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Glenn Iwasaki Obituary
1946 ~ 2024
Glenn Keiji Iwasaki, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and cousin, passed away on November 6, 2024, while listening to his favorite band, The Grateful Dead. For twenty years, Glenn faced Parkinson's with quiet strength, never wanting to burden anyone.
To quote Jerry Garcia, "What
a long strange trip it's been." Indeed, it has.
Glenn was born on May 3, 1946, the third child and youngest son of Haruye and Iwao Iwasaki in Salt Lake City, Utah.
He graduated from West High School and went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from the University of Utah's Law School in 1971. Glenn had decided to become a lawyer at the age of 14, eventually becoming the 13th ethnic minority admitted to the Utah State Bar.
He began his career as a trial attorney with the Salt Lake Legal Defenders Association before forming a partnership at Collard, Pixton, Iwasaki & Downes law firm. Glenn also served as Deputy County Attorney and later as the unit chief for the Special Victims Prosecution Unit.
In July 1992, Glenn was appointed as Utah's second minority Judge in Utah's Third District Court. He was honored as Judge of the Year by the Utah State Bar in 2008. When not in the courtroom, Glenn served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Utah and sat on the Board of Trustees for the S.J. Quinney College of Law Alumni Association.
Throughout his career, Glenn held several significant roles, including Chair of the Youth Parole Authority, member of the Utah Supreme Court Advisory Committee on the Rules of Criminal Procedure, and member of the Utah Task Force on Racial and Ethnic Fairness.
While Glenn's career in law and civil service was remarkable, his passions extended beyond the courtroom. A lover of all sports, he never left a Sports Illustrated magazine unread. He enjoyed discussing sports and filling out his March Madness brackets each spring. Glenn was an avid reader of biographies and autobiographies, always pursuing his love of learning about musicians, cultural icons, and history's movers and shakers.
Though Glenn found fulfillment in his professional accomplishments, he was first and foremost a family man. He showed this through his love for his wife, Marian, his three children, five grandchildren, his parents, two siblings, his cats, Bertha and Stella, and his nieces, nephews, and cousins. He also kept a tight-knit circle of lifelong friends and colleagues, some of whom he had known since his youth.
He is survived by his wife, Marian; his children, Scott Iwasaki (Tamra), Marnie Mish (Martin), and Raquel Austin (Jedd), all of Salt Lake City; and his grandchildren, Allyson Iwasaki of Atlanta, Georgia; Sydney Austin of Salt Lake City; Kaitlyn Duehlmeier
(Dylan) of Salt Lake City; Cy Austin of Chicago, Illinois; and Emily Mish of Salt Lake City.
He is also survived by his siblings, Hiro Iwasaki (Elaine) of Salt Lake City and Beverly Saito (Spencer) of Mission Viejo, California, and their children.
Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, and his brother-in-law, Spencer Saito.
A celebration of Glenn's life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to honor the remarkable life he lived.
If you would like, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Glenn's memory to "and Justice for all," a nonprofit committed to providing free and low-cost legal services to Utah's most vulnerable citizens. Donations can be sent to 960 S. Main Street,
SLC, Utah 84104, or made online at andjusticeforall.org/donate.
"One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain." ~Bob Marley
Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor.
Please visit www.Starksfuneral.com to share photos and memories with the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Glenn Iwasaki
Sponsored by Starks Funeral Parlor.
Ken Ikegami
March 1, 2025
Played football against him in high school graduated with him from the u .were friends . Wish good travels.
Sharon Kishner
January 21, 2025
I was sorry to read about Judge Iwaskai in the Bar Journal recently. I want his family to know what a significant role he played in my legal career and life. I met Judge Iwasaki when I was graduating law school and he worked for the office of District Attorney. He was willing to take the time to talk with me about my goal (at the time) of becoming a juvenile court judge. We talked about music, and what not to say if I got an interview with his office. He must have put in a good word about me because I got an offer. As an attorney I appeared in front of him and gained respect for how he could be stern and kind at the same time with the individuals who appeared before him. He was always very prepared. Judge Iwasaki made time for volunteer organizations, like founding the Minority Bar Association with some other graduates of the law school. Most importantly, I respected Judge Iwaskai enough to ask him to proceed over the adoption of my first daughter, and my second daughter, five years later. He was an incredible role model.
Paula Morgan
December 12, 2024
Dearest Glennie.... I was privileged to become a friend in high school. Such cherished memories of a kind, funny man who could dance up a storm at the stomps after games. So many were excited to visit with him at our 60 year reunion ...me included.
