…here’s an excerpt of a truly sweet and touching tribute to “Uncle Nori” written by George Takei…
A Tribute to Pat Morita
by George TakeiPat Morita gave me a pain in my sides. His jokes were non-stop and relentless. I would be laughing, helpless and in pain. But he was merciless. His gags kept coming like machine-gun bullets. He would “slay” me with his jokes. Wherever we were, at dinner in a Las Vegas restaurant, at a party in Los Angeles, a fund-raiser for a non-profit institution, Pat kept me in pained laughter.
Now there is a different pain. It is the ache of parting. Pat is gone. He passed in Las Vegas of natural causes. Yet, it seems unnatural for Pat not to be bringing us joy and laughter. He was always so vibrant, so funny, and so alive. Noriyuki Pat Morita was a beloved friend and an extraordinary man. [full article]
And a tribute in a totally different vein, Mikey’s tribute to Pat Morita is in the form of a musical tribute of Karate Kid songs. Rawk!
Here is something from:
Rafu Shimpo — December 1, 2005
A memorial service for actor-comedian Noriyuki Pat Morita, 73, who passed away on Nov 24 in Las Vegas, will be held Wednesday, Dec 14, from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Aratani/Japan America Theatre, 244 So. San Pedro Street in Little Tokyo (between 2nd and 3rd). The service is open to the public, but seating is limited.
Daughter Aly Morita, speaking for the family, requests that donations be made to the Pat Morita Fund at Shriners’ Children’s Hospital in lieu of flowers or koden
A correction will be posted in the Rafu regarding Pat Morita’s Memorial in Los Angeles. Be advised, it is not open to the public. We, his fans, should respect the Morita family’s privacy.