AAPI Spotlights by Priscilla Rahn A Tribute to Asian American Heroes of Colorado: Dennis Apuan and George Yoshida

DENNIS APUAN, who holds the honor of being the only Filipino American having served as a Colorado State Representative, passed away in May 2020. Apuan represented Colorado House of Representatives District 17 from 2009 to 2011.

Dennis is survived by his sister, Joy Santiago of Florida. Dennis was born October 30, 1964 in Manila Philippines. He emigrated to the United States when he was 20 years old. At first, he moved to California. Then, he settled in Colorado in 1997.

“Dennis was a constant, and tireless voice in the quest for justice and peace, lending his voice to countless causes to include reproductive rights, Black Lives Matter, immigration, and homelessness. His legacy is one of both touching individual lives and investing in our community. His contributions to our community include founding the Endowment for the Asian Pacific American Collection at Pikes Peak Library District, KCMJ 93.9 FM Colorado Springs Community Radio, and the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Colorado,” said Meg Fossinger, executive director of Colorado Springs Council for Justice.

Members of the Filipino community remember Dennis. “Representative Dennis Apuan was a trailblazer,” reminisced Giselle Rushford, officer of the National Federation of the Filipino American Association (NaFFAA) Region V.

“Dennis was one of the most respective community leaders of the Filipino American community in Colorado. I was really impressed by how he coalesced various organizations to support the community in Colorado Springs/Pueblo and the Philippines.”

He was recognized as a 2010 Asian American Hero of Colorado. Nominated by his Legislative Aide, Aubrey Helling, she shared that Dennis possessed genuine compassion for all of humanity and seeks to understand how

U.S. foreign policy impacted other nations and its people.

“He was always a champion and supporter of our work in the Philippines, ensuring food and seed sovereignty for his kababayan,” said Sherry Manning, founder and executive director of Global Seed Savers.

Rushford credited Dennis in being instrumental in fundraising efforts to help the victims of the super typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda that hit the Philippines in 2013.

“Through these efforts we were able to rebuild a high school in the most hard-hit area. He was indefatigable in his fight for social justice,” Rushford said. “We will always remember his kind and diplomatic words while excoriating injustice. He will always be in our heart.”

Dennis moved to Florida several years ago to be with his family. He continued to travel to Colorado as a way to show his support for the Filipino community. The move didn’t stop Dennis from carrying on with his work in supporting immigrants and refugees in Florida.

His sister shared he was an avid gardener with a green thumb, often bringing plants back to life that others had given up on. He was an organ donor and donated his corneas.

You may send cards to Dennis Apuan’s sister Joy Santiago to 12254 Vista Point Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32246.

GEORGE YOSHIDA, a Korean War veteran and Hawaiian native, worked as a clinical social worker for 35 years at Denver’s National Jewish Hospital. He retired in mainland for decades, in his own inimitable style he still referred to himself as new to the community here. His eternal optimism should give us all hope and a vision to follow through a life lived 1979, but decades of service and dedication to his comwell.” - Marge Taniwaki munity followed. “George Yoshida was a 12-year very active Steering Commit

Yoshida was awarded the Minoru Yasui Community tee member of the Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership. Volunteer Award and Asian American Hero of ColoraGeorge served with extraordinary kindness and community spirit do Award. He was an annual volunteer at the Colorado on Partnership programs. George and Helen both helped with the Dragon Boat Festival, an advisor to Asian Avenue mag10-year Aurora Asian Film Festival, a collaboration with the Denver azine, and helped launch the Aurora Asian Film Festival. Film Society. He loved giving back to the community and did so

He is survived by his wife, Helen, four children and in too many ways to name here, but it’s his spirit of friendship that grandchildren. will forever live in our memories!” - Frankie Anderson, Secretary/ Treasurer, Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership

“George Yoshida’s outreach to people was a feat to behold. He was a gentleman, classy, wise and humble. The Denver commumity was fortunate to have his presence.” - Pat Hayashi

“I will always remember George’s warm smile and kind greeting, “mahalo.” He was a pillar of the AAPI community in Colorado. He took part in so many organizations and was a real leader in bringing communities together.” - Peggy Yujiri, President, Asian Roundtable of Colorado

“When I first started in the mental health field 18 years ago, I often turned to George and Helen for their advice and support. They both had years of experience working in community mental health. When the inherent stress of my job was close to chasing me away, George would send a simple message to boost my morale. And, often, that was all I needed. And he was there too – with a hearty congrats – when I had good news to share. His friendship was a treasure and I will miss him dearly.” - Fran Campbell, President, Asian Chamber of Commerce

“George Yoshida was an extraordinary person whose contributions to the community knew no bounds. Though he lived on the

“Without George, I would never have become involved with the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Community Relations Council and become a Tour Ambassador there. Nor would I have had a mentor and friend to commiserate with about the heat at all the Dragon Boat Festivals which he, Helen and I volunteered for. He was a kind, thoughtful man, generous of spirit in the way that only Asians from Hawaii are.” - Rodger Hara

“George Yoshida was an

“George and Helen made a profession out of volunteering! We would see them at so many AAPI events, always with a smile, a strong sense of calm and always ready to help out. Seeing their beaming, rosy-red faces selling water in the Pepsi booth at many CO Dragon Boat Festivals will be forever etched in our minds. They personified true unconditional support to the community through their time, effort and love. We will miss hearing George chuckle.” - Erin Yoshimura & Gil Asakawa