Greg Bown
November 25, 2024
I first met Glenn while in high school (he scared me to death- long story.) Then we met in law school. Named my daughter after his daughter, Marnie. Worked with him at the County Attorney´s Office. Went to lunch and played snooker for a bit while there. Had cases against him when went to defense work. Appeared in front of him when he became a judge. All in all I looked up to him. He was good lawyer and judge. But most of all he was my friend. I miss him already.
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Janet Banks
November 24, 2024
My life was forever impacted by Glenn Iwasaki, as I was his front clerk from the day he appointed to the day he retired. He was a good friend and he will be greatly missed. This picture is from when he first started as a Judge. I will love you for always, and you are in my heart.
Brooke Wells
November 21, 2024
My heart is broken, my dearest friend for all reasons. Brooke
Frances M. Palacios
November 20, 2024
I am so sad that my friend and mentor has left this worldly existence but I find solace in knowing that he is out of pain and at peace. Besides the obvious, that he is intelligent, kind, compassionate, fair and professional in both of his roles as an attorney and a judge, Glenn was a hoot and always made me laugh with his quick wit. I had just started in felonies at LDA and Glenn asked me to second chair a case with him. As we are all sitting there at the defendant's table, Glenn looks along the table at me (the Latina) and our client ( a black man), he (of Japanese heritage) then leans over to me and whispers, "We look like we have the whole United Nations at this table".
He was such a special person. My condolences, Marian, and to the rest of the family for your loss.
Susan (Susie) Sundberg
November 19, 2024
What a great guy! He was so uplifting to be around AND feisty. I was clerking for Judge Ernest Baldwin on the day he lost his temper with Glenn, and had him arrested and booked into jail! I could always tell him that I remembered that day! When I became a Chief Deputy Clerk, Judge Iwasaki was one of the few Judges that would talk to me anytime, and answer all my law questions. He was a wonderful human being in every way, and I hope to see him again some day.
Kent Holland
November 18, 2024
Glenn was a great attorney and Judge. As a Judge, Glenn was always knowledgeable about the case and fair to all the parties involved. He will be missed.
Kathy Peterson
November 18, 2024
I served with Judge Iwasaki on the Youth Parole Authority Board for several years. He was thoughtful, firm, but always fair. It was an honor to get to know him and to learn from him. What a truly gentle man he was. RIP dear Glenn.
Manny Garcia
November 18, 2024
Glen was my mentor when I was a pup legal defender. He taught me the ropes. I tried cases against him when he was a prosecutor. He was smart and honest. He was an excellent attorney and a good man. Rest in peace,Glen
Katherine Shepherd
November 18, 2024
I knew Judge Iwasaki for many years, starting when he was a legal defender. He was an amazing attorney and Judge. Always fair and thoughtful. The criminal justice system in Salt Lake City was a better system because of him. Condolences to all of his family.
Jennifer Connole and Family
November 17, 2024
I was fortunate to be a law clerk for Judge Iwasaki and over the years, through watching my son and his grandson Cy participate in sports, going to great family/work dinners (often at Pagoda), and countless lunches with his staff, I am even more honored to call he and his family friends! My family and I send you all much love! He was the best!
Randy S Ludlow
November 17, 2024
Glenn was an excellent attorney, a great judge, but most of all, a wonderful person.
Gary Kraus
November 16, 2024
Not only a great friend, but a great human being
Maria Kinghorn
November 16, 2024
My condolences to Glenn´s family.
Maria Kinghorn
Stephen R. Mccaughey
November 16, 2024
What a wonderful person ( in spite of being a Dodgers fan). He and i had 45 years of a friendship i'll forever cherish. A true professional in what he did. May he rest in peace.
D.B. Bell
November 16, 2024
During my 30 + law enforcement career I had numerous interactions with Judge Iwasaki. Many of these were from when he was a Prosecutor, one very memorable one, which we both would bring up and laugh about, years later when our paths crossed. He was always an example of a true professional, but more importantly he was a really nice man! My condolences to his family on his passing.
Suzan Pixton
November 16, 2024
I am broken hearted. Kind, funny, supportive, charming, brilliant. We are all better having known him.
Thomas N Thompson
November 16, 2024
Judge Iwasaki was surely among our greatest jurists, and he'll be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of appearing before him.
Jeanie Wilson
November 15, 2024
That makes my heart ache. Sending lots of love and
Michael Zimmerman
November 15, 2024
When he was sworn in as a judge before the Supreme Court of Utah, I recall his starting his remarks with the same Grateful Dead line that marks his obituary-"what a long strange trip it´s been." He was a fine judge and a strong advocate for a judiciary that reflected the people who appear before it. May more follow in his footsteps.
for
Bill Morris
November 15, 2024
When I was an agent with Adult Probation and Parole I had the honor on several occasions to appear before Judge Iwasaki on cases involving persons I supervised. He was very understanding and professional. A true gentleman.
