Join us in celebrating the life of Anthony Ishisaka. Contribute to this lasting memorial by sharing stories, memories, photos, and videos. As we plan gatherings, we will post invites with event information on GatheringUs. Share this memorial with family and friends, and remember to RSVP to help us plan.
OBITUARY
Researcher, scholar;Yet, his legacy will beas student's best friend.Keith Myers
Before Tony and I even really knew each other, in the summer of 2000, Tony put in a good word for me with one of his neighbors as my two brothers and I sought to rent a house up the street from his house in advance of my 2nd year in the Multi-Ethnic... moreBefore Tony and I even really knew each other, in the summer of 2000, Tony put in a good word for me with one of his neighbors as my two brothers and I sought to rent a house up the street from his house in advance of my 2nd year in the Multi-Ethnic Practice MSW Program. This was just the beginning of his generosity and good will! Later, we would share coffees together in the International District (which he always insisted on paying for) and he would guide me to hole-in-the-wall restaurants in the ID and beyond, to savor homestyle cooking of every variety. And, after helping me secure my first job out of graduate school at Asian Counseling and Referral Service, he frequently consulted with our group of Children, Youth, and Families staff to help us practice empathy and compassion for the triumphs and struggles of our clients. But it was not until he was hospitalized and in need of constant care and support, that I recognized the impact that he had made in my life up until then, and the opportunity that I had to return the kindness, generosity, and joy that he had shared with me over these many years. And though he could not speak and I questioned whether he was even aware of my presence, I played music for him, rubbed his drying feet with lotion, and attended to whatever basic need arose at the time. I am so grateful for his recovery and for the years that he lived beyond that hospital stay. And, I will think of him each sleepless night that I lay in the Laz-E-Boy chair he gave me (because it wasn't a good fit for him) and remember the meals we shared, the ideas we bounced around, the laughter that bubbled up each time we met, and the music we listened to on aging 78 rpm records that crackled and hissed in his basement one indefinite evening when the span of our lives overlapped. See you in the great beyond, Tony! less