Julien Emiko Fujita

Julien Emiko Fujita
December 13, 1998-August 18, 2014
Julien Emiko Fujita, age 15, died Monday, Aug. 18 at her home in Casper. A student at Natrona County High School, Julien loved cultural and language studies, having taught herself conversational Japanese and Korean using little more than YouTube videos. Her spectacular command of the English language led her to claim the top prize in several area poetry slams. She also excelled in Spanish and French classes at school.

Described by one of her teachers as a "linguistic savant," her interest extended to the cultures and societies of many countries, particularly Japan and Korea.

These global interests were equaled only by her love of animals. She volunteered for various causes, was learning horseback riding, sent her allowance money to environmental organizations, was the family's sole vegetarian since age 11, and never met a dog or cat she didn't want to bring home.

Among her other greatest loves was travel, and in her short life she was able to travel with family on four continents, frequently amazing locals with her command of their native languages. Most recently she was able to visit her ancestral homelands of Japan, Germany and Hungary. Her other extensive interests included reading, music, dancing, and spending time with her friends.

Outgoing, outspoken and loving of animals, people and nature, she planned eventually to be either a veterinarian or a therapist. She hoped being a therapist would allow her to help others manage issues such as depression, which had deeply affected her for the past two years.

Born Dec. 13, 1998 in Platteville, Wis., the family also lived in Heuvelton, NY before moving to Casper in 2005.

Many loved Julien, but none more deeply than her father Richard Kenji Fujita, mother Lisa Ann (nee Swartz) Fujita, and 13-year-old brother Samuel Koji Fujita.

Julien is survived by grandmother Grace Bond (Robin Lafferty) of Lorain, Ohio; grandfather John Swartz of Lorain, Ohio; Uncle Robert H. Fujita (Darlene) of Huron, Ohio; Aunts Jennifer Dittmer (Bob) of Oberlin, Ohio and Denise McCutcheon of Lakewood, Ohio; and cousins Matthew, Jack, John, Dennis, and Zachary.

She was preceded in death by grandmother Margaret K. Fujita Kacergis (Jack) of Estes Park, Colo., and her grandfather Robert E. Fujita of Port Clinton, Ohio.

All are welcome to a visitation at 2 p.m., with a memorial service officiated by Rev. Dee Lundberg to follow at 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 24 at Newcomer Family Funeral Home in Casper. A reception for all will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the Nicolaysen Art Museum. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Humane Society of Casper or Reach 4A Star Riding Academy.

Julien's favorite author was John Green, who wrote, "It seemed like forever ago, like we've had this brief but still infinite forever. Some infinities are bigger than other infinities."

To leave a special message or to send a condolence, please visit the guestbook below link.