In Memory of

George
Watanabe

1925 - 2017

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Anderson's Tribute Center
1401 Belmont Avenue
Hood River, Oregon
UNITED STATES
97031

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Obituary for George Watanabe

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Life Story for George Watanabe

Mitsuo “George” Watanabe, 92, passed away on October 17, 2017, at his home, surrounded by family. George was born on August 29, 1925 to Ryusuke “Roy” and Sen Watanabe in Hood River, Oregon. Just after the turn of the century, George’s father immigrated to the United States from Odawara, Japan and eventually purchased property in the Hood River Valley, where he cleared the land and planted strawberries, asparagus, and fruit trees. George was raised and lived most of his life on this farm.

As youth, George and his older sister, Bessie, harvested asparagus before and after school. They also assembled wooden boxes that various produce was placed in. Both children attended Odell Grade School; they reached school often by walking.

With the outbreak of World War II and Executive Order 9066, George’s family, along with the other Nikkei from Hood River, left the valley on May 13, 1942. Their destination was the Pinedale Assembly Center in northern California (which is now recognized as a temporary detention center) although they did not know where they were going. After a 2 months stay, they were transferred to Tule Lake concentration camp, 1 of 10 federal sites for housing Americans of Japanese descent. In September, 1943 the family was transferred to the Heart Mountain Relocation Center in Wyoming after loyalty questionnaires were administered in the camps. George would complete his high school education at Heart Mountain. The family returned to Hood River in 1945; George’s father was fortunate to have secured a legal agreement for the family farm prior to their departure; in this way they did not lose the property during their internment. George rarely talked about this time in his life unless specifically questioned.

Throughout his entire life he was a second generation orchardist and worked the family farm growing apples, cherries, and pears. In his youth he harvested asparagus and strawberries which were planted between the young and growing fruit trees. George was a member of Diamond Fruit Growers, Inc. He was mechanically skilled and very practical. For approximately 50 years he mentored agricultural trainees, mostly from Japan or Brazil through the International Farmers Aid Association or the Japanese Agricultural Trainee Program.
He had a few hobbies such as fishing, hunting for Pine mushrooms (Matsutake), photography, traveling, and perhaps farm equipment and tractors. For several years he served as the treasurer for the local Boy Scouts, troop 378 and was a member of the Japanese American Citizens League.

On May 28th, 1955, George married Chiyoko Nagaki of Ontario, Oregon at the Asbury United Methodist Church in Hood River. He and Chiyoko raised two children, Marleen and Neil. George was always devoted to his parents, family, and farm.

In his later years he enjoyed traveling and visited various parts of South America, Europe, and Australia. He would suffer a stroke in 2007 but that did not prevent him from participating in a trip to Japan (2007), Alaska (2008), Washington DC and New York (2012), Disney World (2013), the New England states and the St. Lawrence River of Canada, Quebec, Nova Scotia (2014), and Las Vegas (2016).

George is survived by his wife of 62 years, Chiyoko, and children Marleen (Atsuhito Miboro) and Neil, and grandchildren (Kouhei Miboro and Natsumi Miboro). He will be missed. George also leaves behind his sister, Bessie Asai, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ryusuke (1958) and Sen Watanabe (1976), and older brother Katsumi (1925).

Remembrances may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Providence Hospice of the Gorge, or Wounded Warrior Project.

The family would like to acknowledge all of the business acquaintances that have worked with George over the years. Gratitude is also extended to the many health care providers and organizations that have provided care from the beginning up thru his passing. Finally, a very special thank you to the many family and friends that have been a part of George’s life. Your friendship, generosity, and support over these past 92 years goes beyond words. Thank you.

A viewing will be held from 4:00pm – 7pm Thursday October 26, 2017; a service will be held at 11:00am Friday October 27, 2017. Both will be at Anderson’s Tribute Center. A reception will follow the service. Interment will be at Idlewilde Cemetery (980 Tucker Road Hood River, OR).

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.