SALINAS, CA - Tanimura & Antle celebrated the birthday of one of the company’s influential members this past weekend: George Tanimura.  600 guests gathered together to honor this industry veteran who has been an integral part of the company’s evolution, helping to bring together two of the most reputable families in our industry.

Those who attended will remember the sight of the skydivers plunging 8,000 feet as they coated the sky in smoke trails and colorful banners, just as they will remember the sounds of the Taiko Drummers who filled the celebration with music. Most of all however they will remember George himself, a man who profoundly influenced the industry he was a part of his entire life.

“We are so humbled to be celebrating the life and legacy of such an incredible man,” said Mike Antle, Senior Vice President and Partner. “George has been an invaluable mentor to three generations of the Antle family, as well as, to countless others at T&A. His generosity with his knowledgeable life experiences will be with us all forever.”

George was born July 2, 1915 and began learning his family's iceberg lettuce business by thinning the crop as a grammar school student. At 16 years old, his father passed away, leaving George with the responsibility for the family and its farm. Despite the many ensuing challenges life presented him in leading his family through the Great Depression and internment along with many fellow Japanese-Americans during WWII, George perservered and was eventually able to save up enough to purchase an acre of land.

From those humble origins he grew his family's business and by the 1950’s, they were harvesting more than 200 acres of iceberg lettuce exclusively for Bud Antle. Over the years, the families formed a strong, cohesive bond which ultimately culminated in their 1982 partnership and the creation of Tanimura & Antle. 

George is also credited with introducing eco-friendly drip irrigation into a substantial portion of the land that Tanimura & Antle farms.

A man widely respected by his colleagues, George has established a reputation for integrity and humility. When asked to reflect on the enormity of his career and his influence on the industry, he answered in a manner all too familiar to those who know him: "It doesn’t matter, I’m just a farmer."

According to a press release, George is not taking his hands off the reins yet and continues to hold many important Director and Officer positons within his family's business. He is committed to monitoring the company’s farming methods and always looking for new ways to improve them. 

Happy Birthday, George, on your 100th birthday!

Tanimura & Antle