David Iwata

David Iwata, of Milwaukie, Oregon, passed away unexpectedly on August 10, 2018. He was 73 years old.

David was born in in Salt Lake City in 1945 to George and Miyoko Iwata. His parents were interned in relocation camps for Japanese-Americans during World War II, and relocated to Oregon after the war. David was a life-long resident of Milwaukie. He loved his home community. He graduated Milwaukie High School in 1963, and still maintained close contact with many of his former classmates. He rarely went anywhere without running into an old friend, colleague, or classmate. His family used to joke that if David was late returning from an errand, he probably bumped into an old acquaintance and was catching up with them. More often than not, his family was right.

He graduated from Portland State University and started a life-long career in the insurance field. He became one of the best-known insurance marketing representatives in the state and was happy to still be working, even after his official retirement in 2011.

David was well known for his passion for golf. He was routinely on the golf course several times a week, and he helped to organize a number of tournaments. Just a week before his death, David helped plan his annual high school reunion tournament and was given an award in recognition of his efforts. Years of practice, tee times, tournaments, and afternoons at the driving range paid off in 2011 when he managed a hole-in-one on the 6th hole at Stone Creek. He never let us forget it.

David was a decent, honorable man who woke up each day and quietly tried to do the right thing. Friends and family could count on Dave. He never missed a single one of his kids’ band concerts, dance recitals, school events, or special occasions. He will be dearly missed by many, but especially his family. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Susan, and his four children--Marc, Jennifer, Allison, and Laura, and two grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Susan Housel, Naomi Sanchez, and Paul Iwata.

Please join the Iwata family for a Celebration of Life on behalf of Dave on:
Saturday, September 15
11:00 am

At Clackamas Community College
19600 S Molalla Avenue, Oregon City
Bring your stories and follow campus signs to The Gregory Forum.