Memorial for Lewis Suzuki

BERKELEY – A community memorial for artist Iwao Lewis Suzuki is scheduled for Saturday, July 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St., Berkeley. Potluck reception from 4 to 5 p.m.

Lewis Suzuki in 1952.

Suzuki passed away on Jan. 24 at the age of 95 in Berkeley, where he had lived in the same time for 50 years. He was a well-known watercolor artist whose works were displayed at the Watercolor USA show in Springfield, Mo., the De Young Museum in San Francisco, and other shows as well as local venues such as La Peña Cultural Center and Alta Bates Hospital. He also served on the Berkeley Arts Commission for many years.

Suzuki was a lifelong activist who opposed nuclear weapons and U.S. wars in the Third World, and supported the struggles of the working class and oppressed peoples here at home. His work for social justice was recognized by the City of Berkeley, the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, La Peña Cultural Center, and Bay Area Day of Remembrance Consortium, among others.

Donations in his name can be made to J-Sei Senior Services, 2126 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA 90704; Middle East Children’s Alliance, 1101 8th St., Suite 100, Berkeley, CA 94710; and/or National Japanese American Historical Society, 1684 Post St., San Francisco, CA 94115.