2007 Reunion Memoriam Page
for those who have passed on
(comments below...please email them to David Kravetz)
(if you have information about a former Elder or Sister that has passed on,
please send any photos and/or details to David Kravetz so that we can memorialize them on this page
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Elder Brian K Akana 10 May 1957 - 4 Jan 2004 |
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Elder David Bown served Aug 1974-76 died 1992 |
Elder Bown was my companion for the week that we were in the Salt Lake City Mission Home prior to heading to Hawaii and the LTM. He did indeed memorize the entire lesson plan in the LTM. He and I competed to see who could get the most done. He won, though the language did not appear to come easy to him. He was a hard worker. He entered the mission field in August, 1974, and arrived in Japan in October 1974. I will see if I can pull out a picture or two to send along. (courtesy of Allan Bird)
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Elder Masashi Dobashi ?? - 30 Apr 2005 |
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Elder John Michael Dorny 4 Dec 1956 - 10 Jun 1979
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Mike passed away about 1 year after coming home from Nagoya. He went scuba diving with 3 other friends at Bear Lake, UT and never returned. He drowned but no one is quite sure how. He was the oldest of 5 children, 4 boys and 1 girl. He had just finished his first year back at the University of Utah and was celebrating by going scuba diving. He wanted to be a doctor and had just pulled a 4.0 for his classes. Those that knew him never doubted he would become whatever he set his mind to. Mike had just finished teaching a Japanese young man and baptized him the week before. As most of us are parents now we can only imagine or maybe have experienced losing a child. His mom is a classy lady who still cries every time we visit them and talk about Mike. I think he has at least 2 people named after him. He had a great positive effect on those that knew him and a great loss to all those on this side of the veil. |
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Elder Rodrick E. Hempel 5 Sep. 1956 - May 1978 |
From Gordon Jensen: I know that Rod Hempel died the same year we returned (1978) from a heart condition. I don't know that I have anything on it. I remember getting a memorial program from his mom (I didn't know he had died and had written him about something) but I don't know that I still have it unless it is buried in a journal. From Brian Bruderer: Concerning Elder Hempel, I served in the same branch with him in Nagoya. I remember his flaming red hair and his colorful past. He was very much into Bruce Lee and body building. I remember while tracting with him in some danshi’s we had to stop and rest a bit because of chest pains. I heard that he passed away while hiking in the mountains due to heart failure. He apparently had an enlarged heart which I hear can sometimes happen to athletes. It made me seriously reflect on the chest pains he experienced while tracting. I confess that at the time I wondered if he was faking it and just wanted to rest. Wow, a real lesson in not passing judgment on others! I was really sorry to hear of his passing years ago and am glad I got to know him in Nagoya. He had a rough childhood and was basically abandoned by his parents as I recall. It was very interesting hearing of how he tackled life on his own. He studied marshal arts and was lived with a guy that was a chiropractor for a while. He performed free chiropractor stuff for us, best my back has ever felt! From Gerald Miller: I don't know what other information you may have. I lived with him in Matsuzaka for most of the nine months I was there. He was Elder Collette's comp. Leon was my comp during part of that time. We were san-nin with Elder Ford, I think for a short time between transfers. Here's what I remember and maybe this is part of why so few "knew' him. He had his own life style. I don't know if I can add anything you don't already know. He worked out using an old bar and two cinder blocks just outside of the apartment window. He was strong and talked of having trained with Bruce Lee's sensei. I remember once he arm wrestled with a carpenter member of the branch and an active fisherman and won. He had sold his car to pay for his mission and given the money to his bishop to send each month. He loved to show the cars picture to everyone. The money didn't come real regular so he was always short. He drank a protein shake that was supposed to give him all the nutrition that he needed. So he ate his own food separate from the other three of us. One week he ate only bananas, several hands of bananas. Another week chili, all week, everyday the apartment smelled of chili. He used the rice cooker to cook it. He had read about some memorization technique where you visualized a picture and each item in the picture was a key to a word in the discussion. He tried to use it and share it with the rest of us. He had a friend on a mission in Canada I think who sent him tapes that included rock music and he loved to listen to one of those tapes on p-day. Elder Hempel was a friendly guy. I remember going on splits with him more than a few times. I can't recall too many special characteristics to share with you. |
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Elder Scott Huish 11 Feb 1959 - 18 Jan 2003 |
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Sister Jeannie (Greta) Gellert served 1975-77 15 Jul 1954 - March 1980
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Jeannie (Greta) Gellert (Nagoya 75-77) was a sweet, loving, helpful animal and people-lover. She absolutely adored horses and owned her own in Laie, Hawaii. When we arrived in snowy, frozen Kanazawa, I stepped off the train and was certain that I had learned the wrong language in the MTC. Jeannie was like a fish to water, so adept and at ease. She was a natural-born missionary. Jeannie used her Japanese language skills in Hawaii a great deal upon her return. Not only did we serve in the same mission at the same time, but we both went to study abroad with BYU in Jerusalem in 1978. Jeannie continued to share her testimony with all she encountered. Even on our trip home from BYU-Jerusalem she managed to find interested people to teach as we traveled throughout Europe. Upon our return from Jerusalem Study Abroad, Jeannie was deciding between nursing and veterinary medicine. Jeannie was killed in a tragic car accident in 1979 along with her mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed on this side of the veil. -- Sister Paula Nielson
Sister Gellert with Family
Jeannie Gellert and Paula Nielson in Jerusalem
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Elder Kevin Handy 6 Apr 1956 - 24 Jun 2004
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Following obituary provided by Gary Clawson:
In Loving memory of Kevin Duane Handy of Heyburn (Idaho) who passed away Thursday, June 24, 2004, at his home.
