By Kenneth So University of Washington Columns Magazine Kenneth Koe, co-inventor of the antidepressant Zoloft, died on Oct. 7 in Shrewsbury, Mass. He was 90. The son of Chinese immigrants, Koe was born in Astoria, Ore. and grew up in Portland, where his family ran a laundry and lived in the back of the store. […]
Tsuguo Ikeda, community mentor, dies at 91
By Assunta Ng Northwest Asian Weekly Tsuguo “Ike” Ikeda, a pioneer who opened doors to many—especially troubled youths—and broke down barriers for people of color, died on Dec. 2. Surrounded by his family, Ikeda died peacefully at the age of 91, according to his wife, Sumiko. Ikeda was the first Asian American executive director of […]
IN MEMORY OF … — Community leader “Paul” Patu passes
Activist Von Tresckow “Paul” Patu passed last week. Patu was respected as a Asian American community member, and was especially committed to supporting youth, particularly encouraging API youth to continue their education, along with focusing on helping the API community with healthcare and job services. He suffered from a stroke and a brain aneurysm. His […]
In memory of Lisa Lani Chinn
Lisa Lani Matsukawa was born in Wahiawa, Hawaii. She was the daughter of Joe and Florence Matsukawa of Aiea, Hawaii. She graduated from Aiea High School. She attended the University of Hawaii and graduated from the University of Washington. Lisa fought a courageous battle with breast cancer and passed away on Feb. 20, 2014, at […]
Vera Ing leaves lasting legacy
“For many of us, Vera was like a mother…she had a great heart and always saw kindness in people. Our community lost a great friend and a beautiful person.” — Jerry Lee, Mulvanny/G2 By Sue Misao Northwest Asian Weekly Long time community activist Vera Faye Ing died on Jan. 18, 2014. She was 73.
Tama Tokuda passes away at 93
Tama Tokuda, the mother of the late Kip Tokuda, died Aug. 31 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Her death comes a month and a half after the sudden death of Kip, who suffered a heart attack on July 13. Her family said she died of a broken heart.
Kip Tokuda, community activist, passes away at 66
By Staff Northwest Asian Weekly Kip Tokuda, a former four-term state representative from the 37th district and community activist who founded the Asian Community Leadership Foundation (ACLF), was past president of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), and served on the Mayor’s Seattle Police Department 20/20 initiative passed away on July 13. He was 66.
JACL Co-President Elaine Reiko Akagi passes away during cancer treatment
The Seattle Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) sadly announces the passing of its co-president, Elaine Reiko Akagi. Ms. Akagi passed away on Oct. 18, 2012 in Silver Spring, Md., where she was being treated for cancer.
Rest in Peace, Kathryn Akiko Tagawa Sugiyama
Kathy Akiko Tagawa Sugiyama, former wife of Al Sugiyama, passed away in the comfort of her own home full of loving family and close friends on Sept. 2, 2012, due to complications from cancer. Kathy worked for the City of Seattle for more than 30 years and, in that time, interacted with a number of […]
James “Uncle Jimmy” Mar leaves behind powerful legacy (1914–2012)
By Staff Northwest Asian Weekly James Malcolm Mar was born in Seattle on July 11, 1914, to immigrant parents Lee Shee and Henry Mar Hing. Throughout his life, Mar would bear witness to the Asian experience in Seattle and the United States and lend his help and services to members of the Asian community.