Masami 'Dick' Nagamitsu

Masami “Dick” Nagamitsu passed away March 30, 2020, at his home, surrounded by family.

He was born March 2, 1925, in Belt, Mont., to Masa (mother) and Maso (father) Nagamitsu.

Dick was the top of his class at Box Elder High School, where he graduated in 1943. He earned a bachelor of science degree in agronomy in 1949, then a master’s degree at Washington State University.

Dick proudly served his country in the U.S Army in 1946 and 1947.

In 1952, Dick launched a 38-year career at Washington State University Dryland Research Unit in Lind, Wash., where he was involved with development of various wheat breeds, including McCall, Wanser, Sprague, Hatton, Batum, Buchanan, and Urquie. WSU developed a breed, and in his honor, named it “Masami.”

Dick was a member of Active International from 1955-67. He was a past president, zone chairman and charter secretary.

He was an active member of the Lind United Methodist Church.

Dick is preceded in death by one brother, Tom Nagamitsu; sister, Emi Colier; and son, Jerry Longmeier.

Dick is survived by his wife of 49 years, Gladys; two sisters, Fumi Kyono and Mems Kitagowa; children, Bob (Lois) Longmeier, Donna (Garry) Bittick and Steve (Cathy) Longmeier; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-gandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Dick enjoyed time with his grandkids and great-grandkids. He will be forever missed.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

To leave online condolences for the Nagamitsu family, please log onto http://www.danekasfh.com.