Name: Borthwick Mortuary
Address: Honolulu, HI

It's been over 65 years since I was in Dr. Aoki's class at U.H.  Sadly, I have just learned of his passing, but would still like to share a memory that has stayed with me.

One morning, he walked into class and announced that today he was going to prove to all of us that God did not exist. He added that the next day he would prove to all of us that God did indeed exist.

And that's exactly what he did.

I've been writing a short story entitled "Einstein's Bible - An Agnostic's Struggle." It's a sometimes tongue-in-cheek riff on a 2020 "New Yorker" piece by Hart Pomerantz in which he claims that Einstein once granted a Swiss patent for a new version of the Bible...one with the answers in the back. It immediately struck home that Mits would have appreciated its humor and thought provoking elements.

Rest in peace, Doctor. You made a difference with me.

Thomas Jones 
U.H. Clas of '72


I went to Honolulu in the fall of 1968 to attend the University of Hawaii (Manoa). I had completed my freshman year at Florida Institute of Technology, and wanted to go to school where I did not live at home. Hawaii seemed far enough from Florida, and Hawaiian waves were infinitely better than Florida waves. At that point in my life, I was first and foremost, a surfer.

G-105 (if memory serves after 50 years) was held M-W-F at 7:30 AM. Dr. Aoki's class was the only one that I attended faithfully. I was stunned to learn that Dr. Aoki was a Baptist minister, as was my Uncle Carl back on the Mainland.

Dr. Aoki converted me to Hinduism by carefully explaining every concept. I joined into chanting the Hare Krishna. As with Hinduism, under his enthusiasm ("...the ULLLLLLLTIMATE...." his students will know what I mean), I became a Buddhist, then a Muslim, then a Roman Catholic, and finally, a true Baptist.

When I returned to Florida at the end of the year, I enrolled for my Junior year of college at the staid, old, Baptist Stetson University in DeLand, FL. I could not forget how it felt to strive to connect with G-d (spelling out of respect to those who never write or utter His name).

During that Sophomore year, my roommate (the late Dr. James B. Dolan, MD.) and I started a dorm Bible study. This grew into approximately 100 students, of both genders, meeting to study the Word in the dorm's common area, with the approval of the Chairman of the Stetson Religion Department.

I did not make a career of the ministry, but I taught Sunday School classes at my Baptist Church at home in Florida. I look forward to a re-union with Dr. Aoki in Heaven.

I was a U.H. student from the 1970s, when Hamilton Library still had a card catalog.  I took Dr. Aoki's Religion class.  I will always remember his jovial laugh, worldly wisdom, and his ability to attract people into class just to listen to his lectures.  Aloha,

I had the honor of serving as a TA for Mits Aoki in 1994 for his class on Death and Dying. I learned so much from him and so deeply admired his spirit, which lives on in all of us.

Dr. Aoki was for me a jewel in the UH Manoa Religion department.  Mits: My teacher and mentor as I struggled to attain my BA in Comparative Religion in the early 70's.  Mits was fully present for all of us who learned from his example and teachings in the UH religion program.  Aloha no.

Mitsuo Aoki was my Religion teacher at UH in the late 70's.  I remember his class being very interesting; so interesting, in fact, that I attended every session.  He contiues to be one of my life's mentors and inspirations. We have all lost a great, gentle and wonderful man!

I attended the University Of Hawaii in the early 1980's.  I was a Finance major at the Business School.  However, the best education I ever received was in Mitsuo Aoki's religion class, Death and Dying.  No other class ever prepared me for life more.  I am a better person for knowing this wonderful man and teacher, and I wish I had thanked him during his lifetime.  Rev. Aoki, I know you're listening...........
Much Aloha,
Jacquelyn Kealoha

Mits was a dear friend who helped me understand the meaning of compassion and acceptance. He lived a life of sharing and caring for others. He will be truly missed.

I saw part of Rev. Aoki's video last night on PBS....thank you Lord for blessing the world with this man. What a wonderful servant of God! Inspiring to say the least. Allison Takata-Edmiston, Makawao, Maui

Rick Bernstein's written eulogy for Mits Aoki

Good afternoon,

My name is Rick Bernstein.  

