Kiyomi Suzuki Behnke

Kiyomi Suzuki Behnke

April 28, 1963 - June 06, 2017

Kiyomi Suzuki Behnke

April 28, 1963 - June 06, 2017

Obituary

Kiyomi Suzuki Behnke was born the 28th of April, 1963 in Tokyo, Japan. She was a good student and earned a degree in the English language while working as a travel agent in Japan until deciding in 1986 to study for a Pilot’s License which was attained in Bakersfield, California. While working towards her Instrument and commercial license she met her husband, Kurt whom was working at the flight School, they later moved to Santa Maria, California for his career while she continued to build flight hours. They moved to Florida and back to Fresno, California in 1989 where Kiyomi became a Flight Attendant for United Express with Embraer, BAE, Shorts and other aircrafts until 1991 when she joined Delta Airlines in the Japanese Speaker program based in LAX. Kiyomi loved to fly; she flew with the L-1011, DC-10, MD-11, her favorite aircraft was the 757 and was rated on all of Delta’s domestic and international fleet aircraft, her primary line was LAX to Narita, Japan, and flew to other USA and Europe destinations. She was as friendly and nice a person you could ever meet, she put everyone else before herself, she loved dearly and genuinely the associates she flew with, which was evident at any time, next to family, it was her happiest of times; even in times of crisis, conflict and wars, she flew; Desert Storm, Terrorist events and during 9-11-01 her crew was in the air flying delayed overseas during the crisis; Kiyomi always represented Delta in a truly nice and professional manner. Her friends and acquaintances are global, with so much to say, tears have not stopped. While flying for Delta, due to her husband’s career, they moved to Arizona where their daughter, (Kiyomi’s “BFF”) Sierra, was born in Phoenix in 1999. Kiyomi also maintained a position as President of KBC and Associates, LLC; with her family they lived on 4 continents and visited at least 40 countries, in each country they lived in, Kiyomi would assist the local community with events and home staff/company staff, providing one on one training in English and daily communication-processes with multi-cultural understanding, while Kiyomi herself was learning the local tribe language and the language of the colonialists accepted by the host nation. Kiyomi provided understanding, warmth with positive motivating discipline when needed, and provided 100% English formal school access and other needs for her staff, her door is always open to all, which again shows she is truly loved globally. After fighting a cancer battle of 19 months, on the 6th of June, 2017, Kiyomi passed away calmly and peacefully with her husband holding her and the love of family nearest to her heart. She will be missed.

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10 responses to Kiyomi Suzuki Behnke

  1. Nothing, not the years that rush by nor Kiyomi’s untimely passing, will alter the memories of our meeting and the warm moments we spent together at the Hilton poolside and elsewhere in Hechiland. Kiyomi’s laughter still rings clear in our head. Sierra, Kurt, our hearts and home are always yours, whenever you wish, whenever you need. Love. Florence, Jean-Gabriel and Richard

    1. kurt says:

      Thank you, it has been over a year, i am just now begining to move some things, it is very difficult day to day. Hugs always.

  2. Nelson says:

    She was such a sweet person as a patient and a friend. My condolences to Sierra and Kurt for their loss

  3. Kathy Shelby says:

    Back in the early ’90’s, I had the HONOR and PLEASURE and PRIVELEGE of being Kiyomis in-flight supervisor. She was relatively new to Delta but embraced her position of flight attendant elegantly and professionally! There were very FEW times she returned from a trip without showering me with a gift or two from her travels!!! So thoughtful, so kind and so very generous she INDEED was! I was also able to fly with her a few times and she so proudly showed me around “downtown” Narita!!! I will forever treasure those memories….rest in peace my dear Kiyomi!!!!

    1. Kurt Behnke says:

      Thank you. Flying was one of Kiyomis best times. Delta was wonderful then. Hugs. Kurt Behnke

    2. kurt says:

      Thank you, it is still very difficult. Sierra has started University in ATL. hugs always..

  4. Kurt Behnke says:

    Time is going so fast. Every minute is difficult. Miss you each second. Too much to say. No words are worthy. Hugs. XO/

  5. kurt behnke says:

    I cant understand. it seems to be getting more difficult each day without you, my true love, i miss you more than i can say.. Hugs.

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