It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Ralph Kyoji Iwasa on April 1, 2014. Ralph is survived by his wife, Betsy, daughters, Karen and Joy, son-in-law Michael Lubofsky, brother Lynn Iwasa and sister-in-law Meredith, and other caring family members: Yae Wada, Peter Jan, Steve and Lynn Matsumoto and several nieces and nephews.
Ralph was born in Salinas, California to Kyoichi and Yoshie (Nakata) Iwasa in 1941. He spent his early childhood in Manzanar Internment Camp during WWII and then Los Angeles. After a brief time in the Army, he moved to the Bay Area and married Diane (Wada), raising daughters, Karen and Joy. They spent 39 years together until Diane’s passing in 2002. After more than 35 years, he retired from a career at Safeway. He met Betsy (Safine) in 2008, married in 2010, and enjoyed their years together gardening, traveling the world and volunteering at Betsy’s grandchildren’s school.
He had a thirst for adventure: motorcycle riding, fishing and hiking, photography, scuba diving and cycling. He always had a pleasant smile and easy going spirit for everyone he met, but a passionate loyalty to his friends and family. He will be missed beyond words. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his memory to Contra Costa County Animal Services, Animal Benefit Fund: 4800 Imhoff Place, Martinez, CA 94553. Please specify in memory of Ralph Iwasa.
A celebration of his life will be held April 26th at Sunset View Mortuary in El Cerrito, 101 Colusa Ave at 10:30 a.m. for family and friends.