Ira Goro Iwata

Ira was born on July 24, 1931, in Platteville, CO to Sunao and Myrtle (Schmaling) Iwata. He was the eldest of three boys. His youngest brother, Robert Iwata, passed away in 1998. His middle brother, Art Schmaling, lives in Firestone, CO. Ira had a tough childhood. His mother passed away when he was 5, and he spent most of his youth shuttled between relatives or in an orphanage in Los Angeles. It was from the orphanage, that he was then interned in the Shonien Children’s Village at the Manzanar internment camp with his brother Robert, during WWII.

After the war, he was returned to Colorado to live with his father. His newly wed uncle and aunt, Lee and Helen Iwata, realizing that Ira and Bob were not going to school where they were, took them in, got them jobs as house boys, and oversaw their education.

Ira graduated from Manual High School, where he met his girlfriend, Sumi Shiramizu. He enlisted in the Army and served in Korea. While on leave, he became paralyzed with what was later diagnosed as Guillain-Barre Syndrome. He spent months at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital persevering through being in an iron lung, blood clots in his legs, and extensive rehabilitation.

Ira worked as a draftsman/CAD designer for many Colorado companies, including many years at Coors Container. He was an avid bowler, both at Coors and later as part of the Nisei Senior Bowling League. He enjoyed golfing, gardening, cheering on all Colorado sports teams, and above all, he was a wonderful dancer, always eager to “cut a rug” on the dance floor with Sumi.

Ira and Sumi married in July 1954. They would have celebrated 68 years of marriage this year. They have two daughters: Rebecca Wood (Rex Wood III), of Middletown, DE, and Debra Miller, of Lakewood, CO.

Ira’s great delight was in the exploits of his six grandchildren: Adam Wood (Leah), of Mt. Kisco, NY; Taryn Wood, of Woodbridge, VA; Emily Gerhard (Ryan), of Parker, CO; Katie McKeever (Myles), of Omaha, NE; Paul Miller (Elise), of Spokane, WA; and Sara Miller, of Lincoln, NE. He was even more enamored with his two great-grandchildren: Macyn McKeever (5) of Omaha, NE, and Lawrence Wood (2.5) of Mt. Kisco, NY. They enjoyed their FaceTime’s with Jichan.

Ira had a strong survivor spirit that kept him going throughout his life. He survived his childhood obstacles. He survived his battle with Guillain-Barre and paralysis. He survived his battle with colon cancer and brain injuries. And he fought valiantly to survive again, until he took his last breath. We are proud of our father and husband and hope we can all embody his fighting, survivor spirit in our lives.

There will be a celebration of Ira’s life on May 21, 2022 at 2 pm. Please contact Sumi, Becky, or Debbie for details.