DJP Update 8-17-2013 Eulogy for Dr. Herbert Ichinose
For all the friends of Herb who could not attend the church services today, my eulogy for him is below. And for all of us, attending a funeral or memorial service should cause us to reflect and tell our loved ones how much we appreciate and love them because we never know when we or they will depart for eternity. That call or letter won’t be forgotten.
I told Herb’s family the sentiments of the out-of-town friends who wrote me this morning about Herb. Thanks.
DJP
EULOGY FOR DR. HERBERT ICHINOSE
August 17, 2013
St. Genevieve Catholic Church
Slidell, Louisiana
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved person, Dr. Herbert Ichinose. But we also share the joy of knowing and loving Herb.
Herb left us on August 12, 2013, slipping away at home surrounded by his family; but his legacy lives on in his family and friends. He was of great faith and left a legacy of being a man who sought after the wisdom of God, a husband who deeply cared for his wife, and a father and grandfather who was playful and giving.
We extend our sincere condolences to Herb’s family: His wife, Beverly Nadine Burlison Ichinose; four children: Linda Williams, Lorna Reynolds, John Ichinose, Dr. Eugene Ichinose; his two stepsons, Jack and Rob Burlison, and 17 grandchildren. His late wife, Elaine Okimoto Ichinose, and his parents, Samuro and Katsue Ichinose, preceded Herb in death.
Whenever I would think of Herb over the years, the word kindness immediately came to mind. Always gracious, he was a gentleman and a gentle man. Whenever I called him for advice about the pathology in a case I was studying as a consultant to help defend a doctor, He always made the answer easy to understand and backed it up with outstanding references. Herb remained the quintessential superb teacher who was patient and generous with his time. If I wrote a book about a guru in a mystical Tibetan Shangri-La, Herb’s character would be the starring role. Never did I hear anyone speak a word of dislike regarding Herb in the 50 plus years I knew him. As one doctor stated today in an email, Herb combined brilliance and humility, a rare combination.
When I think of Herb, I also am reminded of words from Ralph Waldo Emerson writing about success:
To laugh often and love much;
to win the respect of intelligent persons
and the affection of children;
to earn the approbation of honest critics
…
to appreciate beauty;
to find the best in others;
to give of one’s self;
…
because you have lived,
this is to have succeeded.
I first met Herb when I was a medical student and he presented a case as a scholarly teacher at Tulane Medical School. It was obvious to all that he was brilliant and kind. I became friends with him and another professor friend of his, Dr. Glenn Kokame. They enjoyed telling me that they met each other for the first time in the cafeteria at Tulane University as freshmen undergraduates. Herb said none of the folks in the cafeteria looked like him but suddenly he saw a student behind him who did. They introduced themselves and discovered they both were from Kauai, Hawaii! That was the start of their wonderful friendship.
Herb became a full professor of pathology at Tulane Medical School and when he went into private practice he continued as a Clinical Professor of Pathology. Always pursuing the unknown in the field of science he authored over 50 scientific papers and received many prestigious awards. Despite the devastation he and Beverly suffered with Hurricane Katrina and his evacuation by a Coast Guard helicopter following Katrina, he never retired, continuing as a pathologist and embarking on the pursuit of anti-aging medicine.
When a loved one dies, the pain of loss can appear overwhelming. But if we will reflect on the treasure trove of memories, the good times, the laughter, the moments of great joy, our pain will lessen and in time we will be left with comfort for his love and how he enriched our lives.
And let us remember what General George Patton, Jr. said:
It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.
And I thank God that Herb lived and enriched our lives. Today we celebrate his life.
I recently attended a Jesuit Retreat at Manresa, in Convent, Louisiana at the recommendation of my surgical partner, Dr. Jim Brown. To sum up that retreat, the priest said:
“Remember, God loves you.” Well, I am certain God loves Herb and the two of them are having wonderful philosophical discussions this very moment in heaven. The poet Shelley spoke of “that sweet, strange mystery of what beyond these things may lie, and yet remain unseen.” But Faith, Hope, and Charity will keep our spirits joyful about Herb’s spirit’s new residence.
May we be so blest to have the love of God and all of family and friends! Goodbye for now, dear Herb, We look forward to seeing you again in eternity.
Donald J. Palmisano, MD, JD
DJP@donaldpalmisano.com
—————————————–
Stay well,
Donald
Some past selected DJP Updates can be found at: www.DJPupdate.com
Donald J. Palmisano, MD, JD
Intrepid Resources® / The Medical Risk Manager Company
5000 West Esplanade Ave., #432
Metairie, LA 70006
USA
504-455-5895 office
504-455-9392 fax
DJP@donaldpalmisano.com
www.donaldpalmisano.com
www.onleadership.us
(Author of ON LEADERSHIP (2008, 2011 2nd edition) and THE LITTLE RED BOOK OF LEADERSHIP LESSONS (2012 & in bookstores and AMAZON now!)
DJP Updates: www.DJPupdate.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/DJPNEWS
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/IntrepidResources Check out the videos. You can post your views on your own YouTube site.
This DJP Update goes to over 2300 leaders in Medicine representing all of the State Medical Associations and over 100 Specialty Societies plus some other friends.
You can share it with your members and it has the potential to reach 800,000 physicians.
To join the list, send me an email stating “Join DJP Update”
To get off the list, state ” Remove DJP Update” in subject line.