Benjamin Yatsu

Benjamin Akira Yatsu, 15, was born in Austin Texas on December 13th, 1995 and was the first born child of John and Becky Yatsu. Ben was a gorgeous "Buddha Baby" with a very good appetite! Ben's arrival designated him as the first grandchild of Pat and Stan Briggs and the first grandson of Yoshi and Taku Yatsu. He was baptized at St. David's Episcopal Church where he would later serve as an acolyte and where we will celebrate his life in memoriam. From early on Ben was a friendly soul. Making friends and being generous with others began in preschool in Miss Laura's class at St. David's Episcopal School. He liked to help others with their problems even as a preschooler and was compassionate to his core. It was when he was in preschool that his parent's were first told that Ben was an "out of the box" thinker and learner which later proved to be a very accurate description of Ben's style. On November 5, 1997, Ben welcomed his baby sister Katie and as the two got older began to be each other's "partners in crime." Besides being Katie's big brother, Ben enjoyed swimming, riding bikes, playing soccer and doing gymnastics at Crenshaw's. Going to his grandparent's lake house was one of his most favorite past times. He enjoyed water skiing and tubing from their boat with his friends. In elementary school Ben attended Highland Park Elementary where he had some fantastic teachers who nurtured his sweet spirit. He had many friends there especially his Cub Scout Den Pack 59. In Middle school Ben attended Kealing where he was able to take Japanese as his language. He took great pride in learning about his culture and heritage under Mr. Nishida. He traveled to Japan with his parents, sister and grandparents Yoshi and Taku, visiting with cousins and meeting his extensive family. A special person to Ben and his family at Kealing was Nancy Miloy, the guidance counselor who really clicked with Ben and guided him through the rough waters of middle school. We constantly referred to her as "his angel." While Ben was at Kealing he made some wonderful friends like Jefferson, Edward, Shraven, Stryker, Alex, Eduardo and so many others…He began his musical instruction on the piano with Ms. Southhall, and played trombone in the Kealing band. Ben took up Sitar lessons with Dr Amy Maciszewski who shared his love of the Beatles. He joined Boy Scout Troop 399 and had some great and unforgettable adventures not the least of which was a summer New Mexico trip trekking though newly fallen snow with his dad and friends!! He was able to go back to New Mexico under better conditions to trek Philmont Scout Ranch the next year. Under leadership of Mr. Marshall, Mr. Heinan and Mr. Mauro he rose to Life Scout rank which made Ben proud because his dad never progressed past First Class scout. Ben attended the Boy Scout National Jamboree 2010 in celebration of 100th Anniversary of Scouting in the US capping his scouting experience. He attended McCallum and Huntington Surrey High schools where he made many more friends with whom he enjoyed 'chilling' at Zilker Park and Barton Springs with music and friends. All who knew Ben felt his joyous peaceful spirit. Ben is survived by his parents Becky and John, his sister, Katie, his grandparents Pat and Stan and Yoshihiko and Taku and his aunt, Grace Halamek and husband, Peter, his uncle, George, as well as his cousins, Stephanie and Christopher Halamek, as well as many other cousins. Most importantly, Ben's spirit lives on through the donation of his organs to those in need. Like the 8 month old in need of a new liver and 26 year old in need of his strong and loving heart. Such that his spirit will continue to "smile and bless" those he encounters far longer than anyone could have imagined. As John Lennon wrote in Ben's favorite song, "Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say that I'm a dreamer. But, I'm not the only one." Now, Ben you have become more than one. Spread your joy and peace to those you will continue to help grow in their lives.

Special thanks to all of Ben's friends including Shraven, Jeff, Xyla, Jaden,Terra, Julia, Lucius, Lacey, Rotem, Eduardo, Edward, Alex Lewis, Spencer, Eliza, Cooper, Ruby , Laura Cole, Mason and so many more for the friendship and love you gave Ben during his earthly lifetime. It means so much. He's smiling now and forever. Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six o’clock until eight o’clock in the evening on Friday, the 15th of July 2011, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas. A Memorial Services will be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 16th of July, at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 304 East 7th Street, Austin, Texas under the direction of Cook-Walden Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.