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Iwao Yamashita Obituary
Iwao was born in San Jose, CA, the fifth child in a family of six children. In 1951 during the Korean War, Iwao Yamashita was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the MIS (Military Intelligence Service) as an interrogator/interpreter and was later promoted to Staff Sergeant.
Iwao worked extremely hard his entire life to provide a good future for his wife, Tomiko, and four children. He started as a gardener and eventually built a successful flower business in Mountain View. In 1965, Iwao moved his flower business and family to Watsonville.
Iwao enjoyed bonsai, bowling, woodworking, playing blackjack, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends. During the summer, Iwao loved to listen to his favorite sports team, the San Francisco Giants. Iwao was a member of the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple, Watsonville Buddhist Temple, Watsonville-Santa Cruz J.A.C.L and Senior Center, Watsonville Bonsai Club where he was one of the original members, California Flower Growers Association, and the FFNV (Friends and Family of Nisei Veterans).
Iwao was an honest man with a kind heart and a wonderful father. He will be truly missed by his daughters Jean Yamashita, Ann Yamashita, and Shirley Inokuchi; son, Brian Yamashita; son-in-law Tom Inokuchi; and two grandchildren, Corey and Christopher Inokuchi. Iwao was preceded in death by his wife, Tomiko, in 2008. He is survived by his brother-in-law's wife, Etsuko Yano, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 22, 2023 at 2 PM at the Watsonville Buddhist Temple, 423 Bridge Street in Watsonville. Masks will be required. Mehl's Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Iwao Yamashita
Sponsored by Mehl's Colonial Chapel.
2 Entries
Jan Chadwick
March 11, 2023
My thoughts are with the Yamashita family. I remember Iwao from my childhood when I would go visit my friend Jean at their home. I remember all the carnations! Bless you all. Jan Driskill Chadwick
David Yoshida
January 15, 2023
I remember Uncle Iwao as a kind and gentle person. He would always say hello and shake my hand. I remember him raising flowers in Mountain View and Watsonville. He was a hard worker. He appreciated help. He was my father in-laws younger brother. May he rest in peace. He is now with his wife Auntie Tomiko and older brother Hideo.
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