Rex's Memorial Services in Hawai'i

[Seiko Furuhashi]

Dear everyone on FOR group,

 

I flew back to Japan after attending Rex's two services both at Punchbowl and He'eia Boat House in Kaneohe, then dinner at a Chinese restaurant in Leeward Shopping Center. I would like to report with some photos for those who could not attend the services.

 

The ceremonies in both places were so moving. At Punchbowl, the service was given with the US military tradition, with gun salute, flag opening with trumpet which then folded and handed to Kayo with respect to Capt. Tanimoto. Rex's ash was then placed in a niche and sealed. The epitaph was not ready - when we visited Punchbowl two days before, Kayo was asked to decide or choose from the samples but she needed to think about it - so it will be put on the niche later and they will send a photo of it later to the family.

 

The ash scattering ceremony was practised after the short but moving service led by the pastor whose word was solemn but warm, followed by the words given by Daryl (and Prof. Yoshimura). Rex's photo was adorned by piles of leis, which reminded me of the graduation ceremony in Hawaii. What a wonderful culture it is! I also was pleased to see that his ash was wrapped by ti-leaves, another tradition in Hawaii.

 

I am grateful that I could attend these ceremonies and gathering - I could meet Mike's sister (Mahalo for organising the ceremony) as well as his father, Kayo's relatives both local and from Japan and several former OGU teachers whom I knew only by name before... I was linked with them by Rex.

 

Let me add that my colleagues and friends in Japan (esp. Mr. Kagawa, the jazz pianist), at EWC, UH, and in Waiana'e community joined us to remember Rex who linked not only people but the nations, Hawaii(US) and Japan.

 

Kayo asked me to take photos and videos so I did as much as I could. I wanted to post some of the photos here but I can not put more than one. I hope, with Steven's help, I can post more on the photo album later. The video, however, I need someone's help to edit as I am not good (in fact, hopeless) for that. If there is anyone (who lives in Kansai) who is wiling to help me, please let me know. Then I can give the video record to the Tanimotos and show it to you someday, perhaps another occasion of get together?

 

Aloha nui loa,

 

Seiko

 

[Joseph Britton]

Dear Seiko,

Though it was such a dear, solemn affair, I must say that photo of Rex with the leis is gorgeous. The light coming from Rex`s face bringing out the vivid colors of the flowers. Such was Rex was in his earthly life.
Joseph


http://www.josephbritton.com

[Steven Nishida]

Dear all,

I've uploaded more photos contributed by Seiko to the Virtual Memorials site. Please click the link to view:

http://www.virtual-memorials.com/main.php?action=view&mem_id=19228&page_no=-1

Thanks so much, Seiko, and apologies for the delay in uploading:-)

Steve

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Steven NISHIDA, Center Director
Center for International Relations
Nara Institute of Science and Technology
8916-5 Takayama, Ikoma
Nara 630-0101  Japan
Phone: +81-743-72-6248
Fax:   +81-743-72-6244
Email:  steven-...@ms.naist.jp
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