Deceased October 18, 2019
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In Memory
“Mike” came to the College in 1953 as a foreign student after studying at Tokyo University. He was born in New York City on Oct. 31, 1929. As an undergraduate, Mike was a member of the Lord Jeff Club, majored in political science and was secretary of the Debating Council. John Hammond ’55 remembers that “Mike tended to be quiet, always soft spoken, kind and tactful. When I expressed an interest in coming to Japan someday, possibly as a missionary, he gently suggested I come as something else.”
After Amherst, Mike spent 40 years working as a Japanese diplomat, retiring in 1996. He served in seven countries, including three stints in Washington, D.C. After retirement, Mike worked as an adviser to Japan’s largest construction company and the Japan Chamber of Commerce. Mike was also active with several Asian and international Chamber of Commerce organizations. His interests were travel, reading, golf, bridge and playing Go.
Mike died in Japan on Oct. 18, 2019. He is survived by his wife, Fumiko, whom he married in 1959, four children and their families.
Rob Sowersby ’55