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BORN
1925
DIED
2017
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George Higashi Obituary
June 17, 1925 - May 17, 2017
Salinas
George Toru Higashi, 91, of Salinas, passed away May 17, 2017. He was born June 17, 1925 in Inglewood, to Iso and Gozaemon Higashi.
Son of Japanese immigrants, George began a long career in the agricultural business in Inglewood. Under Executive Order 9066, the family moved to Brighton, CO where they continued farming during World War II. In 1949, the family set roots in the Salinas Valley where they began farming 38 acres on Carr Lake, George's final residence. George spent more than 70 years in the agricultural business, farming in Inglewood CA, Brighton CO, the San Joaquin Valley, and throughout the Salinas Valley. In 2001, he was recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture for his contributions to American Agriculture.
George enjoyed travelling all over the world--often visiting places more than once, growing his own summer garden, and spending time with his grandchildren. George was a board member of the Salinas Valley Japanese American Citizens League and Yamato Cemetery. He was a supporter of many organizations including the Japanese American National Museum, National Japanese American Memorial Foundation, Lincoln Avenue Presbyterian Church, Chartwell School and the Salinas Buddhist Temple. He was a founding member of the UC Davis Chancellor's Club.
George was preceded in death by his daughter, Carolyn Higashi; parents, Iso and Gozaemon Higashi; his sister, Kazuko Fushimi; and his brothers, Noburo Higashi and Shiro Higashi.
He leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Janice Higashi; sons, Gary Higashi and Kenneth Higashi (Lyn); daughter, Shari Higashi; and grandchildren, Megan Higashi, Gregory Higashi, and Douglas Higashi, as well as numerous family members.
Memorials may be made to Salinas Valley Japanese American Citizens League and/or Yamato Cemetery.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 24, 2017, at the Buddhist Temple of Salinas, 14 California St., Salinas, CA 93901.
Funeral arrangements by Struve and Laporte.
Online condolences to www.struveandlaporte.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Higashi
Sponsored by Struve and Laporte Funeral Chapel.
2 Entries
Christine
June 13, 2017
I am very sorry for your loss. My prayer is that in days to come you continue finding comfort from those who will always love and support you. (Matthew 5:4)
Carol Hoover
June 1, 2017
Dear family of George Higashi,
My parents, George and Sanae Otsuki were saddened to learn of the passing of George. My father in particular was a good friend of George's and shared interests in farming. Though George's family is Buddhist, George was very generous in his donations to Mom and Dad's church, Lincoln Avenue Presbyterian Church, and his generosity was very much appreciated. Please accept our deepest condolences.
--Carol Hoover, on behalf of
George and Sanae Otsuki
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Struve and Laporte Funeral Chapel41 W. San Luis Street, Salinas, CA 93901
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