John Y. Naka (1914-2004)

wmcorcor

It was reported in one of the other forums that John Naka died sometime earlier today. (1914-2004)

A profoundly sad day in the bonsai world.

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TreeBay

Do you know which forum it was?

I found this on IBC:

http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/g...opic.php?t=1166
Regards,

Matt

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wmcorcor

It was on IBC and on their listserv also.

BonsaiBen

Very sad. Just last week I did some research on Naka and was in awe of his accomplishments. A true loss. RIP.

dbz12fan

This is sad news indeed. John will be greatly missed.

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Charles Bevan
Vero Beach, Fl

Ralph

He brought a wonderful gift to us all.

Thank You Mr. Naka

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bonsaial1

I have decided to retire my apron that I wear for workshops. The signatures on it while few are very important to me, and some are starting to fade and get ruined by water stains.

This apron was from the 1999 GSBF convention, and John once again built a foemina grove, Goshin II.

On the apron are Marc Noelanders signature near the top. Top middle; John Naka; dead, Harry Hirao, Mas Imazumi; dead and Walter Pall. On the bottom pocket is the signature of Shinji Suzuki in Kanji.

I hope to pass on this little story from the convention that year..

During the demonstration by Marc Noelanders, John had decided to play a trick on him. John was sitting near the front during the presentation. Marc was working on an exceptionaly hard tree to style. The branches were covered in raffia and wired with thick copper wire. Two assistants helped Marc during the tedious task of bending these very stiff and hard branches. The men were making moans and groans during the bending process and their faces showed the anguish of their task. Marc was holding and bending and working his hands down the branch for support.

It was during this time that John, ever the prankster, pulled the heavy chopstick secretly from his pocket and snapped it loud for the whole silent room to hear. I will never forget the look on Marc's face at the sound of that crack. John thought it was perfect.

That is the way I will remember John Naka, the Man, the Myth, The Legend

Bonsai-al

Attached Images

00aa.jpg (32.0 KB, 310 views)

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rowan57

My condolences to out to John's family and the Bonsai World, he will be sorely missed for his person and contribution to the Bonsai World.

Condolences
Rowan

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RonMartin(deceased)

John was such a nice man that it would be impossible not to morn his passing. He did more than master bonsai, he mastered the art of living. The void he leaves behind will take a long time to fill.