Thank you for coming to honor our dear friend Mits Aoki.  True to his teachings Mits end of life flowed like a gentle stream as he "lived his dying". His peaceful death was the final chapter in a lifetime of profound teachings.  

With the help of Sophie Ann, his devoted daughter, caretaker and collaborator, they created the perfect environment for Mits to peacefully leave his body. Recently, they were able to rent the apartment of his dear old friend Peggy Van Brocklin after she moved to the mainland. It was a light filled, treetop unit where he felt at home.  Soft music and  the smell of essential oils floated in the light filled room.  Family pictures and a wooden cross hung on the wall above his bed.  It was his perfect place.

Pain free and  filled with love, appreciation, and gratitude, Mits and Sophie created his hospice at home.  During the times when she was traveling or needed a break, Mits would stay at the Kailua Hospice where he received excellent care. As he wound down, going out to lunches and dinners with friends stopped.  He became tired and slept a lot.  His Visitors did small chores, brought food, or stayed on so Sophie Ann could take a break or run errands. Lots of us co-oporated to make the Hospice work. In the last few days Mits defied his old friend Diabetes and joyfully ate ice cream spoon fed to him by his friends and family.  We also held his water glass and straw and assisted him in drinking when he was thirsty. These simple actions were symbolic gestures that allowed us show our appreciation to him for all he had given us.  During that period, he enjoyed the simple pleasures of having his feet rubbed, his hand held, being read to, and simply sharing the space in silence. When we communicated our love and thanks to him, he gently squeezed our hands and smiled, sometimes speaking a few words.  The energy flowed easily as Mits relaxed into death.  

The process was a celebration.  Here was our saintly friend, free of pain and filled with light, completing this phase and preparing to move on to his next adventure.  

When Sophie Ann called to tell us of Mits death, my mind filled with the image of him being lifted up in a burst of light. That "present moment" connection many of us shared with him is what remains for me.  Somehow when Mits said "we are all one", we all got it. 

The ultimate deep thinker and cosmic dancer, he inspired and challenged us with his revelationary and expansive perspectives on life. Like a shaman, he danced and sang and joked us into opening our minds. He charmed and inspired us to "wake up" to his world of wholeness, connection, forgiveness and love.  

Two months ago, after thirty seven years of  spiritual dialogue, I asked him this question, "What is your bottom line?"  Without hesitation he said, "Jesus Christ is my lord and Savior."   

In that moment, It then dawned on me that when he converted to Christianity all those years ago, he totally and completely embraced the spirit of Jesus Christ. I believe that his conversion experience was so profound for him that he felt empowered to walk in the darkest of realms, terminal cancer and death and dying, without hesitation.  With an open heart and and inspired mind, he stormed the darkened doors of death and dying and opened them wide to the light of hope, faith, and love, the tenants of his beliefs.  He redefined the entire end of life equation.  For those touched by his enlightenment, death became an opportunity for healing.  What a gift he gave us.  

As an aside, in all the years we spoke of spirituality, he never once tried to convert me from my chosen path of Jewish Christian Hindu Islamic Buddhism.

This spiritual warrior liberated countless terminal cancer patients and their families from guilt, fear, anguish, and suffering with his gentle, skillful, and persistent guidance? Mits selfless service was always provided in a quiet and humble manner.  His techniques gave patients  "resources" which allowed them to transform their experience from darkness into light.  

Because Mits was such an amazing and radiant source of energy and knowledge, just being in his presence was often healing and enlightening.  His willingness to freely share his knowlege and mana was, in using his favorite word, AWESOME.

When Mits planned his funeral, he asked me to speak to you about the "meaning of his life."  After much deliberation, I concluded that we, the assembled and the multitudes he touched with his wisdom, love and caring, ARE the meaning of his life.  Each of us holds a unique remembrance of of his Mana'o. 

