Paul Y. Fukuma

Paul Y. Fukuma (80) passed away peacefully on June 2, 2011 following a long battle with cancer. He was born August 10, 1930 in Seattle, WA from parents Takito "George" Fukuma of Hiroshima, Japan and Masue "Margie" Matsumura of Fife, WA. He is survived by his wife, Sumiko (Ito), daughters Pamela Barr (Jeff Barr), Karen Fukuma (Tom Finan) and Sandra Reed (Ken Reed) and grandaughters, Jill Sunata, Robyn Sunata, Nicole Finan, Lexi Reedand Angi Reed.

Paul graduated from Manual High School of Denver, CO in 1948 where he participated in many sports including baseball, golf and tennis. After high school, Paul attended the University of Colorado before transferring to Denver University. Paul and Sumi were married on June 22, 1952 in Denver, CO. Sumiko "Sumi" was born November 5, 1931 in Littleton, CO from parents Torimatsu "Tom" Ito and Ume Muira, both of Fukushima, Japan. Paul then served in the US Army from July,1952 to May, 1954 when he was honorably discharged as a Corporal. Paul was awarded the Bronze Star during his service in Korea. After working in the family store in Denver, Paul started his career with Safeway Stores. He retired from Safeway in 1990. In his retirement, Paul loved spending time with family and friends, playing golf, fishing and working in his yard.

Paul will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Services will be held at Simpson Methodist Church on Tuesday, June 7th at 10am.

Following are the Memorial Service overview, a personal history on Paul's life and personal tributes that were given at the service:

A Service of Memory and Hope

Celebrating the Life of

Paul “Bugs” Fukuma

August 10, 1930 – June 2, 2011

REMEMBERING Paul, “Bugs,” IN SONG & PICTURES

WORDS OF GATHERING AND GRACE

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Friends, we gather here in the protective shelter of God’s healing love. We are free to pour out our grief, release our anger, face our emptiness, and know that God cares. We gather here as God’s people, conscious of others who have died and of the frailty of our own existence on earth. We come to comfort and to support one another in our common loss. We gather to hear God’s word of hope that can drive away our despair and move us to offer God our praise. We gather to commend to God with thanksgiving the life of Paul “Bugs” Fukuma as we celebrate the good news of Christ’s resurrection. For whether we live or whether we die, we belong to Christ who is Lord both of the dead and of the living.

Let us pray:

PRAYER

Creator and Redeemer God: At a time of deeply felt loss, we turn to you for comfort. We glorify you for creating the universe out of nothing and each one of us in your image. We acknowledge your divine wisdom in setting limits to our life on Earth and for setting before us, limitless life. We need you close to us, at this time even more that at other times. The departure of someone we knew and loved reminds us of the shortness of our time. Come to our aid, gracious God. Remind us again that by your grace, there is no condemnation for any of your children. Help us to bravely and joyfully serve you and all your children. Amen.

PSALM 23 read in unison (found on front cover)

The Lord is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;

he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul;

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me;

thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;

thou anointest my head with oil;

my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

PERSONAL HISTORY - Tom Finan

PERSONAL TRIBUTE - Ken Reed

Invite others to share brief memories of Paul, “Bugs,”

SCRIPTURE LESSON John 16:16-22, 33

16”A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me.” 17Then some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying to us, ‘A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” 18They said, “What does he mean by this ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” 19Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Are you discussing among yourselves what I meant when I said, ‘A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’? 20Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy. 21When a woman is in labor, she has pain, because her hour has come. But when her child is born, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy of having brought a human being into the world. 22So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 33I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!”

MEDITATION

Sorrow will turn to joy, our Scriptures tell us. Jesus warns his disciples that there are things to come which they will not necessarily understand. They will have pain and mourning, for such is the way of life. Yet, Christ will return and their hearts will be filled with joy. Take courage, says Jesus. Take courage, for the world of sin and death has been conquered!

This message of hope delivers us from a place of utter despair when we lose a loved one. The passage does not say that there will be no pain. The passage tells us that grief is part of the journey - but the journey does not end in grief. The journey does not end at all, but takes on new dimension, a dimension of joy, though we may not understand that quite yet.

