George Eiichi Kawamura, 87 of Denver, passed peacefully at home on February 25, 2024. He was born in Pocatello, Idaho on November 25, 1936, George spent his early years in southern California. Because of World War II the family relocated from southern California back to Idaho, then moved to Boulder, Colorado and eventually settled in Denver. After graduating from Manual High School in 1954, he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from the University of Colorado, Boulder. To further his career aspirations, he completed his Master's Degree in Social Work in 1966 from the University of Denver. He also completed the Senior Executive Program at Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government in 1991.

George had a profound commitment to public service as reflected throughout his career. His 42 years of providing quality human services to the citizens of Colorado began when he started at the Adams County Department of Social Services working his way up from Caseworker to Director. He then made the move to the State Department of Social Services and fulfilled numerous government leadership roles in various departments, finally retiring as the Manager of the Office of Behavioral Health and Housing. Over his career, he had responsibility for the complete array of state social services including Medicaid, mental health, child welfare, developmental disabilities, vocational rehabilitation, income support programs, alcohol and drug treatment programs and the two mental health institutes in the state.

George was recognized all through his career with many awards and accolades. A few that he was especially proud of are: Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver 50th Anniversary Award for Outstanding Professional Achievement; Mental Health Association of Colorado Award for Outstanding Government Achievement; Colorado Children's Mental Health Coalition, Outstanding Leadership Award; Appointed, National Steering Committee for the Evaluation of Mental Health Systems at the Human Services Research Institute in Boston, Massachusetts.

Even though George had much professional success, his greatest joy and source of pride was his family.

He is survived by Ruth, his wife of 60 years, his two daughters and sons-in-law, Kelly and Scott and Jamie and Scott, and his five grandchildren, Ryan, Cailen, Kendall, Marin, and Kyle.

George will be remembered as a loving husband, supportive and generous father and grandfather, loyal family member and friend, wise and confident leader, and respected mentor. He was an avid reader and greatly enjoyed golf, politics, and a friendly game of poker. He touched the lives of many with his sense of humor, integrity and love of honest and thoughtful conversations. He will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 29, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Lone Tree Golf Club and Hotel, 9808 Sunningdale Blvd, Lone Tree, CO 80124

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Cancer Center General Research Fund at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus giving.cu.edu/kawamura .