Donald K. Imaizumi

Donald Keith Imaizumi of Carmel, IN, passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the age of 60. He was born in Whittier, CA, on August 15, 1964, to parents Felix and Annette Imaizumi.

Don was born in Los Angeles County where his father began engineering work to help build the iconic Dodger Stadium. The family resided in LA during Don’s first years before returning to their home island of Guam. Don spent most of his childhood on Guam, attending various Catholic schools for his early education.

At the young age of 14, Don made a mature decision that would change the course of his life; he decided to leave the island to explore what future he could build for himself. He moved to Portland, OR where his aunt was placed for a one-year teaching assignment. Near the end of his aunt’s assignment, and after Don had created his core friend group in Portland, he felt he needed to stay to finish out high school in Oregon. At the time, Don was teaching tennis at a private racquet club and befriended a large family who were members of the club. Upon learning of Don’s ambitions, they generously offered him room and board in exchange for tennis lessons for their teenage kids. Don remained part of the Sunset High Boys tennis team, even winning a State Title. Since Nike was in their backyard, the team was outfitted in the latest Nike apparel – Don quickly became a fan.

After graduating from high school, Don returned to Guam to build tennis courts at nearby islands. While continuing to strengthen his tennis game, he achieved a childhood dream by earning a spot in the Pacific Games representing Guam in tennis. This was the Pacific Islands’ version of the Olympic Games.

Don started his college education first attending the University of Guam. After a short period, Don began to explore education and career opportunities for his next steps back on the mainland. He moved around the west trying out different technology industry jobs until he was selected for an intense program by EDS (Electronic Data Systems) in Plano, TX. He moved up quickly, being selected as an Assistant Instructor for new recruits. Don was promoted at a very young age to Manager and moved to Detroit, MI, leading him to cross paths with Michele in their downtown office buildings. Don finished his Bachelor’s Degree in Business, graduating Magna cum Laude, from Central Michigan University all while working full time. Don climbed the ladder, managing IT (Information Technology) teams across various platforms.

Don married Michele Kamish in September 1992 in Novi, MI. They continued to work in the GM World HQ building for a few more years. Their son Alec arrived in 1996, and their world was forever changed for the better. During this time, GM transferred Don to the Latin America offices in Miami Lakes, FL. Michele and new baby Alec soon followed, and Michele resumed work in the same GM Latin America offices in Florida. After a couple years, they transferred back up to the Michigan GM HQ. A few years later, Don was heavily recruited by an IT company which persuaded a move to Indy in 2001. It was then that Carmel, IN became their new home. Don continued to excel in IT, working for numerous companies over the next 20+ years with offices on the south and east coasts, leading him to travel all over the USA.

Don’s love was his family first and foremost. Any sport that Alec was playing, Don was all in – learning it, coaching it, and being his biggest fan. Don had a passion for golf, and nothing was better than a round with Alec, his extended family, or his golf buddies. Don & Michele loved to travel, and Don cherished any time spent on family vacations. He was thrilled to gain a daughter when Alec married Komal. He was an avid Colts fan, Michigan fan, and Hoosier. Don will be remembered for his calming presence, brilliant mind, protective nature, and youthful spirit.

Don was a beloved husband, son, father, brother, uncle, friend, and respected executive colleague. He is survived by loving wife Michele of 32 years; their son, Alec (Komal) Imaizumi; mother, Annette Imaizumi; older sister, Jackie Enriquez; nieces Caressa, Krisha, and Brittni; in-laws, David and Elizabeth Kamish; brothers-in-law, Michael Kamish (Kris), Matthew Kamish (Colleen), and Murray Kamish; nephews Brennan, Joseph, and Kieran Kamish.

He was preceded in death by his father, Felix D. Imaizumi, who died of Parkinson’s disease at the age of 58.

In lieu of flowers, Don and his family would like to offer an alternate option of memorial donations made to the Carmel Dads' Club.

Visitation will be on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 4:00-7:00pm EDT at Flanner Buchanan funeral home in Carmel (325 E. Carmel Dr. Carmel, IN 46032). The funeral will be on Tuesday, April 22, 2025; the services will begin at 10:15am EDT with a Eulogy immediately followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church (10655 Haverstick Rd. Carmel, IN 46033). Burial will follow funeral service at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery (9001 Haverstick Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46240).