I just found out. I first met him in 1998 when I just moved from the Philippines. Mr. Okada was my IMP teacher for 3 years and driving teacher for 1. Outside of those subjects, he taught me how things worked. He helped a lot in my transition to living here in the US. He talked to me every day to make sure I was ok. He explained how the culture worked. He taught me how to socialize. He corrected my english and accent. He even made sure I wasn't being bullied. He really did a lot for me outside of teaching. He provided a place for me and other kids to hang out. We played a lot of video games during breaks and after school. Maybe we showed enough discipline and trustworthiness that he even allowed us to stay way past school hours and lock up for him after he's gone. He told a lot of jokes. I tried to keep in touch with him. I visited him a few times after HS. I wish I could have told him how great he was and the impact he had in my life. I wish I could have introduced my wife and daughter to him. I think a lot of him.
Sending my condolences to the Okada family. I remember Mr. Okada as my Freshman math teacher. He always encouraged me and made me strive for perfection in my studies every day.
