CHIEKO OKAZAKI

In the fall of 1951, I began 2nd grade at Uintah School. There was this "exchange" teacher from the then territory of Hawaii. I have no idea why I was so fortunate, but I spent the year with her and although I was far from a stellar student, I did come out of the year with a pretty good grasp of Aloha, which in retrospect was a very significant thing. With the possible exception of my parents and grandparents, she was clearly the best person in the whole world, and ya, I had a crush on her!

Chieko Okazaki was one of the most amazing women I have ever met. She became my "mission mother" 6 months before my mission ended in Japan when the Japan South Mission was created in 1968. I was their first assistant before we even had a mission office and spent a considerable amount of time with her and her husband, Ed, my mission president. Both Chieko and Ed were two of the most organized people I have ever met. Chieko basically became my second mom. I learned a ton from her. She was...

A great person and wonderful example! With love, Larry an Rieta St. Clair

Ken and Bob and all the family. I had a knee replacemment surgery 2 days before the service, so i couldnt make it. Had i made it, the choir would not have sounded so good. I really love your family. I love your Mom and your Dad. I love you boys. I think you were ask to do a difficult thing at the time to leave your friends and home and come to Japan for three years, i always admired you for that and for sharing your parents thru that time. Your Mom always made me feel like i was the most...

Ken and Bob,
I am sorry I couldn't be at the funeral. Right now I am serving as mission president in Tokyo. Your mom and dad made a huge difference in my life. You mom was always so grateful to come and visit our house and support us in all we do. I loved her like a mother. My mission experience with your parents changed everything for me. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. What an amazing and graceful woman you have for a mother. (W. Steve Albrecht)

I am sad to hear of Chieko's passing, this world will greatly miss her. So glad she is with her beloved husband Ed again. She is definitely one of my hero's and I will always remember her. I was over the 25-35 singles at the University Institute (UofU) and had her come speak with us many times. I will never forget her talk on being "Single" it forever changed my life and perspective. She understood the single life and always made me feel so special and loved. What an example of a follower of...

Ken and Bob,
I was so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. You may not remember me, but we were in the U. of U. 6th Ward back in the late 70's. You were my home teacher for awhile, Bob. I never met your mother, but have read her talks and books and felt her beautiful spirit through them. When she became involved with SVU, where my two sons have both been students, it seemed like a wonderful seal of approval for the school. Over the years, I have shamelessly mentioned knowing both of...

Who would have guessed the blessings that occurred because of two adventuresome teachers that exchanged classes in Maui and Utah. Thank you for the wonderful memories of growing up with the Okazaki family. You always make us feel like family.