Frank Murakawa Obituary

MURAKAWA-Dr. Frank Tetsu Murakawa, 55, beloved husband to Ida; loving father of Kris and Lauren; devoted son of Kiyoshi and Shizuko; and treasured brother of John, Nancy, Mary and George, passed away while on a family vacation. Frank died during his descent from Mt. Fuji after having reached the summit on April 7, 2004. Frank was a successful dentist who received his Bachelor's degree with honors in Computer Science from the School of Engineerin g at UCLA and then attended graduate school in computer science at the University of Illinois. He then returned to UCLA, where he completed his doctorate in dentistry. He established a dental office in Alhambra, where he was later joined by his sister Mary, also a dentist, and practiced for 28 years. Frank was dedicated and devoted to his patients, providing them with the best possible care. A world traveler, Frank visited six continents during his journeys. He enjoyed and embraced life - skiing, sno wboarding, golfing, hiking and backpacking, climbing and scuba diving with his friends and family. An avid photographer, Frank documented his adventures both at home and abroad, carrying his video and still cameras wherever he went. Frank was quick with a smile and had a sly and infectious sense of humor. He was kind and loving to all he knew. Frank is survived by a large extended family including Ida's mother Agnes Zakahi, Ida's brother Dean, and aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews in the U.S. and J apan. A celebration of Frank's life will be held in the Sky Rose Chapel at Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3888 S. Workman Mill Road, Whittier, at 11:00 A.M. on April 24, 2004. A visitation will be held in the Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary Memorial Chapel from 6:00 to 8:15 P.M. on Firday, April 23, 2004. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent in honor of Frank's father, Kiyoshi Murakawa, to: the UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation, Box 951780, Factor Building, Roo m 8-950, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1780. For on-line donations, please visit their website at http://giving.ucla.edu/cancer. Questions may be directed to Cynthia Sheppard at (310) 206-0675.