REMEMBERING
Norman Y. Mineta

Norm Mineta was on the Advisory Board for the Youth Science Institute (YSI) and Norm was very good about showing up at our annual meeting at the YSI Vasona Nature Center each year that coincided with our wildflower show. Around 1985 I went to Washington D.C. to talk to the Institute for Museum Services (IMS) about a grant we had applied for. Norm saw me from the end of a hall and called out, "David, what are you doing in Washington?" I walked up to him and explained that I was lobbying for an IMS grant we had applied for. He said, "follow me into my office; let's set up a meeting in my office so I can learn more about your grant proposal." Norm's admins quickly set up a half hour meeting for the next day. Then Norm said "Have you ever visited the White House?" I replied, no, and Norm requested that I get a ticket for a White House tour. We got our grant, which was likely influenced by Norm, but I was so impressed that Norm recognized me among a crowd of a dozen or more people from probably 35 feet away, and then made sure he did everything he could for me. It was amazing! I have a wonderful picture of my dad, Charles L. Johnston, M.D., discussing politics and his experiences as a medical officer in post war Japan with Norm at one of YSI's annual meetings. My dad was stationed in Hiroshima for two years as a physician to help victims of the atomic bomb. He learned a lot about Japanese culture and loved the Japanese people. After settling along the Saratoga Creek my parents built a Japanese garden in our back yard and I have fond memories of my parents hosting Japanese dinner parties while growing up. I believe my dad's compassion and love of Japanese people and culture resonated well with Norm. Norm had an amazing compass in life. He was an extraordinary person in so many ways, and his influence will be felt for many, many generations.

During 911 Attacks, I was working for United Airlines. I usually fly to and from those East Coast. At the time, I was in Los Angeles and waking up to go to LAX when I learned about the attacks. A few hours later, I learned that Mr. Mineta ordered commercial flights to be grounded, and to have the current in-flight aircrafts to land at the nearest airport. Mineta's thoughtful and strategic orders were right.

I remember one year when I was traveling to the Heart Mountain Pilgrimage. I was boarding the small shuttle airplane that would take me from Salt Lake City to Cody, WY. I saw Norm and his wife already seated in the plane. I stopped to introduce myself. Norm than said, "Hi, I'm Norm". I then said, yes, I know who you are. He just thought of himself as a regular person. I will always remember that small interaction.

At the special showing of the documentary "An American Story-Norman Mineta and his Legacy" in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, CA. 08-05-2018. The title is so fitting as Norm's story is an American story... Sam Luk

My deepest condolences to Deni and the Mineta family. Norm was an American Hero, a wonderful human being and statesman, very passionate in serving his country and our AAPI community. As one of the most-respected political leaders in United States history, Norm will also be remembered as one of the most accomplished Asian American political figures as well. He was down to earth and attentive to his constituents. I was impressed that he would always remember my name. I will forever cherish and honor to have known him and have the opportunities to converse with him on varies issues important to the AAPI community. We will miss his present dearly.

Norm and my father Carlos C. Ogden Sr. most likely became friends in San Jose during the ‘60s, when my father headed the San Jose Chamber of Commerce Membership department and probably recruited the Mineta family insurance company. Both my father and Norm had quit a lot in common during those years. My father was asked (but turned down) to run for Mayor of San Jose, Norm was Mayor in 1971. Both my father and Norm were active in Boy Scouts and little league baseball. Norm participated in both. My father was coach and scout master. Dad had told me quite often if I meet Norm, to ask Norm “are you an old bastard?”, which I balked at, but my daughter did exactly that during her visit and tour of Wash. D.C. with Norm and some friends. He looked Kristin straight in the eyes and answered “you bet your sweet ass I am!” the standard answer of the OOOB (Order Of the Old Bastards), which Norm and my father, along with several other notable celebrities in San Jose, were associated. Our family was honored to have Norm attend my father’s funeral at the Arlington National Cemetery in 2001, where my Mother and Father are now both buried. My father received The Congressional Medal of Honor, 4 Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star for his combat duty in Normandy during World War ll. I am now privileged to be part of the Francis family, which Norm is lovingly called Uncle Norm. Ralph Ogden (former Golden State Warrior player 1970-71)

I want to send my deepest condolences to the Mineta family. My 89 year old Nisei father and I attended the San Jose memorial service, as my father was a huge follower of Secretary Mineta throughout his career. My dad also went to internment camp, Cal, worked at the Cal Department of Transportation, and then for the City of San Jose as an electrical engineer so felt a close tie to him. My dad sobbed during the memorial service, and I think we both came away from lessons learned: what can we do to be upstanders and family is everything. For me, I learned that being present with your children has lasting impact. (I have 3 young boys.) I want to lastly thank your entire family for your sacrifices and service to San Jose community. It is not lost on me that you did not get all the family time with Dad because he was busy working. So thank you. I can't wait to share the story of Secretary Mineta with my sons. We are so happy that you brought Secretary Mineta home to San Jose. It is so meaningful to our community that you did that. As a Japanese-American, Secretary Mineta was our everything. We knew he was always fight for us and representing us, and we cannot thank you him and you enough. I hope that the wonderful memories that you have with your father and husband fill your hearts with joy during the difficult times. He is still and always will be with you. In gassho, Stephanie

Norm played in the 110's basketball team at San Jose High School in the '47-'48 season and I played in the 120's team. At the end of the season there were two players who apparently didn't have enough playing time or quarters to earn a Block SJ: Norm and I. But we finally were awarded our block SJs. In my 1948 yearbook, The Bell, Norm signed "To a fellow player who nearly missed his block by one quarter. Norman Mineta." We often recall that event in our reunions. The photo was taken at our SJHS reunion in August 2015 at Mariani's Inn & Restaurant, Santa Clara: the athletes of over 60 years ago: John Ratliff, Grayson Taketa, Robert Ragsac and Norm.

This photo is very special to me, as I introduced Norm Mineta and June Kuramoto. In 1990, I invited Norm and June Kuramoto to MC a New Year's Eve event for the Japanese American Community Foundation in San Jose. Both accepted! This photo was taken at the 2016 National JACL Convention in Las Vegas (26 years later!)-I nominated June and Dan as JAs of the Biennium. June always tells me that Norm and Deni attend their East Coast Hiroshima concerts. I always looked forward to seeing and listening to Norm Mineta at National JACL conventions and will feel the void this year. May you rest in peace, Norman Mineta.

After the Northridge Earthquake, then-Congressman Mineta fought to restore the insurance industry so people could get mortgages to buy homes. I was honored to accompany him to a news conference where he advocated for community cooperation to resolve the insurance crisis. His advocacy led to donations from major insurers to create the California Earthquake Authority's initial fund. He was my hero, a man who quietly and effectively fought for what was right for the community. While others were busy grandstanding, Secretary Mineta was developing programs that made a difference in people's lives. He was an inspiration to generations of public servants who intentionally follow in his path of service. As a member of the Mineta Transportation Institute team, I will strive to honor his memory by educating the next generation of transportation leaders.