Kevin was born in Moscow, Idaho, to Duane and Beverly Handy. He attended and graduated from South Fremont High School where he was an outstanding athlete. He was an Eagle Scout and enjoyed riding motorcycles with his father. Aside from English, Kevin was fluent in three languages -- Japanese, German and Russian. Kevin received his bachelor of science degree in laboratory science and his master's degree in health administration. He served twelve and a half years in the U.S. Army as a master sergeant. His last military assignment was as a chemistry instructor at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. His last civilian assignment was as a director of medical laboratories at the Army proving grounds in Dougway, Utah.
Kevin is survived by his parents and sisters, Nancy Handy and Terri Hennefer, and two children, Chance and Nikki Handy. Kevin was a very loving son, brother and father and will be greatly missed and always loved by all.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 30, 2004, at the Heyburn LDS first ward building at 530 Villa in Heyburn with Bishop Gene Price officiating. Burial will follow at the River Side Cemetery with military graveside rites by local veterans. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Hansen Mortuary Burley Chapel and one hour prior to the services at the church. |
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Elder John Martin Mantyla 2 Apr 1957 - Oct. 1985
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 Elder Mantyla with Elder McKenna |
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Elder Darius Roderick Napeahi 23 Apr 1959 - 4 Dec 1998 |
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Elder Robert Lewis Pratt 12 Oct 1958 - 14 Jan 1980 |
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Elder Tsuyoshi Saiki 15 Dec 1954 - 28 Jul 2002
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I am sad - but glad also. Elder Saiki fought the good fight and finished the faith. I always admired him and hope to be like him someday. I remember Monji Shimai as well. She is and was a true Saint. A man with a wife like her could have become the President of the Church. Ted Sumrall Following if from Sister Saiki:
才木兄弟と私の出会いから、この世の別れまで
From The Time I Met
Brother Saiki Until Our Worldly Separation
Finally, the day
came to return home from my mission (Sister Monji Yuko was released from
the Japan Nagoya Mission 24OCT1978). Elder Saiki Tsuyoshi invited me
into the Mission Assistant’s (MA’s) office and we discussed at length
about the gospel and our missions. While we were talking, a scripture
popped up into Elder Saiki’s mind as if on an electronic sign board,
from 2 Nephi 32:8 in the Book of Mormon:
“And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing. For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray ye would know that ye must pray…”
When he thought what he should pray about, I was in front of him. He followed the prompting of the Spirit and prayed about me that night and the following morning. As soon as he got the certain answer, he was moved to action: Two or three days after returning from my mission I received a proposal of marriage from Brother Saiki. In his letter he offered his testimony about the gospel, and about life, He wrote about his deep desires to spread the gospel. Even during my mission I’d felt moved by his enthusiasm as MA and had respected him for it. I also wished to continue through my life telling about the gospel so much that when I was on the plane returning from my mission I determined to live President Tanaka’s advice. He’d told that if one has feelings of respect a marriage has a good foundation for success. I’d accepted Elder Saiki’s proposal and told my mother, “I already have someone to marry, so you don’t have to find somebody for me!”
During the remainder
of his mission we exchanged love letters that frequently included our
testimonies about the gospel. And two months after he returned from his
mission, we married on Wednesday, 03 October 1979 in the Salt Lake City
[Utah] Temple.
