I need to tell you how sorry I am about Julie's passing. She had been over for lunch a couple of times recently. We laughed a lot during her visits. After Lona called with the news, I couldn't help but remember when we first met. I went in to apply for a receptionist position at the Governor's office. I had never applied for a job without filling out a job application form. I stopped by the office before going to work one morning. And instead of filling out an application, they took me back to the staff area for an interview with Julie and Hugh. I didn't bring a resume with me. I'll never forget Julie had her hair pulled up tight in a knot on top of her head and she never smiled.  Quite intimidating for this 21-year-old!  And the only question she asked was "You didn't bring a resume?" at least 3 times!  Then when Hugh asked for references, I had to grab my phone number book out of my purse but I had been in college in Oregon and I didn't have info for anyone that I had worked for. Luckily, I had the number for someone who I babysat for that was local. I walked out telling myself that if the lady was the decision-maker, I had just blown it, but if the guy was the decision-maker, it was still possible. Julie told me later that she had someone who already knew the accounting part of the job, but Hugh hired me because the person she liked didn't vote. Not only had I voted but the reference I gave him was a Democratic Denver city councilwoman. I had been in college when she was elected so didn't think about her as an elected official.  Talk about dumb luck! Julie was a good friend and a good boss. I will miss her. 

Miss Julie was such a pleasure to work with. I always looked forward to our weekly luncheons. This was our time to talk about both of our families sports outings and adventures. Julie was such a talented woman. Such an amazing cook and she amazed me with her knitting talent. I always looked forward to seeing Julie’s new hair dos and outfits when she would come to our office. She was so classy and sassy :) I will miss this woman dearly.

Julie, you and I have known each other for 50 + years.  It was the last 19 years that we truly got to know each other.  We spent some hours at Niki's dining room table just chatting about what ever came to mind.  I am feeling Blessed that you and I got all the opportunies to share many memories while going to the kids games and the many meals together.  I will miss you but you will be forever in my heart. 

One of my initial memories of Julie was at one of Bailey’s basketball games.   A parent from the other team was obnoxious and yelled at the refs, our team, and others.  He complained about everything and their team lost.  At the end of the fame, he apologized to us.  Julie, who was sitting near me, responded, “you can apologize all you want but it’s not going to help.”  I was surprised that she responded that way (I didn’t know her too well) but I gave her lots of respect for speaking her mind.  She was full of humor and spunk and I’ll always remember her for that.  It was obvious she  loved her family and was always there to support them.

Julie, you’d think that after 40+ years of mutual harassment, barbed exchanges, shared vacations and sarcasms ad nauseum— you would think that your passing would be more tolerable.  I mean, being forced to help carry a 300 pound pinball machine up and down a terrifyingly rickety staircase in your first loft, being awakened at 8 AM on Thanksgiving to come over and eat because you weren’t sure how long to roast the turkey and started at 3 AM.......it goes on and on— you would think that we could deal with your passing.  We can’t.  We’re pretty devastated.  We’ll miss you terribly.  Thank you for being so wonderful and such a huge part of our lives for all these years.  We will never forget you.  We love you.  Thank you for being here with us.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.  Julie was a very unique person who was loved by those who knew her.  She will be missed and remembered by us.

Julie, you were a very supportive and loving grandmother to your family especially your grandchildren. I enjoyed hanging out with you during Bailey and Zoe’s basketball games. We spent a lot of time together in the gym! You were always so stylish with your colored hair and fur coat. I told Cory that you were the only person that could wear a fur coat and pull it off! I remember sitting by you during all the tournament games and laughing so hard because we knew between the two of us that one of us was going to get kicked out of the game! I will miss your wit, sarcasm and charm. I never had to figure out what was on your mind- you would simply tell us and that’s what I respected most about you!  I am glad our paths crossed and our family will truly miss you , my dear! RIP!

Julie,  you were always there for my family when we needed support, and that will never be forgotten. You shared your love of knitting with me, and I will always think of you when I work on a project.  Your smiling  face, your laughter, will forever be in our hearts.

Dear Grandma, I will never forget all the crazy memories we had together. My favorite memory was when we were about to miss our flight in Seattle, but little did I know you were prepared and you had a golf cart that took us from gate to gate at the airport. You made so many people happy. Could have been because of your sarcasm, baking, knitting scarfs and pot holders, or your laugh. I am so blessed I got to grow up with you and know what my crazy grandma was like. Now, I get to think of how happy you made me. Will always love you forever Grandma. 

Dearest Julie, how we enjoyed your spunk, your wit, your friendship. We had some really good laughs! You helped Eileen and me so much at REPTECH for all those years, and you helped with every wedding and every kid that was born.  We loved hearing stories about your grandkids, and we just had fun hanging out with you. We will miss you so much.

My grandma was a crazy grandma. There’s one memory that will always stick with me... she was driving on the wrong side of the road one time and I just remember how calm she was, it was the best thing ever. I’ll never forgot your pie crust cookies you make especially for me, and I’ll never forgot your crazy purple hair. I miss you so much grandma. I love you so much. 

I had the wonderful pleasure of working with your Mother and I can tell you I respected her so much, she was a great lady.  I thoughts and prayers go out to all of you and she will be greatly missed by any one that knew her.

Don’t know where to begin Mom ...  oh yes I do,  your cherry pies.    You wouldn’t want this to get a mushy but, you gave your everything for our family and you will always be remembered for it and missed forever.  From all the baking to scaring the crap out of the kids while we were away, we will always cherish the memories. Love you

OBITUARY

Julie Kobayashi

November 18, 1946 – March 9, 2019

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Crown Hill

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