Yuki Miyake (July 1, 1910 - April 16, 2000)

AUDIO - April 24th "Yuki Miyake Memorial Service" Message by Rev. Castro

After many losses and challenges in life - loss of her only daughter, loss of her husband, loss of her eyesight - Yuki Miyake, 89, died at Keiro Nursing Home in a room filled with friends.  Although Yuki was alone, she remarkably  had friends of all ages who regularly visited her even up to the end of her life.  Devoted friends stayed with her through the night holding onto memories of Yuki's gentleness, compassion, and unending appreciation for even the smallest gestures of kindness.

Even when Yuki was living with more and more pain, she rarely complained and instead focussed on what was good.  Once at dinner, a friend held her cold hands and asked if she needed a sweater, Yuki replied, "No, nowadays, I'm always cold, but I'm looking forward to eating my kamaboko and being with my friends."

Perhaps because of the challenges in Yuki's life, studying Buddhism and cherishing children were her passions.  Yuki was active in Buddhist education and teaching.  She co-founded the Buddhist Temple Research Department, translated entire sets of Japanese children's stories into English, and supported the Seattle Buddhist Temple Archives with ideas and historical photographs from Takano Studio, which she owned with her late husband, Henry.

Until her eyesight failed, Yuki volunteered as a cuddler at the neonatal intensive care facility at the UW Medical Center, and thereafter, volunteered at the Seattle Buddhist Day Care Center.  Still, she never forgot people's birthdays or anniversaries, regularly sending cards and gifts.  Even when Yuki could no longer write, she sent cards to people with the help of a faithful friend as her scribe.

Through her years of dedicated service, Yuki was often recognized.  Some of her awards include: 1989 Honoree for King TV's Volunteers Making a Difference, 1997 Karuna Award by Campfire Girls, Inc., 1976 Kyogoku Award for Outstanding Sunday School Teacher, 1974 Buddhist Churches of America Recognition for Research and Publications.

Yukiko Miyake is survived by her sister Mineko Yamashita, of Alhambra, California and hundreds of friends.