In our obituary of Long Beach legend and all-around good guy John Kashiwabara, we mentioned our plan to run a larger tribute with testimonials from those who knew him.

For our original obituary with a little more about Dr. John’s life, please click here.  Photos courtesy Century Club.

Bob Livingstone, former Long Beach State golf coach:

I met Dr. John in my first job as a starter at El Dorado GC in 1981 when he was on the City Golf Commission, and we were good friends from that time on.

When I think of him, there are 2 things that come to mind. The first is that he was always positive, and the second is that he never said no. His country imprisoned him yet he turned around and served it with honor; his Governor and his Mayors asked him to serve and he did; local sports entities asked for time and help and he gave it. And most importantly, he did those things for the right reasons and enjoyed doing them.

Doc, thanks for all that you did for me, and hopefully you’ll be able to hit that graphite-shafted driver over 200 yards up in Heaven!

John Fylpaa, Dean of PE/Athletics, LBCC

Thanks for the opportunity to say goodbye to one of the greatest sport fans Long Beach has ever known. Dr. John, as many of us have called him over the years, was as supportive of the Long Beach community as one can be. His unwavering support of Long Beach City College will not be forgotten. From serving as our team physician for many years, to helping us raise needed funds for our teams on our Athletic Associates, to being the consummate fan by sitting in stadiums across Southern California to root for the Vikings; his dedication and thoughtfulness was second to none. The Vikings send their sympathies to his daughter and we want her to know that he will always be a part of the LBCC family. Not only the college, but the City of Long Beach has lost a true friend. You will be missed, Dr. John.

Bill Baca, former Century Club president:

Dr. John was a true sports fan in every sense of the word. My only regret is that I only got to know him 6 years ago when I joined the Century Club. He was a true gentlemen and scholar. All of Long Beach, not just the sporting world, has lost a great man.

Bonnie Stoeppelman, Downtown Long Beach Lions Club:

John was a mentor and I fondly think of his energy and wonderful attributes. He meant so much to LB and helped so many including Yokaichi Sister City & Lions and besides that, he was a general “Good Guy.” He is already missed but will be somebody’s gain…

Gary Anderson, LBCC BBall coach:

The first time I met Dr. John is when I was a sophomore at LB POLY playing basketball, he was the doctor in charge of physicals, (this was 1967). He made us all stand in a line and he went down the line making each one of us cough. If we passed that we were OK. Later when I played at LBCC he was our team doctor 1969-71. He drained my knee three times during my stay as a basketball player. He has been OUR FAMILY doctor until he retired. Knees, Achilles, surgeries and other ailments through 35 years, he has keep the Anderson clan going.

Besides the doctor side of John, He has always been a basketball fan. From my playing, asst. Coaching, and head coaching days he has always been a great fan. He always had special tips for our team improvement. I remember when he said that when our players were on defense they would have an advantage if they would annoy the other team by pulling the opponents leg hairs that would really make them mad. He was always there win or lose.

Doctor John would always be the first one to contribute in our basketball fundraisers. He supported and took interest in our program all the time I have been at LBCC (41 years). He was an incredible person who gave to our program and so many other programs. His involvement through the years has made sports in Long Beach much better because of him. It is a sad day to lose someone so vibrant in our community.

God bless Doctor John he was one heck of a person and will be missed greatly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LBPOSTsports.com commenter CHS:

Dr. John was involved with my sports career from the beginning. He gave me a physical so I could be eligible for the WWHS cross country team in fall 1975. I would see him at a lot of LB athletic events over the years and think “that guy truly loves LB sports.” RIP Dr. John.

Mario Morales, Wilson football coach:

“GOD Speed” Dr. John. Thanks for leaving a wonderful legacy.

Keith Cordes, Century Club

Dr. John was our team Doctor when I was playing football at LBCC in 1957-58. Always kind and caring, he went on to be our family Doctor, even making calls to our home as late as 1972. Through all my years in Long Beach with sports and the Century Club, Dr. John was always there for me and my family. One of the great, fine men of Long Beach. You will be missed.