LARRY AND MASAKO IWAMOTO Aug. 28, 1917 - Oct. 18, 2016 March 6, 1921-July 1, 2005 Larry G. Iwamoto, "Manoa," age 99, passed away peacefully with family at his side in Kailua on October 18, 2016. He has now joined his wife, Masako Okuno Iwamoto, who preceded him in death at age 84 on July 1, 2005, after 62 years of marriage. Larry was born in Mo`ili`ili on August 28, 1917, the first son of Yoshijiro and Chiyo Kawamoto Iwamoto. He attended Kuhio Elementary and Washington Intermediate Schools, leaving at eighth grade to run his father's farm. He then trained and worked as a carpenter. He had to interrupt that career for seven years while he helped his brother-in-law by serving as the "citizen captain" on the aku sampan "Momi." Returning to carpentry, Larry became a master carpenter known for his excellent craftsmanship. He especially enjoyed working on houses designed by Vladimir Ossipoff, and he was always ready to help family and friends repair or renovate their homes. On December 7, 1941, Larry was on his way for his first date with a young woman who lived in Pearl City. The date was called off because of the attack on Pearl Harbor, but he and Masako Okuno were married on August 23, 1942. Masako was a homemaker, a gardener, a seamstress, and an excellent cook. With five children, Larry's parents, and later her mother to care for, she managed to make a loving home for all. She sewed everyone's clothes, including prom gowns, and was renowned for her sushi. She and Larry raised anthuriums and vegetables, always sharing their bounty with others. They were unselfish with their time and skills, hardworking, humble, and honest. Both Larry and Masako valued education, buying sets of encyclopedias and other books even though it was a financial struggle with so many mouths to feed. They passed this love of learning on to their five children, all of whom graduated from college and went on to fulfilling careers. In their retirement, Larry and Masako enjoyed traveling annually to Alaska and Las Vegas. They spoiled their dogs, babysat their grandchildren, and were the center of family life for many long and happy years. Larry and Masako are survived by their five children: Lana (Daniel) Mito, Robert (Rae) Iwamoto, June (Allen) Shinsato, Lawrence (Hae Song) Iwamoto, and Karen (Bert) Taoka. They have twelve grandchildren, whom they dearly loved and who returned that love and respect: Alyssa Mito (Drake) Pusey, Danica Mito, Reyn (Leann) Mito, Ken (Karen) Iwamoto, Ruth (Lucy) Iwamoto, Wendee Shinsato (Ebi Saberi), Gerick Shinsato, Marisa Shinsato, Adrienne Iwamoto (Willie) Suarez, Melanie (Dan) Trombly, Erin Iwamoto (Tadd Galusha), and In Kyong (Jung Sik) Han. They also have thirteen great-grandchildren. Private services were held. Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary
LARRY AND MASAKO IWAMOTO Aug. 28, 1917 - Oct. 18, 2016 March 6, 1921-July 1, 2005 Larry G. Iwamoto, "Manoa," age 99, passed away peacefully with family at his side in Kailua on October 18, 2016. He has now joined his wife, Masako Okuno Iwamoto, who preceded him in death at age 84 on July 1, 2005, after 62 years of marriage. Larry was born in Mo`ili`ili on August 28, 1917, the first son of Yoshijiro and Chiyo Kawamoto Iwamoto. He attended Kuhio Elementary and Washington Intermediate Schools, leaving at eighth grade to run his father's farm. He then trained and worked as a carpenter. He had to interrupt that career for seven years while he helped his brother-in-law by serving as the "citizen captain" on the aku sampan "Momi." Returning to carpentry, Larry became a master carpenter known for his excellent craftsmanship. He especially enjoyed working on houses designed by Vladimir Ossipoff, and he was always ready to help family and friends repair or renovate their homes. On December 7, 1941, Larry was on his way for his first date with a young woman who lived in Pearl City. The date was called off because of the attack on Pearl Harbor, but he and Masako Okuno were married on August 23, 1942. Masako was a homemaker, a gardener, a seamstress, and an excellent cook. With five children, Larry's parents, and later her mother to care for, she managed to make a loving home for all. She sewed everyone's clothes, including prom gowns, and was renowned for her sushi. She and Larry raised anthuriums and vegetables, always sharing their bounty with others. They were unselfish with their time and skills, hardworking, humble, and honest. Both Larry and Masako valued education, buying sets of encyclopedias and other books even though it was a financial struggle with so many mouths to feed. They passed this love of learning on to their five children, all of whom graduated from college and went on to fulfilling careers. In their retirement, Larry and Masako enjoyed traveling annually to Alaska and Las Vegas. They spoiled their dogs, babysat their grandchildren, and were the center of family life for many long and happy years. Larry and Masako are survived by their five children: Lana (Daniel) Mito, Robert (Rae) Iwamoto, June (Allen) Shinsato, Lawrence (Hae Song) Iwamoto, and Karen (Bert) Taoka. They have twelve grandchildren, whom they dearly loved and who returned that love and respect: Alyssa Mito (Drake) Pusey, Danica Mito, Reyn (Leann) Mito, Ken (Karen) Iwamoto, Ruth (Lucy) Iwamoto, Wendee Shinsato (Ebi Saberi), Gerick Shinsato, Marisa Shinsato, Adrienne Iwamoto (Willie) Suarez, Melanie (Dan) Trombly, Erin Iwamoto (Tadd Galusha), and In Kyong (Jung Sik) Han. They also have thirteen great-grandchildren. Private services were held. Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
