2023-06

IECE

Dear Don,

Today, we send a message to honor your life and pay tribute to a dear departed soul.

Thirteen of us met you in Japan in 1989 when we were 17 years old. You had a unique ability to see the personality and potential others, often encouraging us to reach for our dreams and believe in ourselves. Your generosity knew no bounds, as you gave your time, wisdom, and love to those in need.

Rest in peace, dear Don. Your spirit will continue to inspire us and guide us along our journeys.

With love and heartfelt tributes,

IECE students

——————–

It’s surprising that 30 years have passed since then, but I still fondly remember my kind teacher.

I couldn’t say thank you very well, but thank you very much.

Nobuko Aso

Dear Don,

When I entered the school, I was not confident in anything I did. At that time, in your English conversation classes and piano classes, you said to me, “Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”.

I was saved by your kind eyes and your smiling face with the corners of your mouth turned up.

I was able to graduate after spending two years with a positive attitude every day.

Thank you very much.

Naoko Mizue

Dear Don sensei

Hi, this is Hiroko.

First,I’d like to thank you for supporting and taking care of my college student days in Japan and Pasadena. 

The days spent together at that time mean a lot to me in my life.

Do you remember that you bought me some good photographs of Andrew Mccarthy in LA because I was a huge fan of him at that time？

I was so happy, and I still have them. 

I really enjoyed talking about American movies,actors, and actresses with you.

I miss you Don sensei.

Much Love to you,

Hiroko Watanuki

Dear Don sensei,

It has been 30 years since I graduated from junior college. The days go by so fast, It seems like only yesterday.

Your smiling face and your never-changing kindness made my student life enjoyable. I loved the food you cooked for me, especially sweet things. They were very delicious. I want to eat your cooking again like those days. I miss you.

Please be with Mary Beth and watch over her.

In loving memory,

Ryoko Sakumoto

Dear Don sensei,

This is Terumi. I still remember my first IECE meeting when I was so nervous to introduce the specialties of my hometown in English. However, you and Mary Beth always behaved gently and spoke English kindly to me, so I was able to spend wonderful IECE days without hating English. Thank you very much.

I wish I could have met you again in your lifetime.

Until we meet again,

Terumi Soraoka

Dear Don sensei,

You and I were a teacher and a student, but we were also friends with a sweet tooth. I still remember our adventures searching for cookies together at Disneyland in California.

During piano class, you praised my playing as ‘excellent.’ I had never heard the word ‘excellent’ before, and I was overjoyed when you explained its meaning to me. I have nothing but fond memories of you, and I learned a great deal from you. Thank you so much.

With love and respect,

Junko Oda

Don sensei , Don Jiji

Thank you for your kindness, love, laugh,great talk and wonderful time with my family.

I am happy to be with you and always in my heart.

Kaori Yamada 

Don Sensei, 

love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness and self-control…

This is who you were. I feel honored to call you as my teacher who guided me lovingly when I needed life direction. You will be always in my heart. 

Midori Hardwick 

Dear Don,

It was a wonderful experience to meet and spend precious time with you and Mary Beth at Otani. Thank you for always being warm, kind, and fun, and for giving lessons to those of us who were inexperienced in English at that time. I received many compliments on my piano lessons from you, and since then I have come to love the piano more and more, and I still play it often.

Thank you, dear Don, for the memories of the two years I had spent with you.

Rest in peace.

Kumiko Ehara

Dear Don,

It has been a long time since we last saw each other. I hope you had been doing well with Mary Beth in the US. I have believed that one day I would have the opportunity to meet and talk, along with you and all IECE members. I still feel you’re always smiling, being there for us, and your warmth. I wonder if I would have the opportunity to see you again when I make my dream come true and truly love myself.  

I am looking forward to savoring your delicious dishes and enjoying the gentle melodies of your piano playing once again. Please continue to watch over great works of IECE members and me.

Love,

Junko Sakuma

Dear Don sensei,

When I heard your news, I looked at many pictures and remembered the special time I spent with you.

You always looked at us with warm eyes.

The time I have spent with you is one of the best parts of my existence, my teacher. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the all wonderful memories you had given me.

Many thanks, 

Sumiko

PS: My son became a handsome and popular TikToker. I really  wanted to show you his video.

Dear  Don sensei

I thought it would be nice to meet you and Mary  sensei  someday, but time passed and I was shocked when you passed away.

It was my first time cooking, and I was shocked when we made a salad and ate fresh green peppers and raw shiitake mushrooms(or raw mushrooms). For some reason, that’ｓ what I remember most.  Is it because I was born a glutton ?

I will never forget your kindness, warmth and sense of humor. You and Mary sensei  were such  wonderful teachers and  a happy couple.

Thank you very much for your help and I am  full of gratitude.

Much Love to you.

Ayaka Kato(Kuwakado)

Don sensei,

I will always cherish the memories I have with you.

Thank you for all your love.

Eiko Shuto

Dear Don,

I felt happy and peaceful when I was with you because you loved entertaining others. One day, while holding a cup of Coca-Cola, you smiled and said, ‘I feel Coke.’ That was Coca-Cola’s catchphrase at the time, so everyone around you laughed at your joke and relaxed.

You had told me that there were so many ways to enjoy life: going outside, creating something, and sharing jokes, etc. Your kindness and intelligence always saved others, and I was just one of them. I would like to thank you for everything you gave me during your lifetime. Rest in peace, dear Don.

Cherish memories,

Maki Kitamura