Sam Kumagai

His family and many of his friends knew him as "Big Sam". While he was not big in physical stature, his nickname was an affectionate recognition of his effervescent personality and love of life. He was also a beloved "Uncle Sam" to his many nieces and nephews, "Grandpa Sam" to his two grandchildren that he was so proud of, but "Big Sam" seemed to be the best fit because it captured his smile, his laugh and enthusiasm for the people and things he loved. When a person lives to the ripe old age of 98, it's often said that they lived a full life. It's useful to consider the scope of that full life. Born in 1920 to an immigrant farming family in California, he rode in a Model T with his father; watched the early talking movies of the 20's; suffered and sacrificed during the Great Depression; endured the humiliation of the internment camps during World War II; saw the Cold War begin; bootstrapped his way to a successful career as a CPA; had the first color TV on the block and watched two Kennedys and a King be assassinated and a man walk on the moon; survived a heart attack; raised a child to adulthood; honored, supported and eventually lost his first wife to cancer; survived a second heart attack and coronary bypass surgery then met and married an incredible woman that gave his life a fulfilling second act; went to casinos and occasionally won (but always had fun); played a little golf, made even more friends; saw the Berlin Wall come down and the Cold War end; watched with amazement to see his son grow up, marry an incredible woman of his own, and then became the immensely proud grandfather to a granddaughter and grandson; settle into a retirement that included enjoying many good meals, some travel that included reconnecting with family in Japan; played a little more golf (OK, a LOT more golf); watched the horror of 9/11; ensured the ongoing financial security for his family, helping to provide those grandchildren with the privilege of attending an elite college and university; recognized his own mortality and battle with his loss of memory, health, and mobility in the last few years; then having the good fortune and grace to stay at home and pass into memory surrounded by his family. Truly a full life. Living almost 100 years is a mixed blessing as he saw so many of his friends, colleagues and family members pass before him. He survived his parents, Ikuji and Nobuyo Kumagai, first wife Alice, brothers Kikuyo, Tom, Ben, Kiyoshi and Butch; sisters Hatsuye Miyauchi and Eunice Watanabe. He is survived by his loving wife Tomoye, sister Toshiko Takaoka, son Bob, daughter-in-law Karen Leamer, and grandchildren Abby and Sam. He also leaves an extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends, golf buddies and business associates. A celebration of the life of Big Sam will be held on January 12, 2019 at 10:30am at the Evans Chapel on the campus of the University of Denver. A lunch reception will follow the celebration at the Sie Center for International Studies next to the chapel.