Throughout the great journey that is
life, it's fortune that one should meet such remarkable people if
even for a short period of time. We can say this of our dear departed
friend Don Yamagami who passed away June 15, 2013 at the young age of
62. We met Don and his lovely wife Shelley three years ago through our Japanese
Language class at the Koyasan Buddhist Temple in Little Tokyo. He was
a funny guy and one of the nicest people you could ever meet. It was always a joy to have them in class. Always
an optimist, he shared a wonderful life with his wife Shelley
Yamagami who he married in 1981. Don & Shelley Yamagami were participants in our
surprise baby shower for my wife Tina at the Koyasan Temple. It truly was a fun event and we were thankful for everyone at the Koyasan Temple who helped make that special day happen.
We will
always remember such good memories with Don & Shelley. It came as a sudden shock to show up at this last month's Goma service to discover that he had already passed away and worse as unprepared as we were to discover his funeral would be taking place in two hours without hearing any prior notice. Our hearts
go out to Shelley Yamagami and their daughter Noel. Rough day indeed but paled in comparison to that of his grieving widow who we pledged our support to. From his Bio we can share that Don was originally born Nisei in
Colorado grew up in Los Angeles. His family has ties to the Koyasan
Temple going back to 1937. Don was a successful Graphic Designer by trade who
made the 100 Year Anniversary Logo for the Koyasan Temple. He was
an avid volunteer in the Japanese-American Community and all around stand up guy who his friends say epitomized the wartime "Go for Broke" motto. He is survived
by his loving family; wife, Shelley Yamagami; daughter, Noelle
Yamagami; brother, Mark (Gail) Yamagami; sisters, Shirlee Yamagami
and Julie Thompson. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and
other relatives. We can't praise this man enough for whom we knew for such a short three years. He will be missed by so many including us.
さよなら!
In Memory,
Don Yamagami
1951-2013
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