When we think with fond memory of joyful days, we may find a hint of what this passage means.

We take these words into our own mourning at this time as we celebrate and remember the life of “Bugs.” He called forth in everyone the very best and as a result he called for a sense of joy mentioned in the scripture passage. He knew how to listen, he knew how to connect people together in some rather unlikely ways. He saw things that were not visible to many people. Paul, “Bugs,” had a talent for joy in the midst of and even beyond pain. I suspect that Paul, “Bugs,” would urge us today to continue the search for joy.

Over the years Paul, “Bugs,” was one who could be depended on to speak his mind, tell you like it is, expect the very best from you, and he was also one would stand up for you if that was needed.

His children remember the driving lessons, the “parking lot attendant” whose foot was run over, the watermelon seeds spit out into the yard that would then grow into an unwanted melon vine, the coach who called on the players to give their all, the trips to DQ with grandkids after a basketball game. In all these memories is a common theme – family. Family was absolutely number 1 for Paul, “Bugs,” and friends were a very close second.

In his last days, Paul, “Bugs,” had numerous visitors, and even made new friends with the hospice nurses and staff. People came to say thanks and share the joy they had experienced with Paul, “Bugs,” over the years. Even though it was likely a painful time for Paul, “Bugs,” he never let that show. There was only a hint of the pain when he asked that he not have a male nurse but a female nurse who would perhaps be a bit gentler. Maybe that was because of the pain, or maybe he was just reminding us that he felt there are “girls” things and there are “boy’s” things, and well, traditionally, nursing is a “girls” thing.

His positive attitude carried him right through to the very end. And because of that it was a joyous time as well. His attitude toward life allowed Paul, “Bugs,” to die well.

In the midst of all this, God moved in the words and feelings shared throughout a life well lived even at the very end. The joy radiated forth in a quiet way from Paul, “Bugs,” before he died. And now I suspect, no I am sure, that Paul, “Bugs,” is in a place where joy knows no bounds.

So, my friends, we mourn now. But rest assured that Paul, “Bugs,” is well and the presence of God is with us. The journey does not end in grief, but in life eternal. Thanks be to God!

PRAYER OF COMFORT

We wait now, O God, for you to grant us your comfort and your peace in this hour. We confess that we are slow to accept death as a part of your plan for life. We confess how reluctantly we surrender this friend and loved one into your eternal care. You know the depth of our shock and sorrow.

Let the Holy Spirit, your promised Comforter, come upon each of us now. Fill us with your love and inward peace, as we reach out to comfort one another. Be our companion as we live the sometimes painful days ahead. Even as we mourn, inspire all we feel, think, say, and do, to be a witness to our faith. We pray this in the name of the one who taught us to pray together, saying:

THE LORD’S PRAYER (in unison)

Our Father who art in heaven hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

WORDS OF APPRECIATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS - Jeffrey Barr

BENEDICTION

May the Lord lift you up in love, May God’s presence be your sure guide. May God’s grace be a light for your path as we travel through all our days. Amen.

REMEMBERING Paul, “Bugs,” IN SONG & PICTURES

Graveside Serve – June 8, 2010 – 11:00 A.M. Olinger Highlands Cemetery

A Service of Memory and Hope Celebrating the Life of

Paul “Bugs” Fukuma

August 10, 1930 – June 2, 2011

In the midst of life, we are in death;

from whom can we seek help?

Our help is in the name of the Lord

who made heaven and earth.

Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices;

my body also dwells secure.

You, O Lord, show me the path of life;

in your presence there is fullness of joy,

in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Let us pray:

O God, you have ordered this wonderful world and know all things in earth and in heaven. Give us such faith that by day and by night, at all times and in all places, we may without fear commit ourselves and those dear to us to your never-failing love, in this life and in the life to come. Amen.

Here these words from the book of Ecclesiastes:

1 There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under heaven:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.

The good news of the New Testament tells us: (John 14:1-7)

1“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.

POEM Gone

There seems a shadow on the day,

His smile no longer cheers;

A dimness on the stars at night,

Like eyes that look thru tears.

Along unto our Father’s will

One thought hath reconciled;

That he whose love exceeded ours,

Hath taken home his child.

