On August 4th, 1984 in Caldwell, Idaho, Kalan Kinsaburo Hondo Morinaka took his first breath, and from that day forward he was completely immersed in the art of living. Raised by loving parents and brothers who both challenged and supported him, Kalan’s family was a central part of his life. Kalan worked and played on the family farm, learning to become the best possible person he could be. He loved to fish, hunt, and wakeboard, but Kalan especially loved sports.

    As a student in Nyssa, Oregon, Kalan played soccer, baseball, football, and golf. He also wrestled and participated in Judo. Early on, it became clear that Kalan was specifically gifted in Judo. Kalan was a national judo champion at the age of eleven and eventually attained the level of Kodokan Shodan, or first degree black belt. Kalan was also awarded the Golden Eagle trophy at the College of Southern Idaho. Judo was not Kalan’s only standout sport however. It was not uncommon for him to win multiple golf tournaments each year. He was an all league and all state selection at linebacker for the Nyssa Bulldogs for three years in high school. Kalan was also a four time state qualifier in wrestling and finished fourth in the state his senior year all while helping lead Nyssa to four consecutive Oregon State Wrestling Championships.

    Kalan was not only a phenomenal athlete; he was a dedicated scholar as well. With his fellow Nyssa high schools students, Kalan presented a research project at the National History Fair at the University of Maryland. He was also a member of the National Honor Society, and was the Valedictorian of his graduating class.

    At the end of high school Kalan faced a difficult decision. Instead of pursuing the next level of involvement in Judo, he chose to attend college and pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. At Willamette University Kalan balanced a demanding academic load as a psychology major and chemistry minor with a host of activities and responsibilities. He served as the supervisor of intramural sports, held a part-time job, and was greatly involved in his fraternity. In
2005, Kalan was elected the president of the Oregon Gamma chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Despite the progression of ALS, he continued to lead the chapter with his fervent work ethic and unwavering morals. Last May, Willamette University presented Kalan with the G. Herbert Smith Award, recognizing his many contributions to his fraternity.

    Also while in college, Kalan had the good fortune to meet the love of his life. Kalan and Rebecca Knight began dating in the fall of their freshman year. Just before his death, with the help of his closest friends, Kalan surprised Rebecca Knight with his fraternity pin and a promise ring.

    In the summer of 2005 Kalan’s mother noticed a slur in his speech. What was initially thought to be a possible sign of cancer was eventually revealed to be the early signs of ALS. Less than two years since the first symptom appeared Kalan passed away at his home surrounded by family. In addition to the fact that it is already considered rare for a person Kalan’s age to be diagnosed with ALS, his condition progressed faster than any other case seen by doctors. Even after the official diagnosis of ALS in June 2006, Kalan continued his summer internship working with disabled children. He also continued to study and work toward his college graduation this spring. Kalan’s commitment to his own dream, caring for others, continued even when many would have given up.

    Although his life was cut tragically short, Kalan achieved a wealth of experiences that most could never dream of. He touched the lives of more than most could ever hope to. Kalan will always be remembered as a great friend, a wonderful person, and a True Gentleman.