Over a year ago, I attended Hugh Wileys memorial and found that not only was Hugh a great friend and contributor to the CJST, but he was a friend and teacher to many other organizations and people.  That day I learned of many Asian societies I had never heard of, such as a Japanese sword (katana) society.  I realized I was still learning from this man. Hugh was at almost every CJST and Japanese related event and it appears at almost every other Asian event going in the city!

Hugh was a major driving force on our Social committee, on our board, and after leaving these positions, he would always keep us informed about ROM events and possible speakers for our organization. Two events that I helped organize were initiated by Hugh, the Kimono exhibition tour led by the curator of the Museum for Textiles, and the Kimono Fashion Show at the ROM and the Japan Foundation. My last unfinished project with Hugh was organizing a koudo event. (Japanese ancient art of aromatherapy) Unfortunately without Hughs presence we could not get involved with this ROM event and it was held without us. I wonder what else CJST misses because we dont have Hugh to educate us.

However, it is the man that we miss; his gentle soul, intelligence, inspiration, and wicked sense of humour.  It is not surprising that ROM has not been able to replace Hugh Wiley. Last Friday we were able to have one last cultural event that was possible because of Hugh.  We viewed Japanese cultural items that Hugh had acquired for ROM. Professor Klaas Ruidenbeek, the curator, colleague and friend of Mr. Wileys, talked about the exhibit and how Hugh was connected with these pieces. Truly insightful. Thank you for teaching us once again Hugh.  The ROM misses you and so do we at CJST.