In the morning of November 16, 2024, at the Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum in San Diego, California, 20 people gathered to dedicate a bench with a plaque engraved with the words, "In Honor of Rio & Tamiko Imamura." They were there to celebrate the life of the late Rio Imamura and pay tribute to his surviving wife. The family was represented by their son, Kirk, and daughter, Yukina, and her extended family. The rest were friends and colleagues of Rio & Tamiko, from their time working together at Kyocera.
Speeches of remembrance were given and photos were taken. After the ceremony, the family was treated to a full tour of the beautiful garden grounds and even got to feed the Koi.
The bench rests under the shade of a tree, offering a view of a small creek and a cherry tree grove behind it. In the spring, the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom and the view should be breathtaking. Many people will walk by the bench and a few might sit to rest or just take a moment and enjoy the tranquility and beauty.
It was a very memorable event, particularly for the surviving family. The next two posts will feature two speeches given during the ceremony.
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