Kikuko Dewa
February 5, 1933 - February 15, 2010
Obituary
Kikuko Kiko Dewa
2/5/33 – 2/15/10
Kikuko Dewa passed away peacefully at home on February 15, 2010, after a three year battle with lung cancer. Kiko was a fifth generation descendant of weavers born and raised in the Nishijin district of Kyoto, Japan. After marrying Merlin Dale Hobert and immigrating to the U.S., Kiko spent much of her career as a seamstress for Seattle owned clothing companies, and raised a family of five children. During the next phase of her life, she pursued an interest in clothing design, and eventually opened ‘Ikko’ in the Greenwood neighborhood. In the eight years as a clothing designer, she often used antique kimono silks in creating tailored one of kind pieces. For the past 20 years, Kiko shared her mastery of the shibori arts with young children and adults at the Aki Matsuri or Cherry Blossom Festival. Her artistic approach was largely experimental and included natural dyes from plant materials from her garden. As an artist, she collected many bits and pieces of ‘things’ along with fabrics that she used to create her art. While she strengthened her shibori education by studying dying methods in Japan, she also thoroughly enjoyed creating things like funky coats to dragonfly catchers for her young grandchildren. Throughout the years, Kiko’s prolific work in fashion design, textile arts, theater installations and costuming has been shown locally at the Seattle Art Museum, the Wing Luke Asian Museum, Kobo and Wa Sabi Dou Galleries. Her work has also been exhibited in galleries throughout Kyoto.
Kiko was preceded in death by her parents, three siblings, and first husband. Kiko is survived by her five children, Murray Hobert Patsy of Surprise, Arizona; Linda Hobert of Burien, WA; Bruce Hobert Judy of Silverdale, WA; Donald Hobert Laura of Seatac, WA; Adrienne ‘Fuji’ Clark Jon of Snoqualmie, WA; and nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to the directly to Providence Hospice of Seattle, 425 Pontius Ave N. #300, Seattle, WA 98109-5452 or the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance: Lung/Head & Neck Cancer Program, benefiting the research of Drs. Renato Martins, Keith Eaton and Laurie Carr, Lung/Thoracic Oncology Research Fund c/o Dr. Renato Martins, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance,
825 Eastlake Ave E, G4-940, Seattle, WA 98109-1023. Or visit University of Washington’s foundation website at: https://secure.gifts.washington.edu/uw_medicine/gift.asp?page=search and search for the ‘Lung/Thoracic Oncology Research Fund’.
The family would like to especially thank Dr. Keith Eaton and the staff at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance for all of their support and extending their time with their Mom/Grandma.
Thank you Kikuko-san, you give me much treasure of memories. We watched Japanese movies, sing a song, went to the Japanese sushi restaurant and Korean restaurant, talk with our arts works. We have many memories. I miss you so much….
The passing of your Mother has deeply saddened us. My Mother told my sister Charlotte, today, that your Mother had taught her so many things. My Mother told me on the phone today that she would have, “crawled on her knees,” to see your Mom and to be able to help her, knowing now that she was sick. I brought my Mom, Olga, to Kiko’s studio on Greenwood and I wish there could have been one more time when we could have reunited them. Please email me. Our little family is heartbroken and we pray for comfort to your family during this very difficult time.
Kikuko-san was a beautiful person, friend, and artist. My family & I were honored and fortunate to have known her and to have experienced her warmth and talent. She was forever young and creative in spirit, and she will always remain so in our hearts. The Tomeoka Family: Tatsuo, Apple, Shino Claire, Yumeji Clay.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Kikuko’s family during this difficult time. She was a special friend and a talented artist; we were blessed to have known her.
Our deepest condolences to the Hobert Family,
Kikuko was more than a dear friend to us. Her wonderful spirit, honesty, artistry and humor were truly inspirational. It has been an honor to know her as a mentor and friend. When the cherry trees blossom, we will remember Kikuko with love and fondness.
To the Hobert family,
We send our sincere thoughts and prayers to your family for the loss of your dear Mother.
I know that your memories will help to heal your grief and loss.
All our love, Guy and Mary Magno
KIKUKO san
AETE YOKATTA!
MATA SAKURA MINAGARA NOMO NE—–!
ARIGATOU!
WATASHIMO 555 de ganbaruwa!
YURI