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Bruce Asakawa Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bruce Moto Asakawa on January 27, 2022 after more than a 30-year struggle with Parkinson's disease.
Bruce's life was a celebration of family, friendship and public service. He was born in San Diego on August 15, 1941. Shortly thereafter, Bruce was interned with his parents and thousands of other Japanese Americans during World War II. The family returned to San Diego in 1945 and re-established their lives by opening the Presidio Garden Center on Morena Boulevard. Bruce graduated from Mission Bay High School and Cal Poly Pomona with a Bachelor's degree in landscape architecture.
He was a landscape architect and managed Presidio Nursery and Bonita Garden Centers with his parents Moto and Florence Asakawa and brother Glenn. He also proudly served as a navigation division officer in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, and became a syndicated gardening radio and television host and author of several books including Bruce and Sharon Asakawa's California Gardener's Guide. In addition, he helped establish the California Association of Nurseryman's certification program, was appointed by the Governor of California to the California Urban Forestry Advisory Council, served on the Human Relations Commission in San Diego and was a board member of the Japanese American Citizens League.
The family is thankful for the amazing care at the Veteran Home of California Chula Vista and Vitas Hospice.
He is survived by his wife Sharon, daughter Tasia, son Eric, daughter-in-law Stephanie, grandchildren Nicholas, Samokai and Emiko, brothers Glenn, Don (wife Linda), Larry (partner Kara) and nephew Kristofer.
Donations may be sent to Balboa Park's Japanese Friendship Garden, Japanese American Historical Society of San Diego, the Parkinson's Association of San Diego or the Ocean View United Church of Christ.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Asakawa
6 Entries
Paula Perretta (Asperin)
March 5, 2022
Sharon, we have a wonderful memory of you and Bruce coming to our home. We´re so happy to have met him. His advice returned our avocado trees to life and your suggestion created a, once again, thriving bougainvillea. Best wishes to you, my cherished high school friend.
Matt Sato
March 1, 2022
Sharon, my deep sympathy for you and your family. I realize that it was a long difficult battle for you and Bruce. My realization comes through the many, many years my mother spent caring for my father-caring for a spouse and tending to one's own life is real love personified. May the Lord give you His peace as you go through this time of loss.
Joan Cudhea
March 1, 2022
I treasure Bruce Asakawa for all the many ways he "gardened" in San Diego. I did not know him personally but became a docent at the Japanese Friendship Garden when the docent program first began. I treasure those memories.
Kurt Steven Peacock
February 28, 2022
Dear Sharon, Glenn and the Asakawa Family. Sad to hear about Bruce passing in January. I know he must be at peace after such a long battle against Parkinson's. I will always remember how warm and kind he was to me when I started out in the plant & tree business. 43 years later I'm still in it because of encouragement from people like Bruce. I will plant a tree in his honor this year with Tree San Diego. May you all find peace and strength knowing he is not in pain anymore.
Andy Casillas
February 27, 2022
I worked on the Sunup San Diego show where Bruce would come and share his wealth of knowledge about gardening. He was a joy to work with, his smile, laugh and great advice were so welcomed. I was planting only yesterday when I remembered to put rocks on the bottom of the pot. I thought, I remembered Bruce. Then today I read his obituary. How strange that was, but so glad to still have that fond memory of him come up now and then. Condolences to your family. You lost quite a guy.
Roger Kuite
February 27, 2022
Sharon, so sorry to hear of Bruce´s passing. I know we have lost touch since I left Bonita but I still have fond memories of playing tennis with Dr. Dirt at BVTC and spending time with you both. All my prayers and best wishes to you and your family at this sorrowful time.
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