Florist Yoshimi “Shimi” Shibata passed away peacefully in his sleep at home with his family Oct. 31, a statement issued by his family said. He was 99.
Shibata was a pioneer in the floral growers and distribution industry, having been recognized by the Japanese government with the Order of the Rising Sun, Fourth Class in 1987.
More recently, the California Association of Flower Growers and Shippers awarded him with the 2015 Distinguished Service Award at their biannual conference held last July.
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