Fold him, O Father! In thine arms,

And let him henceforth be

A messenger of love between

Our human hearts and thee.

- John Greenleaf Whittier

Let us pray:

Almighty God, into your hands we commend your child, Paul “Bugs” Fukuma, in sure and certain hope of resurrection to eternal life.

These ashes we commit to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.

Yes, says the Spirit, they will rest from their labors for their deeds follow them.

Gracious God, we thank you for those we love but see no more.

Receive into your arms your servant Paul “Bugs” Fukuma,

and grant that increasing in knowledge and love of you,

he may go from strength to strength

in service to your heavenly kingdom.

Eternal God, you have shared Paul, “Bugs,” with us.

Before he was ours, he is yours.

For all that he has given us to make us what we are, we give you thanks;

for that of his which lives and grows in each of us, we give you thanks;

and for his life that in your love will never end,

we give you thanks.

As now we offer Paul, “Bugs,” back into your arms,

comfort us in our loneliness,

strengthen us in our weakness,

and give us courage to face the future unafraid.

Draw those of us who remain in this life closer to one another, make us faithful to serve one another, and give us to know that peace and joy which is eternal life. Amen.

Now to the one who is able to keep you from falling, and to make you stand without blemish in the presence of God’s glory with rejoicing, to the only God our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time - and now and forever. Amen.

PAUL Y. FUKUMA

(August 10, 1930 – June 2, 2011)

Live Until You Die

I was riding in a golf cart with Paul a couple years ago -- somewhere on the Buffalo Run Golf Course in Commerce City. Paul was in a good mood. Normally, that would be completely understandable. He was out in nature, playing golf, and spending time with members of his family. All things he valued and enjoyed.

But on this day, I knew he’d recently found out that the cancer in his body had spread. The long-term outlook wasn’t great.

As he drove our golf cart down the path, I told him I admired how he was handling his cancer challenge.

“I know this cancer’s going to get me some day,” he told me. But I’m going to live until I die.”

He said it with total conviction and that was that. He turned his focus back to being outdoors, playing golf and enjoying his family-member foursome.

For the rest of the round, I kept thinking to myself, I’m going to live until I die … I’m going to live until I die. What a great attitude -- and what a great approach to life … and death.

* * *

Tom did a nice job telling you what Paul did with his life. I want to talk a little about who Paul was and what was most important to him.

They say that in a man’s wallet you’ll find not only his money but his values as well. So, a couple days ago, I asked Sandy (Paul’s daughter and my wife) if I could take a look at Paul’s wallet.

Within that small leather container, I found several items that symbolized what Paul Fukuma was all about; what he valued:

• There were pictures of each of his five granddaughters. These photos represented his number one value: family. He was devoted to his wife Sumi from the very beginning. He could tell you – in great detail – about the moment he first laid eyes on her, including the white blouse and red shorts she had on. He cherished his three daughters (Pam, Karen, and Sandy). And when they all got married, he welcomed us all to the family as his sons. He was never happier than when his family was together – be it the holidays, a vacation, or a simple weekend gathering. Grandkids in particular were special to him. One Christmas Eve, while watching a couple of the grandkids play, he said, “Now that’s what it’s all about.”

• I found a spiritual poem in Paul’s wallet that he had carried for decades. It’s called, “Answer To a Prayer.” Here it is:

We ask for strength and God gives us difficulties, which make us strong. We pray for wisdom and God sends us problems, the solution of which develop wisdom. We plead for prosperity, and God gives us brains and braun to work. We plead for courage and God gives us dangers to overcome. We ask for favors and God gives us opportunities. This is the answer.

• Paul wasn’t what people would typically call a religious man. He wasn’t a regular church attendee, or Bible reader. He didn’t speak much about his faith with friends or family. But I believe Paul was a very spiritual man. His values in life came from his Soul. And once those values were established, he got busy living his faith: family, friends, loyalty, and the Golden Rule.

