TRIBUTE: In memory of Masaaki

In Loving Memory

MASAAKI KAWAFUNE February 10, 1988 - May 21, 2020

“And then the day I got married... How he hugged me so tight after my first dance with our dad and told me he loved me. These are the small moments I will miss the most because my memories of him will forever leave me wishing for just one more...” - Mayumi Kawafune Beckelheimer (sister)

Masaaki Kawafune, 32, unexpectedly passed away on May 21, 2020 at his home in Glendale, Colorado.

He is survived by his parents, his older sister, Mayumi Kawafune Beckelheimer, multiple cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and grandmother. All of whom love him dearly and miss him every day.

Masaaki was born in Denver to Makoto Kawafune and Cathy Bendet. He grew up in Aurora, Colorado and most people would call him the “life of the party.” He brought people together and knew how to make anyone laugh.

His educational path started as a gifted learner in elementary school. He graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder and then received his nursing degree from the Denver School of Nursing. He loved learning new things and thrived in the educational environment.

While on his educational journey he had a strong passion for photography, basketball, and movies/TV shows. His photography included beautiful portrait shots, stunning scenery, and photographing gatherings for family/ friends. He also photographed events in the Asian community for Asian Pacific Development Center, Asian Avenue magazine and NAAAP Colorado. Masaaki was a natural at capturing memorable moments through his lens.

His favorite basketball player was Lebron James. He was a huge fan and loved watching his games. He had an eclectic interest in movies and shows that ranged from animated, scary, dramatic to his all-time favorite... comedy.

Though his life here with us was shorter than planned, he had hopes of starting his own company and was a great entrepreneur.

Mayumi and Masaaki Kawafune Sibling photo from 1992

Masaaki with his father Makoto and sister Mayumi

In honor of Masaaki’s memory, his family will donate on behalf of him to Children’s Hospital Colorado. He was in the healthcare field and loved children as much as they loved him. He was the funniest and sweetest soul they have ever known and hope this donation will make a strong contribution towards something he deeply cared about. In lieu of sending flowers or gifts, please pay tribute to his memory by donating to this wonderful organization. To donate, visit tinyurl.com/honor-masaaki.