Name: Celebration of Life for Joe Appiah-Kusi
Start: 2018-10-21T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-10-21T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Northwest African American Museum (NAAM)

Dr. Joe Appiah-Kusi

August 14, 1942 ~ August 3, 2018

Dr. Joe Appiah-Kusi passed away on August 3, 2018, just a few days before his 76th birthday from heart failure.

Dr. Joe (affectionately called) came from the Ashanti tribe of Ghana. He was born in Bonwire in the Ashanti region of Ghana (former British Colony of the Gold Coast), a town known for the beautiful Kente Weaving Cloth.

Dr. Joe was a natural born leader who continued the interests of his family, fostering connection, understanding and building relationships around the world. He assisted in training the first U.S. Peace Corps in Ghana. After his early education in Kumasi, he proceeded to Czechoslovakia to get a degree in medicine followed by time in London. A short practice in medicine for the US Army based in New York brought his transition from Europe to the United States. Dr. Joe got degrees in Public Health and Community Medicine and Education and Administration at the University of Washington. He was often called upon for his diplomatic skills. He served the Foundation for international Understanding Through Students and the Global Technology Academy at Garfield High School which created a school in Ghana. He travelled to Ghana on many student missions. He organized the UN 1999 International Year of Older Persons. He was an advisor to the Seattle Art Museum on the interpretation of the African, the Caribbean and the Oceanic art collections. His "connecting" work was too numerous to list but always done from his big hem for young and old and better understanding of global issues.

Dr. Joe resided in the Wallingford for over 45 years. He was a good neighbor and invited friends, new and old, for a cup of tea or a delicious meal. He enjoyed a lifelong interest in photography and here in Seattle he filled many albums and took videos of special events. He did portraits of friends modeling his colorful collection of Kente Weaving Cloths. He was interested in you and your kids and sent birthday wishes to hundreds. He was passionate in connecting the people and building relationships. People at Costco, Aurora Village will remember him for his infectious smile. His legacy was that he built a family of friends who will never forget him. Dr. Joe is survived by his siblings in Ghana: Akua Adae, Kofi Kusi, Johnson Appiah-Kusi and Elizabeth Appiah-Kusi. He has many nieces and nephews around the world and several in the United States.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at the Northwest

African American Museum (NAAM) on Sunday,

October 21 from 1:00-4:00 pm at

2300 S. Massachusetts Street,

Seattle, WA 98144.

The Harvey Funeral Home

has a site to post remembrances:

www.harveyfuneral.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from Aug. 31 to Sep. 2, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Joe Appiah-Kusi

Sponsored by The Family.

29 Entries

Linda Roney

April 21, 2025

I just happened to see this. Nobody told me. We were good friends for many years, since about 1992.

Jennie Oleen

August 19, 2021

It´s been three years since the passing of Dr. Joe and his voice on the phone from calling to see how my family and I are is still in my mind. I first met Dr. Joe in 1968 when he stayed with our family in Meadville, Pa. I was just seven years old and he left a big impression on me which I remembered throughout my life. Friendships were very important to him. Im thankful to Dr. Joe for his kind friendship.

Stewart Matthiesen

November 26, 2018

Thank you Dr. Joe! It was a pleasure meeting you on the street in Wallingford and ending up having tea in your house! It was a pleasure visiting and hearing from you and sharing in your spirit. You will be remembered.

2005. Joe at home. Photo by Veronika Hladikova

Veronika Hladikova

November 4, 2018

Tom Pilla

October 30, 2018

I'm so sorry and very sad to hear of Joe's passing. I met and knew Joe during my time living in Seattle in the late 1990s. He invited me many times to his house for tea and/or a fine meal and always compelling conversation. He was a truly unique, classy and kind-hearted gentleman. While I hadn't seen or been in touch with him for some time now, I don't know if I will ever meet a more friendly or gentle person than Joe. Rest in peace, my friend.

Terri Nakamura

October 27, 2018

My family and I were happy to know Dr. Joe. We met in the book aisle at Costco when our kids were in grade school. (They're now 32 and 35). Throughout the years, we became friends. He was amazing about staying in touch with people who mattered to him. Dr. Joe and I spoke late this summer and we vowed to get together. I'm sorry it never came to pass. He touched so many lives and will be missed.

2005 ...in Joe's house in Seattle.

Veronika Hladikova

October 21, 2018

Appiah kubi,Mary Kusi,Nhyira KUSI Appiah,Alvin Kusi

October 7, 2018

Dr. Doe we didn't meet after having family gathering when you came to Ghana,kumasi golden tulip hotel,you gave us future of hope and a promise but Hhhmmm death have made us speechless but also there's one thing we Really proud of that you are a living saint in August and we the KUSI Appiah family will remember you in our lives and our children children will recognized you that they had a saint of August who was a legend.

October 5, 2018

We met Dr.Joe at Costco while we were browsing through the books.
It was clear to us that he was a very special person, and we looked forward to talking with him any time our paths crossed. The last time we spoke, he said we should come to tea, and his invitation stays with us as a reminder of his warmth, gentlemanliness and graciousness. We would love to have had more time to enjoy your company, Dr. Joe. Thank you for bringing so much light into the world. May you rest in peace.
Meg, Jake anad Annie.

