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Henry Kumasaka Memoriam
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Memories and Condolences
for Henry Kumasaka
4 Entries
Mercedes Luna
March 23, 2021
Jan and family,
I'm so sorry to hear about Ham's passing. I have so many fond memories of Ham from my childhood and my dad (Doug Luna) bringing me along to all of his monthly poker games and community/social events. I will fondly remember his generous spirit and kind soul. I'm sure he and my dad are playing a few hands of poker together now. Sending you and your family all of my love and a big hug. Thinking of you.
Pam Wilder
August 16, 2020
Hank was wonderfully patient and kind. He always took the opportunity and time to teach and patiently waited until you got it right.
Donald Boston
August 16, 2020
During my career at the Boeing Noise Lab, I always enjoyed working with Hank Kumasaka and exchanging stories:
In the late 1980s, I had the privilege of traveling to mainland China to support Hank identifying an obscure but frightening noise-vibration from a B-737 engine. Our first flight on the in-service problem airplane from Chengdu to Beijing revealed no problem and the day was spent sightseeing in Beijing. Cashing a travelers check at the bank was no problem for me with an English speaking teller, but Hank had trouble with his teller storming off complaining loudly. When Hank joined me, the teller explained her coworker had tried to help him in three different Asian languages.
At that time, the Jin Jang Hotel was the only “western” hotel in Chengdu, and it had a “safe” restaurant on the ninth floor. One day, getting on the elevator, Hank greeted a fellow passenger who responded in Japanese to which Hank stumbled explaining his Japanese-American heritage only to be greeted with “So am I.” But Hank’s Japanese was really put to the test when Japan’s most famous film actor came to his suite where we were analyzing data. The actor was part of a mountain climbing party returning from Tibet, and they filled the suite for a memorable evening.
The engine problem was identified, but negotiations delayed our departure which gave us time for a trip to the zoo. As I remember there were nine pandas. One was sitting very near in the enclosure, and Hank, trying to get a good picture, was asking the panda to turn its head when a small lady said “He only understands Chinese.”
He has been missed.
Don Boston
Chris Arctander
August 16, 2020
It was a pleasure to have worked with Hank at Boeing.
He always was willing to assist without hesitation.
A great engineer and a fine gentleman.
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