Miayasaki celebrates 107th birthday

FALLBROOK – Masanobu Miayasaki, a resident at Golden Gardens Assisted Living Home in Fallbrook, will celebrate his 107th birthday, July 13, with a gala celebration at Golden Gardens. His wife of 68 years, Doris, is always by his side, typically holding hands as they sit in their side-by-side recliners. They have been inseparable since their marriage.

"Mas," his father and their family were farmers in Salinas, California. They owned a large farm with houses, cars, tractors, a matched set of black drafting horses and all the equipment needed to operate a successful family farm.

All of their possessions were taken from them during World War II. They were included in the 122,000 Japanese residents who were sent by U.S. Congressional order to relocation centers, or internment camps, for people of Japanese ancestry. For years they were kept by the U.S. government as residents in the fenced Poston, Arizona, camp.

After being released from the camp after the war's end, Mas and his brother Joe bought two small grocery stores in Watts in Los Angeles county. Mas worked at his store and supported his family of five children, his wife and his elderly parents.

Mas was a talented golfer and could have possible been a professional golfer, if he hadn't been such a responsible family provider. He had an impressive collection of trophies, which he won at numerous Nisei golf tournaments.

Mas worked full time until he was 72 years old. He sold the store and retired to play golf several times a week. He never used an electric cart, walking a good, long 18-holes, three to four times a week. He was a scratch golfer and was shooting in the 70s when he was in his 80s.

Time over took him, as bursitis in his shoulder finally stopped him from playing. He remained active, mostly taking care of his lawn and manicured bushes and loads of orchid plants. He kept his 1995 Thunderbird in perfect condition and was driving until he was 99 years old. He gave the car to his daughter Donna, a resident of Fallbrook, with only 54,000 original miles on it.

What is Mas' secret to longevity? He said he was always easygoing, hard-working and very active. He had simple tastes and enjoyed the outdoors, mowing his lawn, trimming his bushes and of course, golfing. He always had the love and support of his wife and children.

As a skilled butcher, he loves red meat, particularly steak, which he continues to eat; however, his barbecued pork spareribs were exceptionally well liked by all those who ever tasted them.

What is astounding are the changes that Mas has witnessed in his very long life: cars, freeways and cell phones. What has remained the same is the strong love he shares with his wife and family.