Gayle Gustafson

October 1, 2018

Dr. Joe was neighbor to my son and his wife Laura. They were so excited to have him as a neighbor because he was so interesting to talk to. When we came to visit Jeff and his family my husband and I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Joe. He invited us for coffee and pie. He was a delightful host. He will be missed by many.

Laura Feola

September 30, 2018

We lived next door to Dr. Joe for 11 years in Wallingford. I will always remember his kind offers of tea, how happy he was to see the children as they grew (and overfill their Halloween buckets), and his amazing stories of work he'd done and people he'd met. I am thankful for how much he shared of himself, how I always felt like there was a neighborhood elder looking out for us. How I wish I could stop and chat under the trees one more time. Thank you, dear sweet Dr. Joe.

Karin Engstrom

September 12, 2018

I met Joe in 2005 when he briefed students and adults about Ghana and its culture before we left to work with Ghanaian students and teachers on installing computers in schools. From that point on, he always called me on my birthday and I so enjoyed our conversations.

I will always think of his energy and goodness to celebrate his parting to the Great Beyond.

Priscilla Thurber

September 11, 2018

I will still anticipate you singing happy birthday to me each and every birthday
Dr Joe and I met when campaigning for Govenor Gary Locke.

Susan McCabeF

September 10, 2018

My first meeting with Joe was to interview him for a now defunct publication on seniors. His was/is a rich story of boundless curiosity and deep caring. I always enjoyed his intelligence and stories of Ghana. I know he will be missed by many. So happy he passed peacefully. Susan McCabe

September 10, 2018

Had many a meal with Joe...what a caring friend he was....

Elizabeth Loftus

Selfie in 2016 with Joe, Marilyn & Paul

Marilyn Duncan

September 8, 2018

First met Joe at an international medical student meeting in Finland in 1967 while in medical school. Have stayed in touch ever since. We loved talking to him each year during his Happy Birthday calls as well as visits at his Seattle home for a lovely meal and conversation. We will miss him and his shared love of life, Ghana and long-term friendships. Drs. Marilyn & Paul Duncan

Selfie with Joe, Marilyn & Paul, 12/2016

September 8, 2018

First met Joe at an international medical student meeting in Finland in 1968. We have stayed in touch ever since. Always amazing to talk to him on his Happy Birthday calls & to meet up for a meal at his Seattle home over the years. Will miss him! Marilyn & Paul Duncan, Los Ranchos, NM

September 8, 2018

Dr. Joe and I met while employees at the UW in the 1970s. We had many discussions about the world and our cultures. I heard from him each year on my birthday and will never forget his kindness.

Louise Chiprut

Kjell Rye

September 7, 2018

I worked with Dr. Joe on projects to bring computers to schools in Ghana through Global Technology Academy at Garfield High School in Seattle. He was such an inspiration for my students to see an adult with such passion for doing good in this world. The times I spent with him in Ghana will always remain cherished memories.

Kathy Riley

September 7, 2018

I'm so sorry to hear about Dr. Joe. I met him in 2006 when I opened a shop in Wallingford and he stopped by before it was even open to find out what was happening. That was the beginning of many visits, talks, and tea. My condolences to his family and all of his friends.

Jane Bow

September 6, 2018

Rest in peace, Joe, after a life of spreading positivity and joy.

KWAME SARPONG

September 4, 2018

Uncle, may your life be to the future generation, a source of inspiration and contentment.

May the Lord bless and keep you till we meet again.

Lynn Whipple

September 4, 2018

Dr. Joe and I were seated next to one another in a U of W class and that chance occurrence led to a friendship of nearly 45 years. Joe's gift for sustaining connections with people for decades was unique and a fine example to all.

Deborah Bartos

September 3, 2018

Met Dr Joe at Costco...always had a big smile on his face and such kind words for everyone that passed though his life. Seeing Dr Joe at the door at Costco I'd try to be the last in line so I could talk a few minutes with him. I was so lucky to know Dr Joe. Rest in Peace my friend Rest in Peace....

Debbie Falk

September 3, 2018

So sad to hear of Dr. Joe's death. My friend of over 40 years. Rest in peace my dear friend.

Jennie Oleen

September 2, 2018

My heart aches, as I know with so many others, with the passing of dear, sweet Dr. Joe. He was a compassionate, kind person with enormous love and caring for all. I couldn't even begin to express the gratitude and love I have for the caring and concern he gave to me. During a visit with him, I saw the wonderful interaction he had with everyone, children and old alike. Through conversations, I saw how proud he was of his family and love he had for them and for all of his extended family. I will miss Dr. Joe greatly and all his sweet calls and emails, just to see how I'm doing and to send his love and encouragement. A truly dear friend I have lost but he will always remain in my heart, and his example of friendship will always resonate within. I love you Dr. Joe. ❤Jennie Oleen

Judith Wood

September 2, 2018

Sad to hear of Dr. Joe's death. He was a kind and generous man.

Olivia E.

September 1, 2018

I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a dear loved one is a grief I wish upon no one. May family and friends during this time of mourning find comfort with one another. Proverbs 17:17 - A true friend shows love at all times. And is a brother who is born for times of distress.

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