Nose Tsunefumi, My Friend and Brother

I found out this afternoon that my dear friend Nose Tsunefumi (his family name is pronounced no-say, like an inability to express your oppinion, rather than nose, like the body part), died in his sleep a few days ago, on November 18th, 2008.  I met Brother Nose, as we mostly knew him, when I was serving as a missionary in Japan, in 2000.  We had the same birthday, and similar interests, and it was almost like we were brothers.  He really was a brother to everyone.  I know that there are many, many others who have been close to Brother Nose over the years, and I am sure that I am not the only one with a heavy, empty place in my heart today.

I don’t know much about what happened, except that he has been sick lately.  He said that he has been suffering from Diabetes, and I know that he has been working too hard.  I haven’t been doing a good job of keeping my cell phone charged, but I charged it in the car today while I was in a meeting in Olympia.   When I got out of the meeting, I found that I had a voice-mail from some kind person telling me about Brother Nose, that he died in his sleep, and leaving a number for me to call.  Unfortunately, because of some intricacy of the voice-mail program that escapes me, the message was no longer on the system by the time I got home.  I don’t know who called me, but thank you.  Thank you.

Brother Nose, I love you, and miss you.

Brother Nose's Signature and Address