SALINAS, CA - Today the industry grieves as it learns of the loss of a pioneer of the produce industry.
The Tanimura family announced with sadness that its patriarch, George Tanimura, passed away last Friday, April 15. He went peacefully in his home in Salinas, California, at 100 years old.
While he marked his 100th birthday quietly surrounded by those he loved, more than 600 people joined to honor him and his influence in the farming industry at a milestone centennial celebration in July of 2014.
Born in San Juan Bautista on July 2, 1915, George was the eldest of 12 and learned how to work when he was compelled to quit school and help his father with the family’s small farm after the loss of his mother. In the midst of the Great Depression, George’s father also passed, leaving George responsible for the farm and the family.
George helped to guide his family through a number of historical and economic challenges, including World War II, in which he and members of his family were removed from their farms and placed in internment camps in Poston, Arizona.
Despite the hardships of losing everything, it was during this time George met the love of his life, Masaye Yamauchi, with whom he last year celebrated his 71-year wedding anniversary. She stood by his side through every step, including the saving George and his brothers did to purchase an acre of land in Gilroy after the end of the war which would one day build today’s Tanimura & Antle.
According to his family, George and his brothers successfully created a dynamic and successful farming enterprise through strong bonds of respect, love, and cooperation, before developing a relationship with another produce industry legend, Bud Antle, in 1948.
34 years later, Tanimura & Antle was formed, with George working alongside brothers Charlie, Johnny, Tommy and Bobby, as well as nephews Gary and Keith to join Bud and his sons Rick and Mike.
As Co-Chairmen of the Board and inseparable business partners, George and Bob worked together to make the company a premier agriculture company in the world, becoming an icon to family farming in Salinas Valley.
According to his family, Tanimura & Antle was his life, with topics like lettuce prices, transplant technology, new hydroponic varieties, and any other farming matter dominating every discussion.
He was the recipient of numerous accolades and honors, though he downplayed these accomplishments and avoided any fanfare. But he always participated in every farming innovation in the Salinas Valley, advocating matters such as using technology to reduce water usage.
According to those close to him, all of the Tanimura family looked to George to share his wisdom and, ultimately, make family decisions. Being on the ranch is what brought him happiness, his pride and joy being the Tres Picos Ranch in Huron, California, which he visited at least once a week in season even in the last year. One particular late Tuesday night tradition was to stop in Los Banos for pickled pig’s feet.
All who knew George loved him, and his presence and influence will be greatly missed. His lifelong commitment will live on through the passion and drive he instilled in all around him.
George is survived by his wife Masaye, son, Glenn (Sheila) Tanimura and daughter Leslie (Ken) Morishita, grandchildren Chris (Becky) Tanimura, Erin, Ryan and Kelly Tanimura, and great grandchildren Makenzie, Jaklyn, and Karter Tanimura. He is also survived by his brother Tommy (Hisako) Tanimura; his sister-in-law, Sachi Tanimura, wife of his late brother Johnny and sister Rose Yuki. George was predeceased by Chisato Tanimura, Tame (Masato) Nakano, Charlie (Fumi) Tanimura, Alice (Ben) Sato, Johnny Tanimura, Betty (Kaz) Furusho, Benjamin Tanimura, Hiroko Tanimura, Bobby Tanimura, and Tamotsu Tanimura.
There will be a viewing held Saturday, April 23, 2016 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Struve & Laporte Funeral Chapel located at 41 W San Luis Street, Salinas, CA 93901.
The Funeral/Memorial Service will be held on Sunday April 24, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Buddhist Temple of Salinas, located at 14 California Street, Salinas, CA 93901.
The Tanimura Family has asked that anyone wishing to honor George with a donation to please do so through the Tanimura Family Foundation, P.O. Box 4070, Salinas, CA 93912.
AndNowUKnow extends its sincerest condolences to the Tanimura and Antle families, friends, and all affected by this loss.
