Sekimoto-sensei

Born on March 13, 1937 in Osaka, Japan, Sekimoto-sensei was the oldest of four siblings – and the only boy. His family moved frequently during the War, ultimately landing in Kobe, Japan. Sekimoto-sensei attended Hyogo Prefectural Kobe High School before being accepted by Kobe’s most prestigious university, Kobe University. There, Sekimoto-sensei continued to showcase his diverse gifts. He was a member of the Hawaiian band, playing the ukulele, and point guard for the University’s basketball team. Sekimoto-sensei graduated with an M.D. (doctor of medicine) degree. He then continued his studies through internships at various hospitals in the Hyogo Prefecture, culminating in an award of a Ph.D. degree from Kobe University.

After university, Sekimoto-sensei commenced an extraordinary 40+ year career in medicine. In 1968, Sekimoto-sensei was appointed surgeon at a cancer hospital in Hyogo prefecture. He married in January 1969. Thereafter, Sekimoto-sensei worked at the Akashi Medical Center, and later at the Mitsubishi Kobe Hospital, before retiring from surgery in 1999, at age 62. He continued to serve his community as a doctor at Mitsubishi Caterpillar’s medical clinic until his retirement in 2009.

Sekimoto-sensei was a globe trotter and admirer of all cultures. He traveled frequently to the United States to visit and help raise his grandchildren. Sekimoto-sensei was an avid golfer, hiker and audiophile. He pursued each of his hobbies with the same passion and excellence as he did his profession. He also loved American film, John Wayne in particular. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, his three younger sisters, two daughters, and six grandchildren who carry on his legacy of compassion and excellence.

関本先生は家族や社会に大きな貢献をしてきました。 1937年3月13日に大阪で4人兄妹の長男として生まれました。子供の頃は父親の仕事の関係で小倉や能登で過ごし、中学の時に神戸に引っ越ししました。兵庫県立神戸高等学校、その後、兵庫県立医科大学（現神戸大学医学部）に進学しました。大学時代はバスケットボール、ハワイアンのバンドの一員としてウクレレを楽しみました。卒業後、神戸大学第一外科の研究室で研究を続け、医学博士号を取得しました。 1969年から兵庫県立がんセンターで、外科医として働き始めました。 1969年1月に結婚。 その後、国立明石病院、三菱神戸病院、三菱キャタピラーで勤務し、2009年に退職しました。 退職後は、娘と孫のいるアメリカ、カリフォルニア州で過ごしました。自然の好きだった関本先生は、カリフォルニア州での生活を満喫しました。結婚52年の妻、3人の妹、2人の娘、そして彼の思いやりと卓越した精神を引き継ぐ6人の孫に恵まれ幸せな生涯でした。

Mountain View Cemetery

A private viewing was held at the Mountain View Cemetery Tower Chapel (click here for virtual tour), 5000 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, California on Friday, April 17, 2020.

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