Japan when Kaz passed away and that I was not able to attend his memorial service. But my profound gratitude for Kaz and the entire Ikeda family cannot go unexpressed.
Because of my calling as a United Methodist minister, I have met thousands of people over the years. But Kaz and Mitzi have made a most indelible impression. I am so blessed to have known them since the early years of my ministry. How much love and encouragement I have received from them for over 30 years! Fond memories, too many to name, are the treasures of my heart. Even after I left the Central Coast, Kaz and Mitzi always welcomed me and my family in their “Ikeda Hilton” with the outpouring of their generous hospitality. Their love never fails.
Kaz did so many deeds of kindness, but he never, never, never made others feel obliged. Kaz gave so much to others, but he never, never, never expected anything in return. He received numerous awards, all fully deserved, but he never, never, never called attention to himself. His spirit was so genuine and pure. He has left for us a great legacy of goodness and love. Kaz is truly my hero!
My deep and sincere condolences go to Mitzi and all of my beloved Ikeda family.
Nobuko Miyake-Stoner
February 22, 2013
When my Father Myron R. (Andy) Anderson was transferred to Arroyo Grande in 1964 Kaz made sure we felt welcome. He always invited us to the Celery Run Barbeques. My Father was a member of Rotarians with Kaz and I remember them building a park. His daughter, Julie, was in my graduating class at Arroyo Grande High School and she inherited all the fine qualities of Kaz and his wife Mitzi. He will be missed. I will forever see his smile in my minds eye.
Linda Anderson Kahn
February 18, 2013
I played little league base ball about 53 years ago with Stan and Mr. Ikeda was my coach. I will never foget the game that he gave all the players HERSHY BARS pryor to the game to give us a little extra energy! I will remember him as a great man and coach. Thanks for a woderful memory as a child playing base ball with my fiends and being our coach.
Fred Travis
February 16, 2013
..the day was warm, not just because of the sun, but because the words expressed by daughters, sons and grandson were filled with the loving expressions that will fill the void from their loss in the days ahead...you are all in our prayers...RIP, Mr. Ikeda and a happy reunion with your brothers...
corinne araki-kawaguchi
February 16, 2013
What a wonderful tribute to Kaz at his service today. He truly has left his legacy with children and grandchildren who are following in his footsteps. I feel it was an honor to have know him. Our condolences to the Ikeda Family.
~Mark & Julie London
February 16, 2013
Kaz was a wonderful man and influenced me greatly as a young little league player.
Steve Pence
February 16, 2013
Sand Harbor Estates Homeowners Association wish to extend our sympathy to the entire Ikeda Interprises.
Fran Valadez, Bookkeeper for SHEHOA
February 15, 2013
Kaz was one of the kindest, most gentle men I have ever known. I feel privileged to have known him for all these years and will truly miss him. He is now among all of our other angels. Rest in Peace, Kaz.
Sandie Hirase
February 14, 2013
May we wish Kaz' family all the blessings earned by a truly good man. Kaz was a long-time friend and he showed us all how to live a good life.
Joe and Sue Schimandle
February 14, 2013
Kaz had the most wonderful sparkle in his eyes whenever we shared stories about sports and children. He will be missed by me and so many.
Deepest sympathies.
The Martin Family
Colleen Martin
February 14, 2013
Blessings to a great man and the wonderful memories of him and my dad as I was growing up.
Don Sturges
February 14, 2013
Vard, Stan and family... I am deeply sorry for your loss. You had a magnificent father who instilled his kindness, goodness and giving nature in you. Please know you will all be in my thoughts and prayers. With love, Kathy
Kathy Montgomery
February 14, 2013
Kaz was a great man and I will always remember him coming into Fair Oaks Pharmacy.
Patrick McGowen
February 14, 2013
Debbie and I live in Peoria, AZ now, and just heard about Kazuo. He and Mitsy were like a second family to me as I spent hours up at their house playing with Stan, Julie, and Pat. We had many great times and we will miss him tremendously. Our sympathies to all of the family and you will be in our prayers. Love, Cayce and Debbie Shannon
Cayce Shannon
February 14, 2013
Words cannot express the love and respect we have in our hearts for this man. He has forever given to the youth of our community in so many ways. He will truely be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He was such a special man!!!
John & GeeGee Soto
February 14, 2013
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