Sam Saburo Kusaka

1928 - 2014

Kusaka, Sam Saburo 04/24/1928 ~ 09/05/2014 CHULA VISTA -- Sam "The Strawberry Man" of Chula Vista passed away on September 5, 2014 with his loving wife of 55 years Lillian by his side. Sam was a Chula Vista institution selling fresh local strawberries from a ten acre field located at Fourth and Main. Sam was loved for his kind heart, his positive can-do attitude, his generous spirit, and his deep love for people. Sam had a strong work ethic. He continued working up until the last years of his long life. He never spoke an unkind word about anyone. And he was always there to lend a helping hand. Sam was born April 24, 1928 in Rexburg, Idaho to Gensaburo and Matsu Kusaka. Sam was the consummate hard working farmer. He started his career growing onions and celery in Idaho. In1949 he and his brothers, George and Tom, moved to southern California where they established Chula Vista Farms which produced fresh fruits and vegetables for over 30 years. As residential development claimed fertile farmland, Sam turned his talents to growing the sweetest tasting strawberries in the world. From his little field at Fourth and Main Street in Chula Vista, Sam delighted the local community with his plump juicy berries. But Sam was also an innovator. Some of the varieties he helped developed are now enjoyed throughout the world including Europe and Asia. Sam loved farming, but the greatest love in his life was Lillian his wife of 55 years. They first met when Lillian saw Sam play on an opposing basketball team in grammar school. They grew to know one another while attending Japanese School during the summers. They married in San Diego in 1959 and lived in the south bay. In addition to Lillian, Sam is survived by his sister Kate Odahara, and many nephews and nieces who just adored him. Sam was a very giving person. He loved to share. If you showed up at the Kusaka doorstep, Lillian would have snacks out in a minute and the two of them would sit and chat with you as if the visit had been planned for weeks. When you rose to leave, your hands would be filled with tangerines from their tree, or some other fruit or vegetable they had from the farms. Sam also shared his knowledge of farming. He was a fantastic mentor and teacher. But most importantly, he led by example. His influence on Andrew and Williamson Fresh Produce, a large grower-shipper, has been enormous. The company named their conference room in honor of Sam. And when they are trying to show their young up-and-comers what "good" looks like, they point to Sam Kusaka as the model. He has touched many lives in the produce industry. He will be missed by many. His legacy will live on in the lives of others as they strive to emulate his example.