After a valiant year-plus battle against a terminal illness, our dear friend and brother Rodney Otsuka passed away at his home on the afternoon of Monday, Nov. 29, 2021. Rodney is survived by his fiancée Heather and their two young children (pictured).

 

Many of us blessed enough to come to know Rodney over the years can testify that he was - and continued to be - one of the most generous, thoughtful and unselfish individuals in our lives. Even in his final days, that trademark unselfishness remained on full display: despite the severe physical pain he was fighting through, he insisted on picking up his kids from school and looking for little ways to alleviate the burdens of Heather's hectic schedule.

 

In what would be my final conversation with Rodney on the morning of his passing, I asked him how we and those who cared about him most could help him with his condition. Predictably, he responded that he didn't need anything for himself but would be grateful for anything that could make his family's lives easier as he kept up his brave fight. I told him I would reach out to our friends group to plan a few things including a GoFundMe campaign for his family, and the smile on his face as he hugged me and thanked me is something I will never forget.

 

I'm fortunate and blessed to have had this precious last moment to connect with Rodney, hear his thoughts and ultimately say my goodbye. In line with his final wish and my subsequent promise, I've launched this GoFundMe campaign to support the family he leaves behind but will never stop living through and inspiring. All proceeds from the campaign will be collected by our team and sent via direct bank transfer to his fiancée and kids to address short-term assistance including weekly meals, transportation, childcare, school tuition and other essentials during this difficult transition period.

 

Godspeed to Rodney and may blessings and comfort be bestowed on our dear friend Heather and the Otsuka family.

 

"Every man dies. Not every man really lives." -- William Wallace (from Braveheart, Rodney's favorite movie of all time)