No single person could completely characterize Marian Hara’s life because she lived it so fully with so many different people. Marian’s relationships were broad and varied, yet all of us share how her spirit was expressed through her huge smile and warm laugh. On May 18, 2012 Marian peacefully left us. Her fight was stoic and throughout she retained her unique sense of command and humor.

Marian grew up in two different worlds. She was born a nisei or second generation Japanese American and throughout her life was a proud member of Portland’s tightly knit Nikkei community. She embraced her heritage. She was an Odori dancer, fluent in Japanese and she loved Asian food, celebrations and organizations. Simultaneously, she embodied an all American woman who was competitive, athletic, community oriented and worldly.

Marian graduated from Lincoln H.S. and Oregon State University. Upon her retirement as a physical education teacher, she became a world traveler with friends new and old.

As a 14 year old, Marian’s world drastically changed when she, along with her family was evacuated to the North Portland Assembly Center and eventually moved to the Minidoka Internment Camp in Idaho. As regrettable as this historical event was, Marian wasn’t limited by the experience but enriched by the deep and lasting friendships she built from it.

She became a PE teacher and coach at Wilson High School in Portland. She loved her students and teaching, but most of all she loved winning. She coached the swim team and led the gymnastics and tennis teams to two city PIL championships. Her competitive nature and love of gamesmanship rarely failed her in any of the sports she undertook. Luck loved Marian. Her trophies attest to her success as a winning ping pong player, bowler, golfer and card player. She was a true Beaver fan whose loyalty never wavered.

Marian committed herself equally to community organizations where she served on the boards of the Japanese Ancestral Society, Veleda Women’s Club, Nissei Women’s Golf Club and Ikoi no Kai (senior hot lunch program).

Marian was a willing participant in life without demanding that she be the center of attention. Her friends would agree that she wasn’t a pushover and pursued life on her own terms. And for that, whether it’s the “look” or the “laugh”, Marian’s way with people was at the core of what we will cherish and miss.

A celebration of Marian’s life will be held on June 2 at 11 a.m. at Rock Creek Country Club, 5100 NW Neakahnie Ave., Portland.

Remembrances to Epworth United Methodist Church or Ikoi no Kai (senior hot lunch program).