KUNIBE, BEN TSUTOMU “JI-CHAN,” the eternal optimist passed away April 30, 2011. He is survived by his wife of 63 years Teruyo Kunibe; brother Tom Kunibe; children Charlene Braun (Andy) grandchildren Ben Curley, Reggie, Tess and Ricky; Susanne Sharpnack (John) grandchildren Tomiko, Matt, and Andrew; Phyllis Powers (Terry) grandchildren Zack and Tim; and Russell Kunibe grandchild Akemi. He was predeceased by his brothers James (Sonoko) and Henry.

Ben loved and enjoyed life and his sense of fun was contagious. Ben was born November 15, 1917 in San Francisco. Married Teruyo Kimura on June 15, 1947.

He and his 3 brothers started the endeavor that would become his life’s work when they opened grocery store produce departments.

In 1952, Ben brought his family to South Lake Tahoe from Sacramento to run the produce section at Lampson’s Market. He retired in 1984.

He was an avid fisherman, a charter member of the South Lake Tahoe Optimist Club and a SF Giants fan. Ben was active and forward looking and always felt that he had a full life with no regrets. He would be the first to greet friends and strangers with a hearty welcome and immediately make them feel at home. He will be missed by his friends, family and community.

Please join us in saying good-bye with a brief Buddhist service followed by a celebration of life on Saturday, May 7, 2011 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Emerald Bay Room at the Horizon Casino, Stateline, Nevada. No flowers please. (530) 541-2789 for questions or information.