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12/07/1947 - 03/18/2012 Danny Michael Ihara, a teacher, environmentalist, and loving father, passed away on Sunday as a result of complications from his atypical Parkinson's. Danny lived in Humboldt County for over 40 years. He taught economics and sustainable international development at Humboldt State University, was on the board of the Manila Community Service District, served as Director of the Center for Environmental Economic Development, and helped found the alternative high school Pacific Dunes. He was deeply committed to solving the crisis of global climate change, the subject of his doctoral dissertation. However when asked what he wished to be remembered for, he answered simply, "my family." He will also be remembered for his sense of humor, his sparkling intelligence, his compassion, curiosity, and kindness. Danny was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Grace and Peter Ihara, and grew up in Gardena, California where he was raised primarily by his mother and grandmother "Ba-Chan." At the age of 17 he left home to attend Deep Springs College, a small prestigious college located near Death Valley. The school's core belief in service to one's community had a profound impact on Danny and inspired him to strive to improve the world on a local and global level. He is survived by his wife Nancy, his two brothers Craig and Richard, his daughter Rachel and her husband Steve, his son Nathan, his granddaughter Olive, his sisters-in law Martha and Patricia, his brothers-in-law William and Dale, his nieces and nephews Jonathan, Alex, Cristine, and Jacob, Jacob's wife Paulina, and his great-niece Zoja. Among his many wonderful friends was the group of men he played a weekly poker game with for thirty-six years. These men, as well as innumerable others, cared and supported him as his illness progressed. Even in death, Danny seeks to help those around him. By giving the gift of his brain for research, he hopes to advance research into the debilitating disease from which he suffered. By choosing a green burial, he aims to limit the environmental impact of his passing. A gathering to honor Danny will be held April 9th, 1:00 p.m. at the home of the Ihara family. Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click obits.
Published in Eureka Times-Standard from March 22 to March 25, 2012