About a half a year after we were married, we moved to Nagasaki to live with his parents in their home. In January of 1980 President Tanaka asked Brother Saiki to work at his company in Yokohama. He went on ahead as I was expecting our first child, and so I went back to my parents’ home in Kitakyushuto do as much Monji family genealogy as possible. Then our first daughter, Hikari, was born and 40 days later we all left for Yokohama where we lived for eight years. Our children increased in number to five while Brother Saiki served as Branch President in the Musashi Kosugi branch of Yokohama.
In December of 1988,
Kokoro, our fifth child, was six months old at the time. We decided to
start an advanced educational program, so we returned to living at our
parent’s home in Nagasaki. Brother Saiki was then called to serve as
Branch President at the Isahaya branch. Six years later, he changed his
job to an advanced reading, and he served as Nagasaki District
President. During that time, the Fukuoka Temple was built.
For several months
prior to 28 July 2002, although his stomach often pained him, Brother
Saiki was too busy to go to the hospital. When the pain got stronger, he
visited a doctor, but by that time the stomach cancer already had spread
throughout his entire body. He immediately entered a hospital. Many
Church leaders made time to come and offer blessings, but one week later
he was called home. Brother Saiki’s younger brother reported a dream in
which he saw Brother Saiki healthy again, and asked, “Brother, did it
hurt at all when you died?” Brother Saiki’s reply came, “No, there was
no pain whatsoever…”
Brother Saiki loved
spreading the gospel, so I know that he is now doing that— continuing as
a missionary in the Spirit World. 「私が結婚する姉妹に描いていた一つの条件があります。それはその姉妹が、私がいつ死んでも、残された子供を主の御心のままに育て、忠実に終わりまで耐え忍んでくれるということです。」
I got the sense that
Brother Saiki had some deep foreboding that he might pass away first. I
feel that he is released from pain and sorrow and working hard as an
instrument in the Lord’s hands. I also feel that he often visits and
helps us. Even if we have been separated physically, I still have peace
of spirit.
When Brother Saiki
died, our eldest daughter Hikari was serving as a missionary on Temple
Square [Utah]. Two years later our second daughter Maria was called to
the Sendai Mission. Our eldest and second sons have distanced themselves
from the Church for a season, but I believe with all my heart they will
come back to the light.
Now I run Sunshine
Kindergarten English School that helps children learn English, students
all the way from kindergarten, middle- and high-school children. I also
enjoy singing in a gospel choir and a children’s song club. We’ve got a
large new home without any expense since we were part of the Isahaya
city plan. I know deeply that this is a testament to the payment of
tithing.
It’s rare in these
days but I avoid computers (I don’t know how to use), don’t drive a car
(I am a paper driver), don’t use a keitai (cell phone) (because I
don’t like it). Like our missionary period, I exclusively ride a bicycle
everywhere. So, as you can imagine, I’m really healthy.
I know this gospel
is true. My family is not rich, but from the Lord we have riches and
blessings and protection so much that I am truly and deeply thankful for
my happiness. Forever and ever I hope to be involved in developing the
Lord’s work as a family, and as just one person who cares.
Saiki Yuko Translated by R. Lee Richan (leerichan@yahoo.com) |
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Sister Misao Kamio Sato ?? - 23 Nov 2006 |
Married name was Kamio |
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Elder Verlon Francis Skinner 4 Mar 1957 - 26 Mar 1998 |
From Paula Norby: Verlon Francis Skinner was the 4th of five children born to Mavis and Arnold Skinner. He was born March 4, 1957 in Safford, Az. At that time the family was living on a farm in Willcox, AZ. At a very young age he learned to ride horses. His family spent one summer at a boys ranch in Colorado where he could be found riding a palomino horse named Pal. It was quite a sight to see this little 4 year old galloping down the road. He loved helping on the farm, where he drove tractors at age 10 or 11. He even taught his older sister how to drive. He was 11 and she was 15. He would never let her forget it. The family moved to Safford, AZ. in Dec. of 1968. He always missed the farm and longed to go back. In Safford they lived across the street from the Kouts family. He grew really close to them and went to work for Ronnie, who became his mentor in the auto body repair business. He really loved doing it and became quite good. His dream was to have his own business which later became a reality for a few years when he and his friend opened their own shop, “Elite Auto Body” in east Mesa, AZ. After he graduated from Safford High, he worked for a year before going on his mission. He was then called to serve in the Japan, Nagoya Mission from May 1976-May 1978. He came to love the Japanese people deeply and had a special place in his heart for their little children. He grew a lot spiritually during his mission and saw many times how the Lord blessed him to learn the language and to teach with the Spirit. It was his dream to go back to Japan and even told of a dream he had had that his dad was with him. That