Brent Long
November 15, 2024
Spent many hours in Court with Judge Iwasaki !! Always admired his Courtroom demeanor, fairness & humanity !!
Rest peacefully, Sir !!
Judy Dencker
November 15, 2024
Having occasion to be around the courts from time to time, I was surprised to be called to jury duty. Showing up with other potential jurors, we were only told that the case was a civil matter and then we were ushered in to the court room to be questioned by attorneys. Judge Glenn Iwasaki was seated on the bench and as I walked in, we made eye contact and he greeted me with a smile and a "Hi, Judy". I replied with a "good morning, Your Honor". That was the only time I ever got into a court room albeit very short-lived, as a potential juror.
He was always the professional and fair jurist. It was an honor to have rubbed elbows with him back in the day.
Rest in peace, Your Honor.
Steve Owens
November 14, 2024
I love Glenn Iwasaki. I had the pleasure to be his law clerk 1996-97. It was an honor to learn from him and count him as a friend. He was always in his office early and fully engaged. His staff adored him. He was also hilarious, was fiercely loyal, and loved being a judge. Just last year he called me to congratulate me on a trial win. Thanks, judge! Love to your wonderful family.
Brenda Gonzales Munro
November 14, 2024
I was honored to walk the Hallowed Halls of West High with Glenn. He was a great friend and an amazing classmate. God's Blessings as you go through this difficult time.
Raylene Menke Hallman
November 14, 2024
One of the nicest men I've ever known. Never heard him say a bad thing about anyone.
Candace & Mike Garcia
November 14, 2024
My husband and I will be forever grateful to him. He married us 18 years ago and he was truly a magical piece of our story. He made our day so special with his kindness, love, and joyful outlook of life. The world is a better place because of him. Gone but never forgotten. Love to all of his family.
Scott Starley
November 14, 2024
Dear Marian,
I am so sorry to read this about your wonderful husband Glen. My sincere condolences and if I can do anything to help you just let me know.
Scott Starley
Mark J Williams
November 14, 2024
I had many cases before Judge Iwasaki. He was always prepared, intelligent, and fair. He consistently tried to make everyone in his courtroom feel comfortable and respected. But beyond being a good judge, he was, more importantly, a good human being. He will be missed.
Bob Flores
November 14, 2024
I was greatly saddened to learn of Glenn's passing. He was a monumental contributor to the Utah legal community, and I was privileged to work alongside him in a few endeavors. In addition to the community service mentioned in the obituary, a few others are worthy of mention. One is the Utah Minority Bar Association. Glenn was a founding member of the UMBA in 1991, along with Ray Uno, Jimi Mitsunaga, Robert Michael Archuleta, Dane Nolan, me, and several others, and in subsequent years he remained an avid supporter of the UMBA, especially its scholarship program. It is fitting that tonight, November 14, the UMBA is holding its annual scholarship and awards banquet, which Glenn regularly attended. Also notable that Glenn was honored with the Utah Bar's Raymond S. Uno Award for Advancement of Minorities in the Law, in 2007. And there is the Dean's Diversity Council at the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah. Glenn served on the Council from its origin in 2015, until 2019 when his health issues led him to need to resign. As a member of the faculty and member of that Council, I can attest to the importance of Glenn's input and support. He was a gentle man, a dedicated community servant, and extraordinarily humble. I was proud to consider him a friend. Robert "Bob" Flores, Professor of Law (Emeritus), University of Utah.
Andrew Stone
November 14, 2024
He was the model judge - always prepared, thoughtful, patient and kind. His courtroom was a special place. He made a point of encouraging me in my career, and I will always be grateful. Fare thee well.
Arthur "Mac" Connole
November 14, 2024
He will be long remembered for his steadfast service to the host of friends and to the community.
Robyn
November 14, 2024
He was the Judge in a case my husband Michael Heyrend litigated in the 90´s. Judge Iwasaki was so just and kind. We will miss his integrity.
Ed Brass
November 13, 2024
A pioneer, a fierce advocate, a mentor, and a friend.
Karla Staker
November 13, 2024
Dear Marian and Raquel, Bless you and may God´s peace be upon you, your family, and your beloved Glenn. The light of his service is sure to shine on brightly.
Josette Ono
November 13, 2024
To the Iwasaki Family
My deepest sympathy. I hope happy memories help you through this difficult time.
Josette Ono
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