Dorothy "Dot" Kawashima, wife of long-time bodybuilding contest promoter and businessman Mits Kawashima, died Saturday. She was 84.

The Hilo-born Dot and Mits were married for 61 years and he said "she was the love of my life."

"I thought my wife was the most beautiful, wonderful person in the world," Mits said.

"She never complained one day, even when she was battling cancer.

"She never spoke evil of anyone."

For 29 years, the Kawashimas, along with longtime friend and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, promoted the Hawaiian Islands Bodybuilding championships, considered the state's most prestigious bodybuilding contest.

Last year's contest was their last as promoters.

This year's event will be held June 28 at the Blaisdell Arena.

The Kawashimas operated Mits' Gym for 31 years before it closed in 1979.

During that time, Dot instructed women in weight training.

They then began operating Mits' Basic Foods, a health food store in Manoa, and promoting the bodybuilding contest.

Dot Kawashima is also survived by grandchildren Ian and Michelle; three great grandchildren; brother, Roy Oshita; sisters, Nellie Asayama, Nancy Shigeoka, Elsie Nakasone and Sue Suzuki.

Viewing will be held 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. today at Hosoi Garden Mortuary. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. tomorrow at Hosoi with service at 10 a.m.

Inurnment service will be 11 a.m. Friday at Hawaiian Memorial Park.