Hall Of Fame Inductees

 

The individuals nominated should have made a significant impact or positive influence that assures the future of our industry in the lives of generations to come.

 

Once nominated, an individual’s biography and photo are updated on the site, and he or she is placed in the polls for voting. At the end of the year the committee takes into consideration the votes and decides which candidates are inducted.

 

Those with a star (*) next to their name below were either inducted posthumously or have passed away since being inducted.

 

Nomination Qualifications

  • Person with integrity and passion
  • Minimum 20 years in industry
  • Someone who has developed  or invented  new technology
  • Has made contributions that resulted in change
  • Contributed to mankind’s needs in his field
  • Provided education and encouragement  with self-sacrifice
  • Changed the industry

Gary Hayakawa

Three Star Nursery, Inc.

 

Gary Hayakawa, a long time resident of Orange County, was born April 23, 1945 in the Crystal City, Texas Internment Camp.  His family moved back to California the following year. Gary’s horticulture career began when he was just 10 years old and was paid to pick weeds at his father’s nursery. He graduated from North High in Torrance and went on to earn his degree in business management from California State University Long Beach.

Gary served in Vietnam from 1967-68 with E Troop, 17th Cavalry, 173rd Airborne Brigade as an RTO (Radio Trained Operator). After returning from Vietnam, Gary resumed working for the family nursery business. In his late 20’s, Gary moved the family business to Fountain Valley and founded the wholesale nursery company Three Star Nursery, Inc. where he remained President for 20 years until its closing in 2007.

Over the years, Gary has generously given of his time, talents, and resources to the nursery and agricultural industries. He has been an active participant in numerous industry organizations having held leadership positions in many associations and boards.

Gary has served as President of the Nursery Growers Association, President of the Centennial Farm Foundation, President of the Orange County Friends of UC Cooperative Extension, President and Chapter Leader of the Orange County Chapter of the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers, Vice President of the Orange County Farm Bureau, and Co-Chair of the All Green Trade Show.

Gary’s involvement in the nursery and agricultural industries is marked by many accomplishments. His strong commitment and ability were instrumental to the many successes and milestones that he has achieved. His success and respectability in the nursery industry is evidenced by the many awards he has received including the 1989 CANERS Hall of Fame Individual Award, the 1999 Pacific Coast Nurseryman Award, and 1994, 1996, 1998 and 2000 CANGC President’s Awards.

In addition to his industry involvement, Gary has been involved in a variety of community and civic organizations. He is a member of the Great Park Conservancy, Past President of the Japanese American Republicans, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans, the Alliance for Community Education, and has served multiple terms as a Governor’s appointee to the Orange County Fair and Exposition Center Board of Directors.

In his free time…Gary is the father of 7 children (5 of whom were adopted). He currently has 5 grandchildren with a 6th due this summer.  He enjoys spending his time visiting with friends and family and watching whatever game is on T.V.

Gary is a highly personable, genuine, and involved individual.  His concern for others and dedication to the Orange County community have earned him the affection of area residents, business leaders, and public officials alike.  He has made a positive and far-reaching impact in the nursery and agricultural industries.