• Ah yes, the Golden Rule. Paul was a great example of applying the Golden Rule to life. Over the 34 years that I knew him, I watched Paul always treat people with kindness and respect -- everybody, it didn’t matter how much money they had, what their social status was, or what job title they held at work – Paul treated people as he believed God would want people to be treated. And once again, he lived this value until he died. His nurses at the hospital, hospice and care center all said the same thing, “He was a model patient and he always greeted us with a smile and a good attitude.” He greeted his many visitors during his last few weeks the same way – with a smile and good cheer, no matter how crummy he might have been feeling, or how tired he was. When one of his daughters would kiss him good-bye and tell him “I love you,” he would always say, “I love you too. I love all of you.”

• I found Paul’s PGA Partners Club golf membership card in his wallet. Paul enjoyed playing golf. He liked being out in nature, and he loved playing with friends, his wife, or son-in-laws. And he got a kick out of finishing a round at the “19th hole,” where he could share a drink and nachos with friends and family -- and tell stories … Lord knows he loved to tell stories …. Paul’s middle name was Yutaka; Y-u-t-a-k-a; Yutaka. Sometimes when Paul would break into one of his many stories, one of his three daughters would tease him by saying, “Yu-talka-too- much Dad!”

• I found an “Outdoor Rewards” membership card and a “Golden Age Parks Passport” in Paul’s wallet. Perfect. Paul loved getting outside. Whether it was fishing, golfing, or simply working in his yard, he was always happiest when he was outside.

• I also found his “selective service” card from the local draft board. Issued in 1956, this card, now tattered and yellow, is a symbol of his loyalty. His father George, who was a true American patriot, instilled this loyalty in him. It was only a few months ago that Paul told Sandy and me a story about the day his dad drove him down to the train station to send him off on his journey to Korea to serve in the Korean War. His dad told him, “Son, you do what you have to do to protect your comrades and fight for our country.” The fact he still carried this card in his wallet 55 years after it was issued demonstrates his loyalty to both his dad’s wishes and his country.

• Folded up nicely in a side pocket in his wallet was a mint condition two-dollar bill. This was a good luck charm. Paul – until his last breath – considered himself very lucky and blessed in life. Over the past several months, Paul told all his family members -- many times -- “Hey, the good Lord gave me 80 years. I never thought I’d make it to 80. I’ve been blessed with a great family and friends and a lot of good experiences.” He passed away filled with gratitude.

• In a prime position in his wallet, in a place with easy access, was Paul’s fishing license. Now if you knew Paul, you also knew he loved to fish. In fact, his last conversation here on Earth was a fishing story he happily shared with a friend at the care center.

So, I’d like to end with a little “fishing story” of my own. It’s about a mounted fish Paul displayed in his sun room. This fish never failed to make him happy. I just happen to have it right here … This fish is named Billy Bass.

Now, Paul liked Billy Bass because it was a special fish -- as you’ll see. (Billy sings his tune, “Take Me to the River”) ….

I can almost see Paul smiling and laughing now. Can’t you?

Here’s the deal though: The reason Paul loved Billy Bass wasn’t because it reminded him of fishing (it did). It wasn’t because a singing fish is funny (it is). It was because when his grandkids came over, they always liked to push the little red button that made Billy sing. And every time they pushed that little red button and Billy would sing, Paul’s grandkids would laugh and giggle. Every time! And every time Paul saw his grandkids laughing and giggling at ol’ Billy, he would laugh and giggle too….

* * *

Paul was comfortable with who he was, what he believed in, and what he stood for. There wasn’t a phony bone in his body. And up until the moment Paul made his transition, he lived his values better than anyone I’ve ever known.

In retrospect, all the cancer got was his body. He never let it get his spirit.

From a spiritual perspective -- the only perspective that ultimately matters -- Paul won. The cancer lost.

He’s free now. Free from the prison his body had become. And he’s on to the next journey of his soul.

“I’m going to live until I die,” he told me that day on the golf course…

I’m here to tell you the man did exactly that. He lived his values until the very end.

Job well done, Dad. Mission accomplished.

Paul Fukuma Personal History June 7, 2011

Paul was born August 10, 1930 in Seattle, Washington.

Paul's father, Takito or "George" Fukuma, was an immigrant from Hiroshima, Japan as were the parents of his mother, Masue or "Margie" Matsumura.

When World War II broke out, the Fukumas moved first from Seattle to Spokane, then to Worland, Wyoming, and eventually to Denver, Colorado in 1944.

