"Dear Jane and family, we are so sorry to hear that Russell is no longer with you, his family and the rest of the world. We first met Russell at a couple family gatherings when we were able to visit with you and Russell on your WV visits. Our memories of him as a very gentle talented member of the Welton family was through our close relationships with your parents, cousin Alex and Marie, and sister Alma Jo. Since our move from the farm to town Alma Jo calls us regularly and she always includes her latest news from you and through Russell?s illness ended with her sharing memories of Russell and she loved him. So through our married life Russell and you became a very important part of our lives through Alma Jo. It was very interesting, my coming from a musical family, to hear over the years of Russell?s and your involvement in the music world, where every you were, Grosse Pointe, or Leland. There were times when I thought it would have been great had we lived closer to have been able to attend some what sounded like wonderful musical programs. To me personally, the world has lost a great soul and there are many of us who found that our lives are much richer having you and Russell passing through them. Hugs and Prayers, Cousins Fran, Jack and family "
In loving memory of
Russell Kazuo Yamazaki
November 23, 1942 - January 3, 2022
Russell Kazuo Yamazaki died peacefully from gastrointestinal cancer on January 3 in the presence of his wife Jane Yamazaki. He was a 43-year resident of Grosse Pointe Park, MI as well as a summer resident of Leland, MI for 22-years.
Russell was born on November 23, 1942 at Topaz, Utah, an internment camp for Japanese-American citizens. He attended public schools in Wooster, Ohio through high school where he received numerous scholastic achievement awards. He entered the College of Wooster where he graduated in 1964 with a BA degree in Chemistry. He then attended Michigan State University where he received his PhD in Biochemistry in 1969. His thesis research helped provide the basis for understanding the role of peroxisomes, membrane-bound components of leaf cells, in aiding photosynthesis in plants.
Aiter graduating from Michigan State, Russell carried out postdoctoral research in biochemistry at Case-Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH and then moved to the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. He moved to Detroit to Wayne State University School of Medicine in 1978 to join a newly organized Department of Pharmacology. After 32 years and serving as Associate Chair, Russell retired in 2010.
Russell served as an elder at Fort Street Presbyterian Church. He also served as an Anthony Wayne Society Member and was president of Detroit Physiological Society. Russell also served as President of the Michigan Asian Art Society for a number of years. He was a member of American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, American Chemical Society, and American Association for the Advancement of Science. He has an entry in American Men & Women of Science and Marquis Who's Who in the Midwest.
While attending chemistry classes at the College of Wooster, Russell Yamazaki met Jane Welton, the "love of his life". They were married in 1966 and spent a lifetime together singing in numerous choirs. Russell especially enjoyed preparing musical tapes and CDs for rehearsal purposes. Russell also shared Jane's love of travel in Japan and learning about Japanese history (Jane's teaching profession).
Russell Yamazaki was preceded in death by his parents William and Sue Yamazaki and is survived by wife Jane and sisters June Craner and Nancy Leavenworth (Scott) and niece Holly Leavenworth of Superior, CO.
In life, Russell felt pride in his contributions to teaching and research, joy in singing choral works with numerous longtime friends and inspiration in being Up North in Michigan.
A memorial service for Russell will take place Saturday, April 9, 2022, service at 2:00 pm with gathering to follow, at Fort Street Presbyterian Church, 631 W Fort St, Detroit, MI 48226.
Tributes
"I work with Dr. Yamazaki as a research assistant in 1978-79. He was a wonderful person. Sorry to hear of his passing. Amy Eston. "
" MEMORIES OF RUSS By Joe Beeler Russ and I were close in high school. Baseball teammates (Hot Stove League). Read books in common. Hung out together. One could not have asked for a better friend! After high school we stayed loosely in touch. Always warm. But far too infrequent. Alas, now he is gone. I have such delightful memories. To name just a few, Russ and I palled ?around during lunch hour and, often, after school. For a while we would head at noon to our chemistry teacher?s classroom/laboratory, say hello to her (Mrs. Beverly Ramseyer), sit down, dine, and gab. Russ's mother (Sue) packed a lunch for him. He would give me half of his sandwich. But the real meal was the conversation and camaraderie. Sometimes at lunch hour Russ had marching band practice in the music room. It was situated on the top floor of Wooster High School. I got to tag along. Until Russ led me there, I had never visited this spacious, lofty, musical perch. I was impressed and intrigued. The talented students singing and playing their musical instruments thrilled my eyes and ears. Thanks, Russ. Russ and I had such fun at youth fellowship meetings and their occasional weekend retreats at Wright's cabin. Sundays at about 5:30 PM, the youth group of the College of Wooster's Westminster Church met. Usually at the home of a member rather than in the college campus chapel. Sundays at about 7:00 PM, the First Presbyterian Church ?youth Fellowship ?convened. Usually in a big, comfy parlor of the church (located at the intersection of East Bowman Street and College Avenue). Russ and I tried to attend both. Not that we felt all that religious. Instead, we enjoyed the socializing and each other's company. I must confess that once in a while we engaged in a little tomfoolery. (Occasionally we even succeeded in fooling "Tom.") I still savor the amazing presentation we made to the youth group on extrasensory perception (ESP). ?Oh, did I mention that Russ was smart? His obit reports that he won numerous awards in high school for academic achievement. Quite true. But I recall one brilliant feat back then that proved it to me. Russ was assigned to Paul Ladd's history class. My teacher was Robert ("Minnie") Moore. But at the end of one semester, I attended a session in Russ?s classroom. Mr. Ladd was preparing his students for the final examination. He asked Russ to go to the blackboard and put up dates of historic events. Russ -- purely from memory, without notes, and without any sideline coaching -- filled the blackboard on the front wall of the classroom, transitioned to the blackboard on the side wall, and filled it too. A virtuoso display of learning! Russ began with the earliest date of the history studied. (Imagine his chalking ?1066? and declaring "William the First conquers England.") He moved on to the next date, and the next, and the next, and took us through the entire semester's course! We, Russ?s seated schoolmates, were in awe. And suspense! We wondered when he would falter, when he would fall from the mountain that he was climbing. But he made it to the peak! Russ's tour de force finished just as the fifty-minute class ended. I was astonished then. I am astonished now. Bravo, Russ. I was not the least bit surprised that Russ went on to grow up, marry, become a devoted husband and excel in his profession and at Life. Russ had extraordinary parents, fine sisters and a strong upbringing. He much admired his father (Bill), the renowned scientist, followed in his footsteps and, I am sure, made both of his parents and everyone else very proud. Including his friends! Yes, I too am proud to have known Russ. And enriched to have been his friend. Yes, indeed, Bravo! R.I.P., old friend. "
"I just saw Russ's obit in the Surprise. It came as a terrible shock. I am so sorry. I enjoyed seeing him in Omena every Sunday. My mother referred to him as that "lovely man who sings so well and keeps his word". He promised her a tape and he delivered on his promise. That tape gave her great joy. "
"What a lovely man and neighbor. He will be missed. Barry and I send our condolences."
" Russ was a student in the Chemistry Department of the College of Wooster during my first three years at the College. He was not in my lecture class, but was in the organic chemistry lab that I supervised. He demonstrated clearly that he had the skill and intellect to be a productive scientist. He certainly revealed that during his productive career. I offer my condolences to Jane and his family. LeRoy W. Haynes"
"I did not know Russ very well, probably because I was in the woodwind section the Marching and Concert Band. I was not in any classes with him as well. However, I knew he was a very bright and unassuming good person. I wish very much that I had known him better!"
"Russ and I were very good friends and musical rivals all through high school. We both played trombone and it was always good competition as to which one of us got the 1st chair and who got 2nd chair. I admired his musical ability as well as his intellect where he clearly passed me by. He was a good pal and was kind and considerate to all. He will be missed. Jerry Clouse"
"Russ and I grew up together in Wooster, attending grade school, high school, and college there. He was one of my best friends during our childhood. Sadly, we grew apart as we went our separate ways after college, but when I heard of his illness we reestablished contact last year. I am very sad to hear of his passing, and remember with great fondness our times together "back in the day". My condolences to Jane and the rest of his family. Russ was a brilliant guy and a good friend. He will be missed!"
"Russell was a friend to all. He brought joy and hope to all he met. He will be missed. His contributions to the world will live on. My prayers and thoughts are with you."
"Wooster High Class of 1960 was pleased to see Russell and Jane at a class reunion picnic in 2012. Such good people! I will always remember Russell in our classes. May his memory be a blessing."
"Russ was a wonderful colleague to all of us in the Department of Pharmacology. He had a quiet demeanor but a quick smile and even quicker brain. He cared deeply about his role as a teacher of future generations, and continued to come in to teach for a number of years after he had 'retired'. As founder of our pharmacovigilance curriculum, he shepherded in a new method that became the cornerstone for teaching our discipline to medical students, so his legacy lives on at the University. "
"A remarkable life! As a friend of his sister June I didn't know Russell well, but I got to visit with him at his mom's memorial, and was blessed to hear him sing at his brother-in-law's service. My deepest condolences to the family, may you have peace and comfort in the memories of your time with him. Sara Barstow"
"We have such fond memories of Russell. He had a quiet demeanor which we all respected. When he and Jane attended the Berkshire Choral Fest, he was quickly acknowledged for his beautiful voice and accuracy, by his fellow tenors . He was an unforgettable, kind , talented friend . We will miss him. "
"What a gift to have known Russ for 40 years. This extraordinary man graced our lives with such quiet grandness, warmth, endless knowledge, generosity, and a musical heart that we are overwhelmed by his loss. We count ourselves as lucky beyond measure to have called him dear friend and musical colleague, to have learned from him and to have been on the receiving end of his hospitality. From Fort Street to Omena, from the wind on the lake to time at the grill and musical conversations in the living room, we treasure so many memories. He will always be in our hearts, and we will hope to honor him by passing on the gifts he gave us - music, fellowship, and friendship. -Nancy and John Cline"