Sashi was my coach when I was 12. I will always never forget him.
Rest in peace Andrea Strand

Sashi was well known to the Paramount Adult Skaters group – some had known him for decades.  He was a frequent teacher at Paramount through the years and had taught up until a couple of years ago.  Everyone had nothing but praise and respect for him as a teacher and a person.  Betty Major remembered speaking with him many years ago.  He related the story of how he had joined the Ice Capades and was hired as a group performer – until they figured out what a great skater he was!  Then he rapidly moved up to doing solo routines.  June Ling, in more recent years, signed up for weekly lessons with Sashi during the Wednesday morning public sessions.  She paid for 20-minute lessons, but typically Sashi would keep working with her through the end of the session.  I admired his repeated generosity.  My own story (Jay Culliney’s) was that I had met Sashi briefly, in the early 1970’s, when he was skating for Ice Capades.  Their show came to my university, and there was a “meet and greet” afterward.  I sought out Sashi and talked to him briefly about his powerful Russian split jump - which was the most impressive thing I had seen in the whole show.  It was his performance which inspired me to eventually master the jump – which became my favorite.  Fast forward a few decades to 3 or 4 years ago - after I had started skating regularly at Paramount.  I was amazed to find him sitting one day in the changing area between lessons.  I related my story of his inspiring split jumps and was able to finally thank him for it.

In a 1973 interview, Sashi said that one of two things he most wanted to do in retirement would be to “pay people back.”  “So many people helped me.  When I see young people struggling to achieve something, I see myself.  I think I could train a youngster to go on to do something big.  It’s my goal to do that someday.”  We think he certainly achieved that goal.

My heartfelt condolences to all of Hisashi's family, friends and colleagues.  I too was privileged to  know him during my years with Ice Capades and I have so many fond memories of this very talented and gentle man.  Rest in Peace Dear Heart. 

Sashi was a star, a unique look for Capades. When I was with the show with him, he was
always kind, pleasant, no fuss to be around, no drama. I am sorry for Denise, his loved ones/
his students.  He was a nice man;  and I wish him peace.   Mark Beck

Dear Denise, Tamara, and Natasha,
      John Sr. and I are so sorry for the loss of your beloved Sashi. He will always be in your hearts, and we pray that the dear memories of your wonderful life with him will bring you peace. 
      Our families had something in common from the very beginning. We coached our own children!!  John Sr. and I always admired Sashi and you, Denise, and were inspired by the wonderful job you did raising your daughters in skating to become beautiful skaters and beautiful people!!
      Sashi was so kind to our family, going above and beyond to help on very numerous occasions!  He will always be remembered by many, many people; loved warmly, and missed greatly!!  We send our love and deepest condolences to you, Denise, Tamara, and Natasha. 
      Donna and John Sr.


Champ,
Thats what we called you in Japan. You lived at our house in Tokyo learning to speak English before you went to Univ of CA. You were like a big brother to me scaring the hell  out of me , riding  the bike through the woods with me on the handlebars,  going at breakneck speed.  I loved all those weekends you took me to the skate rink in Tokyo. You were so patient teaching me how to skate backwards. I loved all the amazed looks other skaters had on their faces watching you  in your element.  Still one of my most vivid memories.  
 It was a great honor to have known you Champ. 
Rex

At age 20, I truly had little idea about Sashi's wonderful skating skills. Just pulled up a YouTube featuring his skating: wow. Was staying with, driving to/from the Los Angeles Sports Arena in 1982 (work/picture calls) with my dear friend Margaret and all of us enjoying a meal from Gigi, as shown in the photo. So grateful to be a part of the Ice Capades era and to see his amazing work on YouTube for all to enjoy. Great memories from all in this photo. 

My sympathies, 
Jan O’Brien Coopman


Dear Denise, Tamara, and Natasha,
You were so blessed to have Sashi in your lives......he was a loving husband and father.  You could always see his
deep love for you all. 
He was so talented in skating (a legend) to be treasured.
He was always a sweet and kind man to all who knew him.
I enjoyed seeing him teach at Conejo and he always had a smile on his face and was so nice to everyone  around him.
He will be deeply missed. Love and hugs to you.
Bonnie

Sashi, 
You and Tamara both came into my life when I couldn’t believe I could stretch anymore as an athlete. We became the best team ever. Not only did you teach me to grow as a skater you taught me to grow as a human being. You showed me love and generosity through your actions not words and that has left the bigggest impact on my life. I promise
to carry on your legacy of always treasuring the heart of those around me. Love you always. 


Sashi, 
You were such a big part of skating in So Cal. I remember seeing you everyday at Torrance and all the great work you did teaching all of us little ones! I admire you having your daughters skate and hope my children will be able to skate like that one day! You truly will be missed. Rest In Peace 

I only met Sashi a couple of times, but I had the privilege of covering the competitive careers of both of his daughters, beautiful skaters proud to carry on family tradition. I saw some of the TV specials on which he performed and I tell Natasha and Tamara that I always think of his routines with the fire batons. What a beautiful surprise to see him perform with the batons in the Mulan TV special in the late 90s. All the more beautiful, the entire Kuchiki family skated in that TV show. 

Savor the memories. The love will always be with you.

Lois Elfman

Dear Denise, Tamara and Natasha
My heartfelt condolences for your loss. I was so lucky to have taken lessons with Sashi.  He took such care and pride with his students as others have said no matter what level of skater.   He was a great man and we were all blessed to learn life lessons and skating skills from him.  

