Farewell Takeshi Ishigami ( 1966- 2023 )

Today we celebrated the life of Takeshi Ishsigami, Malcolm’s Japanese teacher from Stirling university over thirty years ago.
 
This is the song, Sukiyak that greeted people on arrival at Bannockburn crematorium.
 
 
He had a special gift for making friends wherever he went in the world, and this was reflected in the many who gathered to celebrate his life, and a number who had flown in from abroad.
 
Earlier the family had requested messages, which were then printed on his coffin along with photos from his life.
 
This is what M wrote:
Farewell Takeshi
We deeply regret the passing of the life of Takeshi Ishigami, nor least because we have lost the opportunity to renew a friendship that started over 30 years ago. 
He was a man who managed to combine such wise and sensible views of our world and our lives in it, with a great sense of fun.
I think we will all miss him."
 
 
Iona, his daughter, made a moving tribute to her father and at the end the whole congregation burst into spontaneous applause. (not sure if that is the right word for a secular gathering).
 
Then followed a joyful video of his life, made by Iona, reflecting his energy, sense of humour and love of the outdoors.
 
The final shot will remain with me forever.
There, on his deathbed, is a smiling Takeshi:
 “Good bye” he said and waved.
 
PS. Extra photo- Takeshi at an end of term party with his class in our home.