too, became a reality in Dec. of 1996. He was worried about the language coming back and if he would be able understand or speak it. He testified that the gift of tongues was real and his dad said after a couple of days he was speaking like he had never left. The people that he interacted with were quite amazed. His dad had to leave to come home before Verlon and he recalled looking back at his son and for a brief instant seeing him as a young missionary. After coming home from his mission he began dating Kathy Collier from Kearny, AZ. They had met before his mission and had written to each other. He moved to Mesa, AZ to work construction as a framer. Verlon and Kathy were married Aug. 5, 1978. To them were born, Jennifer, Nathan, Jason, and Tiffany. Sadly, they were divorced 13 years later. He loved his children and was so proud of their accomplishments. He tried to support them in their various activities including dance and various sports. Verlon loved football. He coached Nathan’s Pop Warner football team one year. Verlon didn’t get to see Nathan play his SR. year of football as quarterback but Nathan paid tribute to his dad by scribing his initials on the back of his cleats. Perhaps he was there. Verlon loved babies and enjoyed the nieces and nephews. He would always ask them “who’s your favorite uncle?” This year he became a grandpa. Nathan had a son last January and Jenny had a son born in June. It isn’t hard imagining him holding them and asking “who’s your favorite grandpa?” He had a great love for singing and playing the guitar. He loved country and one of his favorite artists was Alan Jackson. He sang for his parent’s 50th wedding anniversary and everyone was quite impressed. Verlon was never without a job for very long and worked in many professions such as, carpenter-framer, Auto Body and painting, Haulage Truck Driver for a mine, Water softener salesman, mobile home moving and set ups, Awning Sales, Kempton RV sales which included park model homes and camp trailers. He had a natural gift for sales and several times was the top salesman for Kempton’s where he was working before his death. Verlon passed away on March 26, 1998. He was 41. His untimely passing left a void in the lives of all who knew him and he is greatly missed. Though he had trials and heartache, he knew the gospel was true. To this he testified to his parents only days before his death. His mission was always part of him. His mementos, souvenirs, pictures, letters and especially his journal were his prized possessions. It all meant so much to him. He loved his Mission President and the Elders he served with and was grateful to be part of this mission. His father passed away last March 8, nine years minus a few days later. We know there was a grand reunion on the other side much like the one taking place here tonight. It is not by chance that Bro. Zant called our mom on Verlon’s birthday (unknown to him) trying to locate him or Bro. Richan listening to Verlon’s very much alive voice on a tape when he got the email that Verlon had passed away 9 years earlier. Verlon would have wanted very much to be part of this reunion and through the tender mercies of the Lord he is.
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Thanks to Leon Wiswell for researching many of the birth and death dates of the individuals above.
The good news is that because of your wonderful responses, we now have sufficient information on many of these Elders and Sisters for our presentation. The bad news, unfortunately, is that we are still lacking adequate information and photos on a few of these Elders, and so I'm sending this email as an urgent appeal for your help. Please search your memory as well as your storage areas and photo albums, and if you are able to provide any information whatsoever (in the form of stories, photographs, remembrances, journal entries, personal experiences, anecdotes, testimonies, obituaries, etc.) on any of the following five Elders, then please let me know as soon as possible:
Elder Robert Lewis Pratt
Elder Masashi Dobashi
Elder Darius R. Napeahi
Elder Kevin D. Handy
Elder Scott A. Huish
Anything you are able to send on these 5 individuals would be most welcome and help to make our presentation a success. Of course, you are welcome to continue to send additional information about the other Elders and Sisters as well. Everything you send about these Elders/Sisters will be considered, consolidated, and compiled into either the memorial presentation or added to the website. As the reunion is now just two weeks away, your prompt attention to this request is greatly appreciated.
On a final note, the parents of Elder Mantyla, Elder Dorny, and Elder Pratt will be attending the reunion the evening of Friday, October 5th. If any of you who are attending the reunion in person and were companions with these three Elders or you knew them quite well and you have the desire to sit at the same table with their parents, please let me know and we will try to accommodate you. And of course, please feel free to introduce yourselves to them after the program.
Comments from others:
3/12/07: I was in the LTM with both Gellert Shimai
and Neilson Shimai. They were both wonderful. I heard about Gellert Shimai
years ago. What a tragic accident, but I'm sure she's very busy now. It's
great to see the pictures. - Todd Miller