We often meet many people in our lives that we consider special but the impact these people have can be forgotten or dissipate over time. However, anyone who met Sashi (even if just for a minute) knew they were in the presence of someone truly special. I still remember the images of Sashi (with stick in hand) teaching stroking at Torrance and the fun we had recording his voicemail message. More importantly, whether it was a quick joke that brought a smile or an encouraging word that brought relief I consider myself lucky and blessed to have experienced the influence of his knowledge and the warmth of his kindness.   

Dear Denise, Tamara & Natasha,
I was so shocked and saddened to receive the news about Uncle Sashi. My Fondest memory is of his famous tempura parties at the Ilikai. To this day I have never tasted tempura like it!  So very many memories of the years in Ice Capades and of filimg Ice Palace!

Know that my love and  prayers are with you all.
Synnove 


Thank you Sashi for always opening up your home to all the skaters your family has known throughout the years. 
Your every skaters dad...! I have stayed at your home several times, and just having the fun talks in the backyard pool side, I will always cherish. I'm very lucky to have known you...!!! 
Nancy Pluta

Sashi was a great man. He will be missed 

Thank you Sashi. 
For introducing me to Rena. To making my career happen with her after I had given up.  Your support and kindness will never be forgotten by me.
Seeing you every day at paramount on the ice was so comforting. You always helped me and asked nothing in return.  Fame, recognition, and credit were vanities you were never interested in.  Selflessness is a description best defined by you.
Rena and I appreciate everything you did for us and our two girls. Lilliana and Madeline are forever grateful to you. 
Rest peacefully my friend.

My daughter Christine had the privilege to be coached by SASHI. Sashi is a very wise and funny man and he adores his children. We were there on his 65th birthday celebration at the Paramount rink and everyone was shook to find out that he is that age already! He looked 50 instead of 65. One thing he taught Christine is the importance of doing a courtesy bow after she skated her program. Sashi said that it is very important to acknowledge your audience and thank them for their applause.  He also made sure Christine bowed each time their session is over as a sign of respect and Thank you. Until now, Christine still do that after saying thank you to her elders. May you Rest In Peace Sashi and thank you for sharing your talent to so many including my baby. 
Our deepest sympathy to Denise, Tamara and Natasha. God bless your family.
Sincerely,
May, Ron, Christine Mae, Christian, Christopher and Christiana Isabel Guanzing

I have many wonderful memories of Sashi from my Ice Capades days in the early '70's.  Sashi was a master performer; I loved skating in any number in which he was the principal skater.  Sashi took his principal role very seriously and he strived to perform his very best in every show, year after year.  He never "took it easy" during a performance.  Sashi's numbers were audience favourites, especially when he skated with fire.  What I liked most about Sashi was that he did not set himself apart because he was a principal....he treated everyone in the show with the utmost respect; he was a true gentleman.  Sashi was a  kind and friendly man who engaged with everyone....at every level of the cast and crew.  To Denise and your daughters, I send you fond and caring thoughts at this difficult time.  Your husband and your dad was a gem of a man.  xox  love, Sonia Burling Polson

Denise and Girls 

Sashi was an amazing man. So lucky to have learned from him. 
Remember going g to your house and getting lessons in the back yard on the harness for jumping  and doing it at the rink .
Denise is it was not for you and Sashin I would have never been able to live my dream of skating in Ice Capades  and you help me make that dream come true. 
You touched my life in a very special way. 
My deepest condolences 
 prayers and love 
Ann Renee Austin

It was so sad to hear of the passing of such a wonderful person.  I skated with Sashi at least 50 years ago.  When I had my daughter with me he became one of her favorites.  He will be missed by all the Ice Capades family.  

I remember Sashi as an incredibly talented ice skater and a wonderful husband to Denise.  We all looked up to these two inspiring people.  Denise, there are no words I can say to you.  My heart suddenly broke apart with every imaginable emotion for you and your family.  My deepest and most sincere condolences to you and your family.

SASHI was the nicest person I have ever met! He always had a smile on his face and was kind to everyone! RIP SASHI! You will be missed 😪

I never took lessons from Sashi, but every time I saw him at Paramount on Sundays some 10-15 years ago he’d still ask how my skating was going or if I had a competition coming up. He was genuinely supportive of all skaters, including adults, and just a friendly, positive person all around. Sending my sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Sashi will be truly missed. 

I remember New Years Eve day at Van Nuys Ice Land.  Sashi was giving a private lesson. I was trying out new blades. Gold Seals.  Attempting to do footwork that was too hard, I fell on my tail bone.  I layed on the ice in shock as the pain shot to my head.  The pain was so excruciating I screamed. Sashi quickly skated to me. He asked if I was ok. I couldn’t answer because I didn’t know.   Sashi lifted me off the ice and helped me to a bench.   Such a kind man. Skating heaven now has a new ice angel. 



As a skater who started as an adult,  you learn about the amazing accomplishments of the people you share the ice with. And it can sometimes be a little intimidating.   Sashi was relatively quiet when I shared the ice with him, but I found out what an incredible sense of humor he had when he tried on part of my Showcase costume!  My heart goes out to Denise, Tamara and Natasha.  Sashi was an amazing person and he will be sorely missed.

Coach Sashi works with me in 2012-2013; he help me clean up  all my double jumps and he help me with my double Axel.  He was a very good coach and I will miss him!

OBITUARY

Hisashi Kuchiki

28 July, 1937 – 15 March, 2018

Gates, Kingsley & Gates Praiswater Mortuary

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