[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 93 (Tuesday, July 14, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1290-E1291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO HIROSHI ``HEEK'' SHIKUMA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 14, 1998

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a gentle 
man, Hiroshi ``Heek'' Shikuma, whose superior abilities and foresight 
were instrumental in developing an industry that has become a mainstay 
of the area economy, while his wisdom and gentleness made him a leader 
in the spiritual community. Mr. Shikuma passed away this past February.
  Mr. Shikuma was born, raised, and educated in the Pajaro Valley. 
During World War

[[Page E1291]]

II, he served in the United States Army's Japanese-American 442 
Regiment, receiving a Purple Heart after being wounded in combat. Upon 
his return, Mr. Shikuma began farming in the rich soils of the Pajaro 
Valley. At that time, local farmers were just becoming aware of the 
value of strawberries as a crop. Strawberries were selling for an 
incredible twenty cents a pound in San Francisco. Shikuma Bros. Inc. 
was established when Heek was joined by his two older brothers, Mack 
and Kanji. Through hard work and dedication the strawberry industry 
prospered. The Shikuma family founded the Central California Berry 
Growers Association, a marketing cooperative that enabled growers to 
optimize the value of their product. Today the cooperative is known as 
Naturipe. Mr. Shikuma has been active on the board since 1949, for a 
time presiding as its president. In 1989, Mr. Shikuma was honored by 
the Japanese American National Museum and Los Angeles County for his 
contributions to the California strawberry industry, which now produces 
more than 70 percent of the nation's berries. In 1993, the Santa Cruz 
County Farm Bureau named Shikuma Bros. the ``Farm Family of the Year.''
  As successful as Mr. Shikuma was in his business enterprises, he 
found the time to be a supporter of the community in which he lived. He 
was a long-time member of the Japanese American Citizens League, and 
served as president. His family founded the Japanese Presbyterian 
Church which became the Westview Presbyterian Church in Watsonville. 
Mr. Shikuma was remembered by his daughter, Nancy, as a ``man of high 
integrity who extended his hand to others in need of help. He always 
put his family first and never spoke a harsh word to anybody.''
  Our thoughts are with the family, his wife of fifty years, Chiyeko, 
his two daughters, Nancy and Anne, his son, Ted, his brother, Mack, and 
sister, Emi, his grandchild and many nieces and nephews. His loss will 
be felt profoundly, but the mark he has left on the community is 
indelible. Heek Shikuma provides a magnificent example of the best in 
humankind with his special blend of intelligence, diligence and 
kindness.

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