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SAAC Forum => SAAC Forum Discussion Area => Topic started by: Don Johnston on September 10, 2025, 09:26:51 PM

Title: Checkered Flag Miki Iinuma
Post by: Don Johnston on September 10, 2025, 09:26:51 PM
Our dear friend Miki Iinuma passed away this morning at her daughters home in Sunnyale, CA.  She and her husband, Kei, were looking forward to returning home to Hawaii in a couple of weeks after spending another four months of summer driving the highways of America in their #34 Shelby 8000 Cobra CSX007 going from coast to coast to see friends and enjoy on track events, including the recent SAAC-50 in Sonoma.  It is a heavy loss to many of us. 
Title: Re: Checkered Flag Miki Iinuma
Post by: SFM5S000 on September 10, 2025, 10:46:40 PM
How sad. Miki and I spoke for a bit on that Thursday morning headed for DemBeste's in front of the SAAC 50 Hotel. Kei went to get the Cobra and we chatted for a bit. I spoke to her again when we arrived at DemBeste's as Kei parked on the side of the building.
Both Miki and Kei I would see at some of our NorCal Mini Nat's and SAAC conventions over the years. Again very sad to hear this. My condolences to Kei, friends and family.

Sincerely,
Earl J Castillo
Title: Re: Checkered Flag Miki Iinuma
Post by: GTBULLITT on September 10, 2025, 11:17:45 PM
Such a beautiful women, such a great couple. My work took me around the world meeting countless people. But few were as genuine and real as Miki and Kei. So welcoming and open, true Hawaiian Aloha
She will be missed
Title: Re: Checkered Flag Miki Iinuma
Post by: rkm on September 11, 2025, 07:09:00 AM
Oh no.

Lisa, Tiff and I just gave her a hug a few days ago! We are so sad to hear this. Please extend our deepest condolences to Kei and his family. She was a legend at SAAC.
Title: Re: Checkered Flag Miki Iinuma
Post by: FL SAAC on September 11, 2025, 08:24:17 AM
My deepest sympathy for your and the families loss
Title: Re: Checkered Flag Miki Iinuma
Post by: 68blk500c on September 11, 2025, 09:30:57 AM
We had the pleasure of visiting with Miki and Kei again this summer, first in Tulsa, and recently during SAAC-50.  We've grown to expect to see their smiling faces all over this country.  They were a sure sign of summer as they traveled around in their Cobra. 

Both were sopping wet from sweat as they piled out the car upon arrival at Tulsa, but no complaints--just hugs and smiles all around.
 
Oh my goodness, will she be missed!  Our condolences to Mr. Kei and their family.
Title: Re: Checkered Flag Miki Iinuma
Post by: JayTalbott on September 11, 2025, 12:46:24 PM
Gwenn and I are saddened to hear of Miki's loss. We always enjoyed seeing her at SAAC Conventions, and appreciated her help at Merchandise.
We send our love to Kei and family and hope that your many good memories will carry you through these difficult times.

Jay Talbott
SAAC Membership Director
Title: Re: Checkered Flag Miki Iinuma
Post by: Bob Gaines on September 11, 2025, 01:30:44 PM
So sad . RIP Miki. I only knew Miki and Kei enough to say hello but did so and enjoyed seeing them every year at various events and marvel at how much travelling that they did every year. I can't remember how many years ago at the Tulsa show I first met them at. It was many. My prayers go out to Kei and the family.
Title: Re: Checkered Flag Miki Iinuma
Post by: shlby66 on September 11, 2025, 04:35:52 PM

  How very sad to hear of Miki's passing this morning. We have known Kei and Miki for many years.
  It wasn't a "real" convention until the Inumas showed up in their Cobra they'd driven all across the
  country. We were blessed to have seen them this year also at SAAC 50.
  Miki will definitely be missed. Our sincerest condolences to Kei and their family.
 
  Doug and Kathy Cresanta
Title: Re: Checkered Flag Miki Iinuma
Post by: Bill on September 12, 2025, 09:27:49 AM
I've spoken with Kei a number of times at SAAC events, only met Miki once. I found her to be captivating from the start. Our deepest condolences go out to her family and friends.

Sincerely,

Bill
Title: Re: Checkered Flag Miki Iinuma
Post by: Cobrask8 on September 12, 2025, 02:09:36 PM
Oh No!!! deeply saddened. I spent a ton of time with then at Sonoma just last month. Even helped her at the Saturday dinner. She was a special, wonderful lady.


she will be missed.
Title: Re: Checkered Flag Miki Iinuma
Post by: gt350shelb on September 12, 2025, 06:16:03 PM
Very  sorry to hear this  condolences  to the whole family .   
Title: Re: Checkered Flag Miki Iinuma
Post by: daltondavid on September 17, 2025, 09:11:31 PM
Wow! so sad to see this. I am however extremely happy We got to spend tine with her and Kei at SAAC 50. they had become two of our favorite SAAC friends through the years. Much Love to her family from Dalton and I
Title: Re: Checkered Flag Miki Iinuma
Post by: RSHLBY on November 21, 2025, 12:39:12 PM
Thank you SAAC members.  It seemed as though Miki and Kei had been "going steady" for 60 years, doing what we did as little people doing big things.  I'll miss her very much Kei.   :)