Obituary for Donald Thomas Furuya
Donald Thomas Furuya of Boulder, CO passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on December 29, 2022, at the age of 71.
Don was born on August 26, 1951 in Manhattan, New York to Edward Ken Furuya and Carolyn Ikegami Furuya. He grew up in Flushing, New York with his brothers Keith and Mark and his sister Alice, who survive him. In high school Don attended Columbia Prep in the city on a swimming scholarship. He played clarinet in the school band and guitar, and was a champion swimmer. Don said sports and music were the anchors and highlights of his growing up.
Don then attended Tufts University in Boston. He did well in college and had many friends and was best known for the delight he brought to people with his guitar playing. While in college Don met Diane Dahle who lived in the same dorm at Tufts. Don and Diane became inseparable and enjoyed college and Boston life together. After college Don and Diane moved to Boulder where Don worked in construction. There ensued, over the years, several moves following job opportunities. When back in Connecticut with Diane's family Don began working in finance and then continued that career in Downers Grove, IL. In 1999 Don and family moved back to Boulder where he began his excellent work as a financial advisor with Edward Jones, HR Block, Ameriprise, and finally Raymond James. Don was very valued by all his clients whom he helped with great care, commitment and intelligence.
While first in Boulder, Don married Diane, and they just celebrated 46 years of loving commitment. When Don and Diane lived in Florida his beloved daughter Carrie was born. Back in Connecticut his adored son Greg was born. Don was a loving, devoted and fun father to his two wonderful children who survive him. Don is also survived by his son-in-law John Zaya, Carrie's husband. And Don was also totally committed to another family member - his beautiful dog Kenji, who misses Don greatly.
Don had several passions besides his family. His first was music and guitar-playing. He played beautifully, all kinds of music. Don loved to collect guitars and stereo equipment. While in Illinois Don began playing guitar and singing with the music ministry at his church and continued that back in Boulder at the First Presbyterian Church. Don played weekly at church for over 35 years for hundreds of people. He also taught guitar to many young people, including his son. Other passions included his pets (especially Kenji), golf, camping - all across the U.S., traveling - especially beach trips to Cape Cod, Ste Maarten, and Mexico, woodworking, bird-watching, biking, fishing, playing poker, attending musicals and concerts, all of which he shared with his family and friends.
Don was a warm and witty, wise and thoughtful, loving and caring man. He was welcoming to all, showed interest in every person, and lifted people up. Don was fun and adventurous. His goofy and dry sense of humor brought smiles to everyone. Don was truly a wonderful soul and will be missed by all who knew him. He leaves us with so many beautiful memories and will be in our hearts always, even as we are united with him again for an eternity of joyfulness. It has been said, "A man is a success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much." Don was a huge success!
A private celebration of life for family and friends will be held in Boulder and later this year a family memorial will be held in New York where Don's ashes will be added to the family plot with his parents. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Boulder Humane Society in Don's name.
Don was born on August 26, 1951 in Manhattan, New York to Edward Ken Furuya and Carolyn Ikegami Furuya. He grew up in Flushing, New York with his brothers Keith and Mark and his sister Alice, who survive him. In high school Don attended Columbia Prep in the city on a swimming scholarship. He played clarinet in the school band and guitar, and was a champion swimmer. Don said sports and music were the anchors and highlights of his growing up.
Don then attended Tufts University in Boston. He did well in college and had many friends and was best known for the delight he brought to people with his guitar playing. While in college Don met Diane Dahle who lived in the same dorm at Tufts. Don and Diane became inseparable and enjoyed college and Boston life together. After college Don and Diane moved to Boulder where Don worked in construction. There ensued, over the years, several moves following job opportunities. When back in Connecticut with Diane's family Don began working in finance and then continued that career in Downers Grove, IL. In 1999 Don and family moved back to Boulder where he began his excellent work as a financial advisor with Edward Jones, HR Block, Ameriprise, and finally Raymond James. Don was very valued by all his clients whom he helped with great care, commitment and intelligence.
While first in Boulder, Don married Diane, and they just celebrated 46 years of loving commitment. When Don and Diane lived in Florida his beloved daughter Carrie was born. Back in Connecticut his adored son Greg was born. Don was a loving, devoted and fun father to his two wonderful children who survive him. Don is also survived by his son-in-law John Zaya, Carrie's husband. And Don was also totally committed to another family member - his beautiful dog Kenji, who misses Don greatly.
Don had several passions besides his family. His first was music and guitar-playing. He played beautifully, all kinds of music. Don loved to collect guitars and stereo equipment. While in Illinois Don began playing guitar and singing with the music ministry at his church and continued that back in Boulder at the First Presbyterian Church. Don played weekly at church for over 35 years for hundreds of people. He also taught guitar to many young people, including his son. Other passions included his pets (especially Kenji), golf, camping - all across the U.S., traveling - especially beach trips to Cape Cod, Ste Maarten, and Mexico, woodworking, bird-watching, biking, fishing, playing poker, attending musicals and concerts, all of which he shared with his family and friends.
Don was a warm and witty, wise and thoughtful, loving and caring man. He was welcoming to all, showed interest in every person, and lifted people up. Don was fun and adventurous. His goofy and dry sense of humor brought smiles to everyone. Don was truly a wonderful soul and will be missed by all who knew him. He leaves us with so many beautiful memories and will be in our hearts always, even as we are united with him again for an eternity of joyfulness. It has been said, "A man is a success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much." Don was a huge success!
A private celebration of life for family and friends will be held in Boulder and later this year a family memorial will be held in New York where Don's ashes will be added to the family plot with his parents. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Boulder Humane Society in Don's name.