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| Yudansha: photo & digital. |
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A special day. Celebrating the life of
Byron Munehiro Fennema Okaji
September 17, 1944 - February 3, 2019
I was blessed and honored to attend the family service today.
A perfect tribute from his family and many friends.
I didn't cry, but I did come close.
There just enough laughs to save me.
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| Karate people at memorial, photo by Mei Okumura |
The memorial coincided with Demura Sensei's annual
batto & kobudo tournament and seminars,
so only a few of the many were able to attend.
Demura Sensei arranged a tribute tonight after the tournament.
It too was wonderful, with Byron's many friend's sharing stories.
Again, I didn't cry, there was always a laugh that helped.
But tonight as I try to do this blog, I am playing today's music,
Byron's favorite song, "And I love you so", and I do cry.
Such a special man and part of my, and so many other's life.
He touched so many with his special charm and generosity.
I feel like there is a hole in our collective hearts.
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| Byron and Demura Sensei |
A fellow student of Demura Sensei for thirty-four years,
there are so any memories, and I will share a few photos.
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| Byron & Kevin |
He will be missed by oh so many.
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| Byron &Jim |
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| Byron & Mark |
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| Kevin, Byron, Dave, me, Bruce, Demura Sensei, Jerry, Leo, Jim & Mark |
A great supporter of our dojo and all the students within.
A really special man, with a wonderful sense of humor.
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| Masa, Byron and Fernando on the victory stand. |
Byron was my and many other's eye doctor, as well as our friend.
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| Byron and Melissa |
My heart goes out to his wife and family in their time of sorrow,
as well as his many friends, karate-ka, and fellow yudansha.
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| Byron, Kevin & Brian |
Goodbye good friend, thank you for so many great memories.
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| Byron, Kinue & Carole, January 11, 2019 |
We love you Byron.
We you are greatly missed.
A smile for Sunday ...
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