Thomas Kurata Obituary

One of my best friends in the universe Rest In Peace

I learned of Tom´s passing belatedly from a mutual friend. Tom and I met during my undergrad years at KU and became good friends. Later, my years at KU Med overlapped with his years pursuing his engineering degree. Whenever he visited his mom, he made it a point to come to K.C. and take me to dinner. More than once, he talked me out of quitting medical school. Across decades and continents, despite ups and downs, we managed to maintain a friendship. When I was battling breast cancer, he regularly sent supportive texts and emails, and shared his own experiences. There has been no other friendship in my life that lasted over 45 years. I last shared dinner with him in person in 2012, but we remained in touch throughout his illness. I most admired his sharp intellect, his honesty, his unflagging courage in the face of his long illness, and his unfailing loyalty to his family and friends. I will most miss the way, no matter what crisis might be occurring in my life, he could always make me laugh. The world will be a much less colorful place without him, and I will miss him deeply. Today, on what would have been his 71st birthday, I say goodbye to my friend. God bless and keep you, Tom. My deepest condolences to his family.

My condolences to the Kurata family. Tom and I had many fishing trips to Milford, Clinton and Perry chasing White bass and wipers. He often brag about his 6 pounders inprivate lakes in South Kansas and bordering Oklahoma. He was very methodical and funny, generous and kind-hearted. I surely Miss him.

Tom was a brilliant and unique person who came in and out of my life over the years. Always intriguing and full of curiosity and stories. I last saw him at my father's funeral in 2010. Knowing him enriched my life, and I will miss him. My condolences to his siblings, wife, and children.

Tom's life read like the most imaginative adventure novel ever written! And he always had a smile on his face.
May God bless you, love you, and keep you always, Tom.

My condolences for your loss. Tom was a good friend when we were young. He will be missed.

I´m so terribly sorry to hear of the loss of Tom who so greatly enriched my undergraduate days at KU. The conversations could go on for hours - was Tom ever at a loss for stories or words? I had the pleasure of going to the house and meeting Mrs Kurata, but sadly, I never had the chance to meet Professor Kurata. After I got settled in teaching, I tried to reconnect, but I realize now that there were some years he was not overly available. Though it´s been just shy of fifty years since we spoke, the memories are vivid and joyful. My hopes are for you to find peace in the face of such a loss.

I am so blessed I was able to have dinner with Tom about two years ago with my wife (Susan) near Needles California. As usual Tom proceeded to educate my wife on all the crazy events he and I did in high school. We discussed his living in China and Japan as well. Tom was a unique individual and he will surely be missed by myself and his classmates at LHS-69.

Tom was in my LHS graduation class. I last saw him at a class reunion at Clinton Lake Picnic area. He was so friendly and welcoming! I remember him as that in HS, too. Hoping the love of friends and family will carry you and loved ones through your grief.