Guided Imagery, a visualization process, was one of his favorite techniques for connecting people to their inner resources.  In his honor, we are going to use that technique to come together as ohana and share our energy and aloha with each other as we visualize our beloved friend and teacher Mits.  

Please take a deep breath and now let it go completely. Join hands, left palm facing upwards and the right palm facing down.  We are now energetically connected.  Please close your eyes.   Allow your image of Mits into your your minds eye. If this makes you nervous, simply open your eyes. I will lead you through some of the different roles that Mits played in our lives.  Simply let the images flow, one after the next and surround Mits with your love and appreciation for his life.  

FATHER, GRAND FATHER, BROTHER, RELATIVE, FRIEND, WORLD TEACHER, PROFESSOR, COSMIC DANCER, MINISTER, COUNSELOR, MENTOR, HEALER, SPIRIT GUIDE, INNOVATOR, CREATIVE FORCE, DEEP THINKER, INSPIRER, GURU, UH FOOTBALL FANATIC, LIVING TREASURE, DESTROYER OF BOUNDRIES . UNIVERSAL CITIZEN, MANIFESTATION OF NON JUDGEMENT AND LOVING KINDNESS, STORY TELLER, JOKESTER, BHODISATWA, AND FINALLY, THE BEST FRIEND OF GOOD FOOD.


The Meaning of his life was his teachings and since the subject today is Mits dying, and he was the  "Prince of Passage" and  "the King of Croaking", here are some of his recommendations for a happy and peaceful death. 

A. If possible make your home into your Hospice or make arrangement to move into     a hospice. 

B. Give a directive to your family or support group as to how you wish to "Live your dying".  examples,  type of music, food, massage, visitors, etc.  

C. Have a living will and a regular will that are clear and up to date.
 
D. Plan your funeral and let your wishes be known. 
 
E.  Forgive everyone for everything and ask forgiveness for all of your trespasses.  

F.  Express your love to friends and family.

G. Die happy.
Thank you Mits.

Finally,

Banzai, 

This written talk was scrapped at the last minute. Instead, I spoke from my heart.

August 18, 2010

Mits Aoki: Icon of a Dream

Before living in the present was in vogue,
Before creating your reality by  visioning it,

There was Mits.

Before accepting your mortality was seen as a key to a full life,
Before exploring the meaning of being human was seen as spiritual liberation,
Before “I’ll see it when I believe it”,

There was Mits.

Mits Aoki was different. Very different. So different, in fact, that he was viewed as either out to lunch or a genius in touch with something both compelling and elusive. When you were in his presence you felt protected, accepted, honored, in touch with the gods. There was something about him that was just captivating.

I first met Mits in his Religion class to fulfill and undergraduate requirement. How could this man, a Jonathan Livingston Seagull in human professor form, be so powerful with such simple means? He could draw us into his dream world with his stories, demonstrations, and self-awareness exercises.  His passion was unmistakenably sincere. And moving. So much that I, and many of my classmates found ourselves being TA’s for his lab classes, and finding spiritual meaning in just asking the questions; Why am I here? Can death be embraced instead of feared? What happens when we put 100% faith in something we value or desire, instead of what we fear? How powerful are our thoughts and beliefs? What if everything really happens for a reason? A reason that we can’t see?

I can’t tell you the details of exactly what I learned in those years taking Mit’s classes, but I can tell you it changed my life. I can tell you it started my search for how I want to make a difference in this world. Many wonderful and seemingly coincidental things happened to me as a result of knowing this man, this loving, compassionate, accepting, eccentric soul. But mostly it was an awakening. Awakening to  what was always right in front of me, but I didn’t see. Awakening to my own inner self. Awakening to what was possible. Like suddenly getting the “aha” of a Zen statement. Awakening to my life.

I have no doubt that when it’s timefor4 me to leave this earth plane, I will see Mits at that light at the end of the tunnel, smiling and shaking my hand and saying, ”Welcome! It’s great to have you here! What took you so long?” And once again, just like in his class, I will feel honored. And safe. And fulfilled.

Thanks, Mitts. You are truly AWWWWWWESOME!!!!


