"Thank for all of the thoughts and prayers regarding the passing of my father, We learned so much from my father, He sacrificed so much for us, He also taught us to work hard, He will live forever in our hearts, Thank you to all of the caregivers that he had, He loved most of them."
In loving memory of
Kenji Fujikawa
November 28, 1922 - July 31, 2019
Kenji Fujikawa passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on July 31, 2019 in Kaysville, Utah.
Born on November 28, 1922 in Honeyville, Utah to Kenzo Fujikawa and Hatsumi Honda, Kenji was raised in Honeyville where he worked on the family farm until his retirement. He graduated from Box Elder High School in 1942 among the top ten graduating students in his class. Kenji served in the US Army Air Forces from 1944 to 1945 in the 5th Emergency Rescue Squadron.
Kenji married Kazuko Inouye December 5, 1953 in the Honeyville Buddhist Temple, of which he was a lifelong member. Over the years, Kenji served the temple in several leadership roles, including service as president.
Kenji was gifted with a green thumb, enjoying gardening and taking care of his yard. Black Jack, Poker, and games of chance were another fun pastime that Kenji took pleasure in with those around him. He was also an avid fisherman, a passion he generously taught and shared with his family.
Kenji is survived by his children Thomas (Marcie) Fujikawa, Alice (Dennis) Murphy, and Kelly (Kristy) Fujikawa, 11 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. He is also survived by his siblings Nobuo Fujikawa, Kaneso (Sachi) Fujikawa, Shigeo (Frieda) Fujikawa and Youzo (Kiyoko) Fujikawa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Kazuko, his son Jimmy, granddaughter Brooklynn, and sisters Sachie Kubosumi and Mary Kawaguchi.
Special thanks to Canyon Home Health and Hospice, especially his nurse Anna and granddaughter Emily, who took such great care of Kenji in his final months.
In lieu of flowers,the family invites donations on Kenji's behalf to the Wounded Warrior Project
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 6 at the Honeyville Buddhist Temple, 3945 West 6900 North, at 11:00am.
Viewing will be held on Monday, August 5 at Gillies Funeral Chapel, 634 East 200 South, from 6-8pm and again on Tuesday prior to the service from 10:00am to 10:40am.
Interment will be in the Honeyville Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded.
Send condolences to www.gfc-utah.com
Tributes
"Alice, Sorry to hear about your dad. Peace be with you. "
"Thank you Uncle Kenji for a showing us how to live a loving, positive life filled with gratitude and kindness. We love you. Rest in peace. Love, Kim Fujikawa"
"Dear Fujikawa family, What a wonderful person Kenji was! I truly admired my sweet Uncle Kenji for living his life true to his Buddhist faith...he was kind, gentle, caring and authentic. He will always be an inspiration to me! I remember we would visit Uncle when we were little and he was the nicest uncle.....always smiling. I could tell even from a young age that he had a warm and loving soul. Thank you Uncle...for being a wonderful role model to all who were blessed to be a part of your life. Thank you for your giving heart. Thank you for your kindness. What an honor to have had you as my uncle! Much love and sympathy to the family Love, Wendy (Fujikawa) Ishimoto"