FB post shared by Yoshi Uramoto
Friends and colleagues of Kunio. It is with deep sorrow that I inform you of Kunio's demise on February 3. He finally succumbed to pancreatic cancer which he had been battling for several years, enjoying life as best he can.
We have all seen Kunio's posts from Bangkok and Bali as well as Japanese hot spring resorts as late as December last year. In all his trips he was accompanied by Ms Michiyo Kaneko, his partner, who was also with him as he breathed his last.
If you would like to send condolences, Ms Kaneko asks that you write to her at mneko7788@hotmail.com
Editor's Note: Kunio was an avid photographer and a frequent contributor to both FB and News & Views. See some of his photos by clicking here.
Editor's Note: Kunio was an avid photographer and a frequent contributor to both FB and News & Views. See some of his photos by clicking here.
At the Bali Reunion
Fishing in Canada
It is sad to learn of the passing of Kunio. Our careers intersected a few times. We first met in the summer of 1973 when UNICEF held one of its first staff training programmes at the University of Sussex, then we worked together at the Division of Programme Field Services at NYHQ when Kunio was desk officer in Asia Section and I on the Middle East desk. Our paths crossed again in SCARO meetings when Kunio was Representative in Pakistan and I in Nepal. Later I succeeded Kunio at the UN Development Group when he went to UNFPA. Kunio was always a very pleasant person to work with. He formulated his opinions carefully and expressed them persuasively and was calmly persistent in a most agreeable way. I will always think of him fondly. May he rest in peace. Habib
ReplyDeleteWe will miss Kunio’s smile and friendly interactions- he is remembered in India as the person who opened Chandigarh Office for North India. When we met in Bali, several decades later he asked about his former colleague, Mr Muralidhar and the driver. His hospitality was well known whether it was Islamabad or Bangkok…
ReplyDeleteRest in peace, Kunio
Deeply saddened to learn about the death of Kunio. Have known Kunio since mid 70s when he was posted in Bangladesh. Our friendship continued since then, even though we were posted in different duty stations . He touched everyone with his warmth, friendship and positive attitude.
ReplyDeleteKunio will be dearly missed. Rest in eternal peace.
May he Rest in Power among the stars in our awesome galaxy! 🙏
ReplyDeleteVery sad news. He was very kind and humble person. I knew him from 1980's. He was a great leader.
ReplyDeleteOur dearest Kunio Waki :
ReplyDeleteAdieu . Some guys give their best to the times and the world they live in.
Some people belong to the world and what they do. You have been a role model person for us.
Words cannot say how grieved we are to hear that one of the most gentle and caring persons we had the honour to know and work as a member of team has passed away.
Certainly he was one of the best Country Representatives who served in Pakistan and made a phenomenal contribution to advance the cause of children.
Kunio Waki has been an embodiment of a kind, caring professional par excellence and a team leader who inspired us to give our best. We recall with great respect and love what Sachi , gone too soon and now Kunio’s passing away have stirred fond memories of your mission in Pakistan. Your hearts and doors of their home were always open for international and national colleages in equal measure. So much so that I recall with relish a dinner at their home with James Grant our great leader. Kunio waki, you were not just a mentor to me; you were a true friend. Your unwavering support and genuine care for my well-being touched my heart. May your soul rest in peace.
Naseem ur Rehman