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Kenji KAWAGUCHI Obituary
KAWAGUCHI, Kenji Layton
February 14, 2003 - July 30, 2013
Kenji Layton Kawaguchi was granted his angel wings on July 30, 2013. He bravely battled Neuroblastoma, a type of childhood cancer, since his diagnosis at the age of 5.
Kenji possessed super hero powers to overcome incredible odds during his extensive treatment. He will remain in the hearts of those who loved and knew him and continue to show us how to love, laugh, be courageous, be silly, have strength, play, share, and to open our hearts for people like him so we will feel and share his everything.
Kenji's spirit lives on in the hearts of his devoted mother Marlene Kawaguchi; father, David Kawaguchi; brother, Isamu Kawaguchi; maternal great-grandfather, Delbert Goodman; maternal grandmother/nana, Bobbie Lee (Rich Wade); aunt, Mishi Lee (Camille Gutierrez); and uncles, Todd Lee (Lisa) and Philip Wade, all of Sacramento; paternal grandmother/bachan, Helen Kawaguchi of Santa Maria; aunts, Karen Kawaguchi (Chris Baxter) of Santa Barbara, and Kimi Kawaguchi of Tustin. He was predeceased by his paternal grandfather/jichan, Sam Kawaguchi. He will also be remembered by numerous cousins, relatives and an extensive circle of friends.
Memorial donations may be made to Team Will (www.team-will.org), Camp Okizu (www.okizu.org), or Morton Golf Foundation (www.mortonfoundation.org).
A celebration of Kenji's life will be held on Tuesday, August 13 from 4-8 pm at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 6151 H Street, Sacramento. The family asks everyone to wear red, Kenji's favorite color.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenji KAWAGUCHI
JD Sparks
October 21, 2013
We are sorry to learn of this heartbreaking news. Kenji had an amazing spirit. He taught us how to love more fully. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Alison French-Tubo
September 8, 2013
Kawaguchi family, we hope your memories will bring you comfort, and joyous recollections. We remember Kenji's peaceful, radiant smile and personal fashion style (wearing shorts even on cold mornings) from the year Kenji and our son Sean were in the room 11 2nd/3rd combo. Sincerely, the Tubo family
Jenni Mitchell
August 16, 2013
Marlene and family, I am praying for strength for all of you. My heart goes out to you. Blake and Mike talked about you and Kenji a lot during treatments at the hospital. If there is anything the Mitchell family can do to help, we are here for you.
Talbert Family
August 15, 2013
Marlene, David, Isamu and family: our hearts and prayers are with you. Kenji was one of the most amazing little boys with the biggest heart we ever knew. Our hearts are deeply saddened. May he be God's angel now until we see him again. We will plant a red rose bush in honor of him and think of him always. Love to you all.
Chelle, Zachary & Elly Bergthold
August 14, 2013
Our thoughts and deepest prayers are with the Kawaguchi family. Memories of Kenji and Elly playing while the big kids golfed, brings smiles to our faces.
Sierra (Maddi) and Susan Contreras
August 14, 2013
We were saddened to hear. We will pray for your strength during your grief. May the precious memories bring you smiles and help heal the sorrow soon.
Sharon Kuhlemier (BOE)
August 13, 2013
My heart goes out to all the Kawaguchi family and Grandmother Bobbie Lee. May you remember his bright smile and the wonderful time you had with Kenji during his short time on earth.
May God Bless all of you in this difficult time.
August 13, 2013
Kenji and his family are in our thoughts and prayers. He was one of the most loved students in our second grade class. We will miss you Kenji.
Paul Myers
Kenji's second grade teacher
Wanda Napier
August 13, 2013
God Bless that sweet boy, may the Lord bring you strength to get through this difficult time. Your family here on the east coast are sending love, prayers and healing hugs to you all.
Greg Kawaguchi
August 12, 2013
Dear Marlene, David, Isamu, Aunt Helen, Karen, Kimi, and all of Kenji's friends and family. I am so sorry for your loss. I have been following the ups and downs. I had manny joys and sorrows.
Greg Kawaguchi
Patty Torrea
August 12, 2013
Kenji your supper hero spirits will shine always threw all of the hearts you have touched. Sweet little Angel you feel no more pain. Sorry for your loss Kawaguchi family, wish I can be in town. I will be wearing red tomorrow in celebration of Kenjis life.
Caroline Esquivel
August 12, 2013
Remembering you always.....the sweet, brown eyed boy with that infectious smile that could light up the world!
The Lavine Family
August 12, 2013
Our hearts are with you during this most difficult time. Your family has been such an inspiration and will continue to be a beacon of strength and light to all. May your beautiful community and the memories of your warrior son bring you peace during this most difficult time. May your grief be gentle with you. We wish we could be there with you tomorrow, but we will be wearing red and lighting candles in our home. Our love, light and blessings to all who are touched by the loss of sweet Kenji.
Carla Erwin(BOE)
August 12, 2013
My condolences to the family.
The fun we had at the pumpkin patch!
Jackie Chan
August 11, 2013
Dear Kenji,
You are a strong and brave little boy. We are so proud of you! We have been so fortunate to have you in our lives, you will always have a special place in our hearts. We will truly miss seeing you and your cute little face.
Love to you,
Jackie and Rich
Fun at the pumpkin patch
Jackie Chan
August 11, 2013
Heather Brodhead
August 10, 2013
You all are in my heart. I'm so sorry. He was a sweet shining star passing through our world too quickly, but giving off radiant light to those around him.
Love from the Steve Kawaguchi Family
August 10, 2013
Dearest Kenji', There's a big hole in the hearts of those you left behind, but surely Jiichan was so excited to hold you again! Go bonsai a beautiful tree together & save it for the rest of us! We'll all see you again soon! Much love to Kenji's big brother, Isamui, you have been the greatest, & to the strongest Mom & Dad... Ever!
August 10, 2013
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Kawaguchi Family? Gentle hugs and prayers for healing your hearts and souls.
Love, The Schrimmer Family
Mark, Vicki, Steven and Debs
Sharon McGinnis
August 10, 2013
My heart goes out to this incredible family that gave this angel the strength and comfort to pass peacefully. May his beautiful spirit surround and comfort you.
August 10, 2013
Our hearts pour out to you and all of your family during this very difficult time. The loss of such a young life, so sweet, precious, vulnerable yet strong and full of spirit until the end is truly a life cut short, way too soon. We are praying for you and holding you in our thoughts and prayers
Love your neighbors, Martha, Arturo, Cassandra and Christopher Geraty
August 10, 2013
Clark, Sharlene and Family
Linda Hammond
August 10, 2013
Love to the family.
Phil Pluckebaum
August 10, 2013
Kenji was a great kid with an amazing spirit. He would have surely become a wonderful man. We are poorer without him.
Christine Hanifen
August 10, 2013
Thoughts and prayers are with you all as I fondly remember my time getting to know Kenji and the rest of the family.
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