Sunday evening, after 97 active and fulfilled years, Kuwashi (Kuwa) Edward Iwataki passed away peacefully with his loving family at his bedside.

He was an exceptional Dad who gave the gift of life and unconditional love to his daughter Linda Miya Iwataki, and sons Joel Iwataki, Dale Iwataki (Leslie), and David Iwataki (Lourdes) and two grandchildren Ana and Ian. He meant everything to us.

He was the loving husband of Sadae, who shared her intellect and love for arts and culture while he brought a love of outdoors, taking our family to camping, fishing, and on travel adventures.

He was the Cool uncle – Uncle "Ku" (for Kuwa), who played congas, and always brought the most interesting and delicious dishes to family gatherings.

He was the gourmet cook who introduced family and friends to new cuisines, and experimented with new tastes and cuisines for his appreciative family and friends.

He was the Dad, our friends loved to see : the wine connoisseur introducing the world of fine wines, always looking hip and stylin', fun to hang out with, open-minded and non-judgmental.

He loved his golf! And played three times a week into his 80s with his buddies in Par Flight, Kokusai; and the Annual Family Tournement.

He was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal in Washington, D.C. in 2011 a proud honor for members of the legendary 100 ^th Battalion, 442 ^nd Regimental Combat Team, a segregated Japanese American Army unit that fought during WWII winning the most medals of valor for its size in US Army history.

He was a native Los Angeleno, a rarity, born, raised and loving LA. A life-long member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, the only Japanese American Episcopal Church which served as a gathering and return location for Japanese Americans who were imprisoned in concentration camps during WWII.

Beloved father, grandfather, uncle, friend. Bon Vivant.

A Celebration of his Life is planned on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Episcopal Church.