John Kashiwabara passed away Jan. 16, 2010 in Long Beach, Calif. He was born Nov. 30, 1921 in Florin, Calif. A memorial celebration will be held Feb. 5, 2010 at 3:00 pm at the Pyramid at California State University, Long Beach.
Dr. John was one of Long Beach’s greatest supporters and sports fans. He was a family doctor and surgeon, in private practice from 1954-1990, and was heavily involved in Long Beach sports at the high school, community college, and collegiate levels from 1954 until his death.
He was an active member of Downtown Lions Club of Long Beach, Yokkaichi Sister Cities, Long Beach Century Club, Japanese Gardens at CSULB; President of Port of Long Beach, Long Beach Unified School District, Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach, Japanese American Citizens League (Long Beach); Charter Member of CSULB’s 49ers Athletic Association & Long Beach City College Foundation; Board Member of Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, California State University System, National Conference of Christians and Jews (now called CCEJ), American Red Cross (Long Beach), & numerous other organizations.
John is survived by his brother Ken; sister-in-laws Masako Kashiwabara & Mary Kashiwabara & brother-in-law George Ishimoto; nieces Annette Kashiwabara Isozaki (Marty Isozaki), Michelle Farrell (Wayde), Karen Bell (Robert), Linda Quan (Paul), Diane Ishimoto (Larry Inoshita), and nephew Donald Ishimoto (Bev); 9 great-nephews and great-nieces. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Long Beach Community Foundation, John Kashiwabara Endowment, 400 Oceangate, Long Beach, CA 90802 (562-435-9033).