Once they settled in Denver, the Fukuma family ran a grocery store - first on Curtis Street, then on 25th Street where Paul learned to be a superb meat cutter in his teens.

Paul attended Manual High School where he graduated in 1948. He was on the baseball, golf and tennis teams at school and played basketball and other sports in outside leagues.

After high school, Paul attended the University of Colorado in Boulder before transferring to Denver University.

1952 was a big year in Paul's life. He married Sumi Ito and was promptly drafted by the US Army while on his honeymoon. His first daughter, Pam, was born while Paul was serving in Korea. He had to wait another 15 months before seeing her for the first time.

While in Korea, Paul earned the Bronze Star. He would never display or brag about his awards - and would probably hit me now if he knew I was bringing it up in this way.

In May, 1954 Paul was honorably discharged from the Army as a Corporal.

In 1955, Paul, Sumi and Pam moved from their residence behind the grocery store to a house on 31st Avenue in East Denver.

Their second daughter, Karen, was born in 1956 and their third daughter, Sandy, was born in 1959.

In 1961 the family moved north to Louise Drive, where they lived until Paul and Sumi moved to their current home in 1977 on Birch Drive in Thornton.

After working for a number of years at the family grocery, Paul joined Safeway in the produce department in 1962. He was a manager for a while in produce before taking an assignment in merchandizing. Merchandizing was a perfect job for Paul since he helped set up new stores all over Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska. He loved meeting new people everywhere.

Paul retired from Safeway in 1990. After that, he worked with his friends at Denver Tofu, then traveled around Colorado with Sumi to set up store demos for the Pear Commission. Eventually he got his dream job working part time at the Thorn Creek Golf Course where he met more people and earned free golf.

Good Morning.

My name is Jeffrey Barr and I am married to Paul and Sumi’s oldest daughter Pam. I complete the third leg of Paul’s “son-in-law” tripod…

(so named because of Paul’s penchant for having nothing but girls in his home. He and Sumi had three girls, and their girls have had 5 girls! Even Paul deserved some balance and hopefully in some small measure we three have been able to provide it, even if it was only comic relief!)

I will be closing today’s service with words of appreciation from the family and final announcements.

On behalf of Sumi and the Fukuma family, please accept our sincere thanks for everything you have done – from being “here” today to being “there” many times in the past; during both the good and the bad…and lifting our spirits with a special thought, visit or word of encouragement at just the right time.

Thank you specifically for your thoughts, prayers, and gifts –including Koden, the food dishes received during the past week, and the many beautiful flower arrangements. Lastly, thank you for your cards, notes of encouragement, telephone calls to “just check in” and postings to Paul’s on-line guest book.

You have provided much needed support and encouragement during a difficult time; and we want you to know we appreciate your thoughtfulness. Too, we thank you for reminding us how truly blessed we are to have had Paul as the anchor of our family.

Paul celebrated life every day. He lived with passion and without regret. He was not perfect by any means. His “passion” sometimes meant he could be…shall we say…“cranky”; but he never stopped wanting and expecting the best...both of us and for us.

Not material things, but the things he had come to know and appreciate that made life worth living. Things such as:

 love given and received,

 a strong family bond,

 good friends that stood by you regardless of the circumstance and you them in return…

These are the traits that made Paul the man he was and why we are celebrating his life today.

Following today’s service; please join the family at the Fukuma home for one of Paul’s personal creations – “The Trifecta” (a meal including pizza, fried chicken and sushi). Why this combination?

Because Paul loved family time and hated anything that took away from the family’s time together. That included the food prep and clean up; which he took care of by ordering take out. Not just any take out mind you, but take out that included something for everyone! A strange combination, yes indeed, but uniquely Paul and very appropriate when you think about his family priority and desire to include everyone.

So, when you tip a glass this afternoon, remember his smile, his laugh, his lessons, his counsel, his love of family, his – “whatever it was that made him special to you” and know that today, what would make him happiest, would be to see those who were closest to him….laughing and smiling.

Paul Fukuma, 8/10/1930 – 6/2/2011. A “dash” worth celebrating; a legacy worth remembering!