Tsuyoshi Iwatake, age 79, of Heath Springs, S.C., passed away, Thursday, August 10, 2023, at his home. Born in Tokyo, Japan, January 10, 1944, to the late Satoru Iwatake and Hideko Kurata Iwatake. Mr. Iwatake was a French trained chef. He attended nutritionist school from 1962- 1964. He started his culinary career at Hotel New Omani in Tokyo, Japan from 1964-1971. In 1971, he moved to New York City and began cooking as the Ambassadors Cook. He was personal chef for Diplomats and even cooked for George W. Bush, Sr. before he became president. His career continued as he became the sous chef at Tavern on the Green, Central Park, New York City from 1977-1980. Mr. Iwatake decided to move to Kershaw, S.C., in February of 1986. At this time, he became owner of the Kershaw Restaurant in July of 1986. In 1992, he changed the name to Iwa’s Restaurant and operated it until 2004. He moved to Las Vegas. During his time in Las Vegas, he worked at the following establishments, Green Valley Ranch, Red Rock Casino, The Palms, Andrea’s at Encore, The Wynn Buffett, Kushanori at Resort World and Mizumi at The Wynn. In April of 2023, he moved back to South Carolina to be closer to his family.
Mr. Iwatake was so proud he became a US Citizen in 2020 and voted for the first time.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Midori Adachi Iwatake; 2 children, Mika Iwatake Sinclair and her husband, Jeremy of Van Wyck, S.C., and Kenichi “Ken Ken” Iwatake and his wife Stephanie of Heath Springs, S.C.; 2 grandchildren, Hana Iwatake and Kayli Iwatake; 2 brothers, his eldest, Ko Iwatake and his wife, Akiko Iwatake and his middle, Toru Iwatake and his wife, Fumiko Iwatake and his loving cat, Ricky Martin.
The family would like to thank his daughter-in-law, Stephanie, for taking the best care of Papa while he was sick.
A service to remember his life will be held on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. in Van Wyck Presbyterian Church, Van Wyck, S.C. Rev. Carson Montgomery will officiate the service.
The family will greet friends following the service at the church.
Floral tributes are welcome and memorial remembrances in his memory may be made to Van Wyck Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 68, Van Wyck, S.C. 29744 or Beaver Creek Presbyterian Church, 1928 Kershaw Country Club Road, Kershaw, S.C. 29067.
Arrangements are under the care of Baker Funeral home, Kershaw, S.C.
