Thomas (Tom) Tamaki Iwanaga, a long time resident of San Martin, California passed away peacefully with his wife and children at his side. He was born in Santa Cruz March 26, 1924, son of Kaneki and Tama Iwanaga. His siblings include Masaharu, Tsugio, Sam Susume, Nobuyuki, Lillian Yuriko Hirabayasshi, Sue Suyeme Nagahara, Henry Hiroshi, William Shoyoichi, George and Marian Kanaya.
Tom is survived by his wife Toshiko Iwanaga, his children Charles (Nitha) Iwanaga, John (Mary) Iwanaga, Carolyn (Rodney) Bray, his grandchildren Daniel Bray, Matthew Bray, Ilene Bray, Stephanie Bray and Kenichi Iwanaga and his sister Marian Kanaya.
The family started to farm in the South County Santa Clara area and later partnered with his younger brother William and his wife Grace to form Iwanaga Farms, Inc., growing plumes, strawberries, bell peppers, chilis and other vegetables.
Tom enjoyed spending his spare time in the garden, doing volunteer work, traveling and managing his rental properties. After retiring from the farm, Tom took up golfing and ballroom dancing with his wife.
Tom had a long and active life. He will be remembered and dearly missed.
Tom’s family would like to host a celebration of life in his honor at the Morgan Hill Buddhist Community Center, 16450 Murphy Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 94037 on Saturday February 11, 2023 at 11:00AM.
In lieu of flowers or koden, the family would appreciate that you make a donation to the South County Morgan Hill Service Group Scholarship Program sent to: South County Morgan Hill Service Group - Scholarship, P O Box 933. Morgan Hill, CA 94037
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