- Date Of Birth: August 10, 1936
- Date Of Death: September 15, 2010
- State: California
Mike passed away on September 15, 2010, following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his wife of 44 years, Ernestine, his two sons, daughter-in-law, and grandson.
Mike was born August 10, 1936, in Minamata, Japan. He was the youngest of seven children. He came to the United States in 1959, returned to Japan, and then came back to the United States in 1963. Mike was a devoted gardener, who faithfully served his customers for over 37 years. He enjoyed his family, fishing, gardening, and rooting for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was a black belt in Karate, Kendo, Judo, and he also Sumo Wrestled in high school and several years following his graduation. In the early 1960’s, Mike served as a Judo instructor to the Oxnard Police Department.
Mike is survived by his wife, Ernestine, son Michael Tabata, son Russell Tabata and his wife Gloria, and his grandson Kenzo Tabata, and numerous other family members in Japan and here in the United States.