In remembrance

It is with great sadness the Sister Cities Lawrence Governing Board has learned of deaths of three long-time leaders and supporters of our organization - Theodore Kuwana, Randal Weseman, and Ralph Gage. 

Theodore “Ted” Kuwana, distinguished University of Kansas chemistry professor, helped initiate the Hiratsuka sister city relationship in 1987 based on his research connections and friendships at Kanagawa University. He served as organizer and interpreter, participated in several delegations,  wrote the “Friends of Hiratsuka Newsletter” for many years, and participated in developing the Japanese Friendship Garden next to Watson Museum. He and his wife Jane continued their support of Sister Cities Lawrence and the Hiratsuka committee even after eventually moving to the Seattle area. Ted’s obituary. 

Randall “Randy” Weseman, longtime Lawrence educator, served several years on the Sister Cities Adversary Board then was elected chair for a term from 1997 to 1999. He was also active in the Friends of Hiratsuka committee, including representing Lawrence at the Japanese festival in Kansas City several years. Randy’s obituary. 

Ralph Gage, longtime editor of the Lawrence Journal World and his wife Martha have been members of Sister Cities Lawrence since 2014. They have hosted guests, including the editor of the Eutin newspaper. They participated in the 2019 30th anniversary delegation to Eutin. Ralph served in 2020-21 on the publicity committee of SCL. Ralph’s obituary.