Michael Morikazu Iwamoto's Obituary
Succumbed too early, Mike Iwamoto passed away peacefully at John Muir Hospital on September 2, 2019 surrounded by family and friends. He was loved by many who encountered him — always known for making people feel comfortable with his gift of gab and his jokes.
Mike was born in Oakland, California on March 5, 1953, the eldest out of 3 children from Morio and Tomiko Iwamoto. He lived his whole life in the Bay Area. Mike was a lover of music. He loved listening to all types of music, whether playing in bands, attending live concerts, or talking about performers of his time. At his prime, Mike was the center of attention, feeling most comfortable with a microphone and a bass guitar in his hand, jamming out to all different musical genres including rock, jazz, country, oldies and Hawaiian.
His career led him to Chevron, where Mike worked as a Research Technician for 30 years. Chevron was also the place where he met the love of his life, Josie. Mike and Josie tied the knot on October 10, 1987 and were happily married for thirty-two years. Mike embraced Josie’s daughter Marjorie as his own, and they all lived together as a happy family in El Sobrante.
Mike was a lover of all Bay Area Team Sports. He loved watching the A’s play baseball, catching a Cal Football game, having season tickets to cheer on the Golden State Warriors, always hoping for a better season for the San Francisco 49ers, or having rink-side season pass seats to a Sharks game. You could never catch him without his trademark sports t-shirt or sweatshirt, always preferring to be comfortable versus anything formal. This laid back attitude is how Mike always carried himself. His casualness in life made him a person of real and genuine character. He was a person who was never afraid to speak his mind, make an off-the-wall comment or stand up for things he felt weren’t right.
Over the last few years, Mike preferred being in the comfort of his own home, surrounded by his loving and doting wife and enjoyed visits from his Grandchildren, Alexis and Sydney. He also loved visiting new places and was excited to spend time as a family on cruises to see the glaciers in Alaska and the white sand beaches of the Bahamas. Although he had many health ailments leading up to his passing, he proved to be a fighter and warrior despite all. He will always be missed in our hearts for the memories that he has given us, the laughs that we have shared, and the conversations that we have had for as long as we all shall live.
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