Akira “Ike” Iwasaki, known for his mechanical expertise, interest in Japan, and love of family, died January 16, 2013, in Hillsboro. He was 96. Ike was born July 8, 1916, in nearby Farmington to Yasukichi “Billy” Iwasaki and Ito (Baba) Iwasaki.

He lived in Hillsboro except for his Army service during World War II. He was a decorated soldier of the 100th Battalion in the famed Japanese-American 442nd Regimental Combat Team that fought in Italy and France.

Along with his brothers, Ike started Iwasaki Bros. Inc., a wholesale nursery business in Hillsboro that has continued through four generations, raising strawberries, blackberries and later bedding plants. He was skilled in maintenance and repair of farm machinery.

In his earlier years, Ike enjoyed playing bridge and traveling with close friends. He held leadership positions in the Portland JACL and Portland Bentham Lions Club. His interest in Japan, especially food, led him to several trips there. He helped form relationships with Lions clubs in Japan. In retirement, Ike established one of the first wasabi-growing operations in Oregon.

In 2000, Ike became a grandfather, delighting in keeping up with his active grandson, Cole. Each autumn, he enjoyed taking the family to the Mount Hood area to search for prized matsutake mushrooms. His favorite part of the outings was lunchtime. He married Mary Furusho on April 22, 1950, in Portland.

He is survived by Mary and Cole; sons, Roger and Rich; and daughter, Ellen. He also leaves a brother, Arthur; and sisters, Taka Mizote, Aya Fujii, Dorothy Iwasaki and Rose Sorensen.

His sister, Kate Yoshihara; and brother, George, preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be January 25, 2013, at 2 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2194 S.E. Minter Bridge Road, Hillsboro.

Remembrances may be sent to Oregon Nikkei Endowment, Portland Bentham Lions Club, Oregon Nisei Veterans, or the charity of one’s choice.