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BORN
1999
DIED
2023
Kenji Hiramatsu Obituary
Kenji Brooke Hiramatsu
Kenji Brooke Hiramatsu (born René Aspen Covel) passed away unexpectedly on February 14, 2023 at the young age of 23. Kenji (nickname Sari) was born on September 18, 1999 in Colorado. He spent his childhood in California, Arizona and eventually Missoula where he attended CS Porter Middle School. He then moved to Eugene OR for High School graduating from Willamette High School in 2018 before moving back to Missoula.
He had a passion for reading and worked at the Book Exchange and more recently as a cook at Conflux Brewery. Those who knew Kenji would remember him for his insistence on being present for those he encountered, his humor, his calm and sweet nature, and his persistent drive to improve himself, most notably in calligraphy, foreign languages, philosophy, poetry and chess. He is sorely missed by many friends and loved ones.
He is survived by mother Mika Hiramatsu, half-brother Julian Covel, grandparents Luthie & Dale West and beloved mentor and godmother Cori Stern. A celebration of life will be held at his favorite café Liquid Planet on Sunday March 5 from 2-4pm on 121 West Broadway, Missoula. Please bring a memory that can be written down in a permanent memoir. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to Youth Homes. https://youthhomesmt.org/support-us/one-time-gifts/
Memories and Condolences
for Kenji Hiramatsu
1 Entry
Faith
April 10, 2025
I knew Kenji first by this name, then by Sari. I remember him gliding around sunny downtown Missoula on a longboard he had decorated in all sorts of calligraphy. The board I first saw was some sort of drop-through style for longboard walking and dancing. That one was stolen around 2020 or so, and I gave him my pintail board, which I think he found pretty ugly. It had a sunset cityscape design that got drawn on top. He used it for as long as I could recall, and would stash it on the stairs leading to the cafe basement. I made him teas and coffees and milkshakes. He gave me origami creations and notes. I still have a crane, a dreidel with calligraphy, and a lotus flower. I also have some photo memories from our friendship formed over a few years at the Liquid Planet Cafe. Prayers and love to him and his family.
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