It is with great sadness that the Tanimura family announces the loss of Tom Tanimura. He was known to all as Tommy and was the last of the legacy known as the Tanimura brothers. Tommy passed away peacefully in his sleep in Salinas, California on Monday, December 26, 2016 at the age of 88.
Tommy was born, January 18, 1928, in Castroville to Eijiro and Yukino Tanimura, as the eleventh of thirteen children. He spent his boyhood working with his brothers, learning the art and science of farming.
Tommy valiantly served in the U.S. Army in Korea.
In 1982, Tommy, together with his brothers George, Charlie, Johnny, and Bobby, and his nephews Gary and Keith, partnered with Bob, Rick and Mike Antle to form grower-shipper Tanimura & Antle. Tommy and his brothers were often seen traveling on their ranches together in their white pickup truck. A mural of this memory is depicted on Highway 68 between Spreckels Boulevard and Hunter Lane.
After the long days farming, his brothers continued to discuss farming, but Tommy planned trips to Las Vegas, Reno, Tahoe, or other destinations that offered a chance to have fun. The Tanimura brothers were known for their passion for farming, but Tommy was equally known for his passion for fun, and to him, winning was the ultimate fun. When he won, his generous nature had him sharing with charities and friends.
Tommy’s other passions included bowling and golf. For the last 20 years he sponsored the Tommy T Golf Tournament, so his hard-working employees could join him for some casual fun.
Tommy loved his schedule and routine. If the lunch was served at noon, he would be there by 11:00 A.M. “checking things out.” Like a well-tuned clock, you could find Tommy at the coffee shop in Chualar, walking at the Salinas mall and Hartnell Track, having lunch at the Landing Zone at the Salinas Airport, and serving as the unofficial “Mayor of Castroville” at Mike’s for a few games of Solitaire. His scheduled day ended with his favorite Japanese meals prepared by his wife Hisako with her expert cooking skills. He was timely in all things but his passing.
Tommy was a joy to spend time with, talking about current events (even when he pretended not to hear you), debating the value of past farming practices to current work habits, or planning a fun activity.
We all will miss him greatly!
Tommy is survived by his wife Hisako, her children Gerald Evans, Arhline Aliotti, Darline Lohman, and Marline Fridman, sister Rose Yuki, sisters-in-law, Sachi Tanimura, widow of his brother Johnny, Masaye Tanimura, widow of his brother George, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Tommy dearly loved all of his family and for many years made weekly trips to be with them.
Visitation will be held Thursday January 5, 2017 from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Struve and Laporte Chapel, 41 W. San Luis Street, Salinas, CA. 93901.
A Funeral Service for Tommy Tanimura will be held Friday, January 6, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at the Buddhist Temple of Salinas, 14 California Street, Salinas, CA. 93901.
The Tanimura Family has asked that anyone wishing to honor Tommy with a contribution do so in his name at the Buddhist Temple of Salinas or the Hospice of the Central Coast.
Funeral arrangements by Struve and Laporte.
Online condolences to www.struveandlaporte.com
