Apr 18, 2016

Obituary: George Tanimura

It is with sadness that the Tanimura family announces the loss of their family patriarch and agricultural legend George Tanimura.  Tanimura passed away peacefully at his home in Salinas, California on April 15.

Tanimura was born in San Juan Bautista on July 2, 1915, to Eijiro Kimoto and Yukino Tanimura. While attending grammar school in Castroville, George thinned iceberg lettuce on his father’s small farm. After his mother died, Tanimura, the eldest son of his 12 siblings, was compelled to quit school to farm with his father.

In 1948, the Tanimura Family began a farming relationship with another agricultural legend, Bud Antle. Shortly thereafter, the Tanimuras began to grow exclusively for Bud Antle, Inc. Bud, and his son Bob Antle, began working closely with the Tanimura family for over 34 years. In 1982, this relationship culminated in the formation of Tanimura & Antle. Tanimura along with his brothers, Charlie, Johnny, Tommy and Bobby, and nephews, Gary and Keith formed Tanimura & Antle with Bob Antle and his sons Rick and Mike. This partnership joined the Tanimura growing expertise  with the Antle packing, marketing, and shipping expertise. George and Bob Antle became inseparable partners and co-chairmen of the board as they worked together to successfully lead Tanimura & Antle.

The viewing will be held Saturday April 23 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Struve & Laporte Funeral Chapel located at 41 W San Luis Street, Salinas, California 93901. The funeral/memorial service will be held on Sunday April 24 at 1:00 p.m. at the Buddhist Temple of Salinas located at 14 California Street, Salinas, California 93901.

The Tanimura family has asked that anyone wishing to honor George with a donation, please donate to the Tanimura Family Foundation, P.O. Box 4070, Salinas, CA 93912.

— Tanimura & Antle