Peter Bowman
Religion class of 1975

Whenever I would visit Grandpa Mits and Grandma Lynn, Mits would give me a banana. I've always loved bananas and never thought anything of it. It wasn't until later in my adult life that someone told me that Mits only got the bananas to give me because he knew they were my favorite. 
He thought of others, even down to the simplest things that made us happy. He will always be loved and in my heart.

Mits touched the lives of so many, including those in my family.  He had a profound effect on those lucky enough to know him.  His work will continue to influence those who come after and will help us to live our lives more fully.  Hawaii has lost another treasure but was blessed by the time he spent with us.

Mitsuo Aoki was one of two people who had a major influence on the course my life took. I discovered him in a class of World Religion while a student at the Univ. of Hawaii in 1970. He was a master teacher, an advisor, a mentor and a friend from that time on. He brought energy to his classes and made the essense of each faith personal. He was an "actor" and dancer in his overflowing classes. Whenever I visited him in yrs after I moved from Hawaii we would go out to eat someplace in Honolulu and it never failed that several people, of various ages, would come to our table to reintroduce themselves and share how something they got from his class helped them in their lives. He lives on in all of us and he is loved universally, unconditionally, just as he exhibited by and in his life. I will love Mits forever.  Gary Doughman, Madison, WI

I met you 45 years ago. I was a freshman at UH; you were trying to teach us freshmen a thing or two. I still remember your lively lecturing. Me ke aloha pumehana. Bill Jung

In 1971 Mits married Julia and me on the Church of the Crossroads lawn - at the conclusion of a yoga class. We have often thought of him, the kind words he said, and what a wonderful person he was. Although we have not seen him for many years, we will truly miss him.

John Gilje

The most amazing many I've ever met or will ever meet...and I am honored and proud to call him Grandpa.  The pure love, joy and light that flowed through his spirit was just AWESOME.  Mitsuo Aoki was a gift to many people - he helped so many in their time of need, including myself.  I will be forever grateful!  Mahalo and Aloha!

The Lighthouse story comes to mind at this time.  For those who knew Mits well I'm sure you've heard the story many times.  Though the lighthouse doesn't move it shines brightly to guide those home.  I know Mits' light is continuing to shine down upon us and shall pass through those he touched.

In his lifetime, Aoki Mitsuo helped prepare many people in making their journey. I am confident that after his passing, his legacy will continue to inspire generations to find closure within themselves and turn their dying into achievement.  

His teachings and commitment to helping people makes Mits a pioneer, an invaluable educator, and gift to humanity.

I first saw your documentary and learned of your work in 2003 at the Honolulu Film festival.  The film was very moving and has help shed light on the mystery of death.  I hope your journey to the end was as spiritual and fulfilling, as you have helped others find meaning in their life and death.  In the documentary you helped those people find peace and ultimately closure while grasping the concept of their imminent death.  I will forever treasure the lessons you have brought into fruition over your lifetime.

In this era where so many incorrectly see the value of "life" only in youth and good health, Mits life seems to have been dedicated to helping us to view it in a much broader perspective, Having done so, many have been freed to embrace life in its many often imperceptible aspects that endure long after the constraints of our physical bodies can be abandoned.

May his life of compassion and dedication be a source of pride and inspiration as you continue forward in his absence.

Mahalo!

Welcome to the website for Mitsuo Aoki's Celebration of Life Service. The Celebration will be at 3 PM Saturday, September 18, 2010, at the Church of the Crossroads, 1212 University Ave, Honolulu, HI.  Visitation with family will begin at 1 PM until 3 PM.  

Services are open to the public.  

Valet parking is available at the Varsity Parking lot adjacent to the Church and overflow parking is available at the Japanese Cultural Center after 2 pm and at University of Hawaii Orvis Auditorium and Law School. Parking lots have $4-$5 fee.

Aloha attire.  Family kindly requests no flowers.

OBITUARY

Mitsuo Aoki

December 4, 1914 – August 19, 2010

Borthwick Mortuary

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