David K. Ninomiya

David K. Ninomiya 1938 - 2008 Of Richmond, CA passed away March 8, 2008 at the University of California Medical Center in San Francisco after valiantly fighting leukemia for almost five years. David was born in Albany, CA, attended Richmond schools, and graduated from Ohio State University majoring in horticulture. He joined the family rose growing business and devoted his professional career to cultivating, testing and marketing the flower. He was among the East Bay leaders in the rose growing industry that flourished during the last half of the 20th century. During his lifetime, David was active in organizations associated with the horticulture industry including terms as president of California State Florist Association, California Floral Council, Roses Incorporated, California Chrysanthemum Association and California Flower Market. He also served on the California Farm Bureau Horticulture Board and board of Society of American Florists Growers' Council. Additionally, David was generous with community service. He served tenures as president of the Golden Gate Optimist Club, Richmond Rotary Club being named a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International and as board member of Richmond YMCA, Joseph H. Hill Memorial Foundation and the Richmond Museum Endowment Fund. David was a member of Contra Costa Japanese American Citizens' Leag-ue, Ohio State University Alumni Club and the Berkeley Methodist United Church. David is survived by his wife, Janet Horio Ninomiya; sisters, Alice, Martha, Flora Ninomiya, Ann (Ben) Koda; mother-in-law, Michiko Horio; brother-in-law, James Horio, and nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2008, 1pm at the Berkeley Methodist United Church, 1710 Carleton, Berkeley, CA 94703. Memorial gifts may be made to the Golden Gate Optimist Youth Fund, c/o California Flower Market, 640 Brannan, SF, CA 94107; Kimochi Inc., 1715 Buchanan St., SF, CA 94115; or Berkeley Methodist United Church Trustees, 1710 Carleton, Berkeley, CA 94703.