Support the Kajita Family following Aki's Passing

Hello, I am Toni Ravelli and it is with deep profound sadness and a heavy heart that I share the news on the recent loss of Aki Kajita, husband to Kuniko and father to Amili. He found his way toward the light on 9/17/21 when he passed away suddenly at home. The main provider of the family, he had been employed with an international transport company as Vice President until 2020. Health issues associated with diabetes and high blood pressure challenged him. He was on dialysis for approximately one year and was awaiting a kidney transplant. Kuniko had enrolled in the kidney exchange donor program since she was not a kidney match for Aki in the hopes of facilitating an early kidney transplant on his behalf. Unfortunately, time was not on their side and Aki did not receive one in time.

The Kajita Family had been significantly instrumental as volunteers for the Woodbridge Entertainment Corps in Irvine, CA where their daughter was active in matching band and jazz band for 4 years. They moved to Irvine in 2012 from Northern California when Aki was transferred to a new position for his job. Aki and Kuniko were born and raised in Japan. Aki studied business in Japan Together Aki and Kuniko moved to CA in 1990 where they were in the foreign student English program and subsequently attended Santa Rosa Junior College. Kuniko and Aki married in 1996 and had their daughter, in 2000. Meeting the family as a WHS band parent I along with others established an irreplaceable connection with the family that has lasted for years past our volunteering. Their warmth, positivity, and compassion toward all that cross their path has touched so many. Aki centered his focus around his family, an easy going, good natured and fun-loving dad and husband. He enjoyed playing games including board games with family and friends, casino slots, keno, and the occasional good natured practical joke too. You could find him coasting on Amili’s skateboard with their dog, Nalu leading the way or taking a spur of the moment road trip excursion to a local destination for the weekend with the family. His unexpected passing leaves the family with new and uncertain challenges as they navigate through these extenuating times and subsequent associated decisions that they were not prepared to make nor endure. I have witnessed Kuniko and Amili’s amazing strength and courage.

Their ability to smile when they would prefer to do otherwise shows the character of two amazing women focused on continuing Aki’s legacy in positivity, appreciation, and love even when the road ahead has not been mapped out on the GPS. The family has planned a small service and will have a celebration of life in the subsequent weeks to come. They look to find the means for Amili to continue her college education, provide for Aki’s funeral service and associated expenditures. With our combined efforts we can ease their burden a bit during this difficult time. Our collective support would be of tremendous assistance to them and would be greatly appreciated.