By Assunta Ng
What killed Elaine Akagi, president of the Japanese American Citizens League Seattle chapter? Selflessness. A former educator, Akagi was the co-chair for the group’s national convention at the Bellevue Hyatt Hotel last July. She was sick while working on the convention, but her selfless attitude pushed her to continue giving and serving the community.
The last time community members saw Elaine Akagi was Aug. 16 at the Four Seas Restaurant. It was supposed to be a dinner to see her off for her cancer treatment. No one knew then that it was a farewell dinner.
Akagi passed away last Thursday, Oct. 18 in Maryland. We will remember Akagi as the hardworking, generous, and thoughtful leader of the Asian community. May I suggest JACL dedicate a scholarship in her name.
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