IWAMOTO, DOUGLAS SHIGEO, a native of Salinas, California, was surrounded by his family when he went home to the Lord on February 23, 2015. Although he practiced Buddhism all of his life, he accepted Jesus Christ as His Savior on February 9, 2015 and was baptized on February 15, 2015. Doug’s optimistic and calm manner remained with him until the end. Ever the caregiver, he helped comfort his family and friends during his fight with cancer.

He left for college but returned to Salinas in 1971 when his father became ill. From that point, he continued farming green onions under the SEICO label, adding employment with Oshita, Inc. and Matsui Nursery. He moved on to start Iwamoto Farms and grew for various companies throughout the Salinas Valley including Tanimura & Antle. Partnering with Mark Mitani, they joined in Summit Seeds, Commission Street and other various agriculture ventures in Salinas. Together, they formed MKM Farms, Inc. with an opportunity to grow and process ready-to-eat vegetables. Doug had many passions. As an active member of the Buddhist Temple of Salinas, he grew into leadership roles with the Buddhist Churches of America where he served as President for two terms.

Doug was preceded by his father, Saburo Eddie Iwamoto and sister, Setsuko Iwamoto. He is survived by his mother, Mary Iwamoto of Salinas, CA, wife, Joann and daughter, Staci (Manuel) Tapia of Garden Grove, CA, grandchildren Emily and Mateo Tapia, son, Scott (Carissa) of Encinitas, CA, son, Jason Fukushima of Pasadena, CA, and our beloved four paw companion, Jack. Doug is also survived by his sisters, Caryl (Roy) Suzuki of Las Vegas, NV, Barbara (Ken) Tanisawa of Burlingame, CA, and sister-in-law, Janet (John) Lew of Tucson, AZ, numerous nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends.

Services were held.