Memorial for
Frank Doran Sensei

Information about the memorial for Frank Doran Sensei, December 5, 2026

Aikido West, 3164 Bay Road
Redwood City, CA 94063
650-366-9106

On this page:
RSVP - Please help us prepare
Schedule
Important message about parking
Flowers and gifts
Zoom
Message from Doran Sensei

RSVP

It will be very difficult for us to prepare if we don’t have a sense of how many people to expect.

If you think you will (or may) be joining us, Please RSVP soon by clicking here. We’d rather have an estimate now that a firm yes/no a few days before the event…

Schedule

10 AM - 11:30 AM  Aikido class at Aikido West, led by several Aikido West instructors

11:30 AM - 2 PM Break for lunch

2:00 - 3:00? 3:30? Memorial at Aikido West.  Informal attire.  Anyone who wishes may share a memory or make a brief statement (1-2 minutes out of respect for others).  See the message below from Doran Sensei if you want to know what to expect.

5:00 - 10:00 Open house at the home of Bruce and Adrianne Wonnacott in nearby Menlo Park.  Informal attire.  Some food will be available, provided by dojo members.  Address will be posted at the dojo, or email bruce.wonnacott@aikido-west.org if you need it.  This is NOT the same house in Woodside where we hosted the 60th anniversary seminar party… it is smaller so it might be crowded.

IMPORTANT message about parking

We expect all three events (both at the dojo and residence) to be very crowded.  Parking will be available on surrounded streets but may be limited.  PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do NOT drive by yourself… either carpool or take ride share.  Both our neighbors and other participants will be grateful for your effort.

Flowers and gifts

Flowers and gifts are not necessary.  If you wish, you may make a tax deductible donation to Aikido West.  This is voluntary and not expected.  www.aikido-west.org/donate.

Zoom

Both the class and the memorial will be available through zoom.  Use our dojo link which can be found here: https://aikido-west.org/zoom-classes

A message from Doran Sensei:

Dear Family and friends,

I would like to express my wishes for procedures and/or services at the time of my passing.

Regarding Memorial Services:

I do not wish a traditional or religious service in a church or rented facility. I came into this world simply and without fanfare, and would like to go out the same way.

In years past I have attended the services of three fellow Aikido friends.  In two of these services I had been asked to be one of the speakers.

Both of these services were held in the dojo of the instructor who had passed. Those who attended simply sat informally on the mat. In each case selected speakers spoke briefly, and then the floor was open to anyone who raised their hand and wished to speak or tell a brief story. A photo of the sensei and his hakama was placed on the kamiza with flowers. It was an Aikido happening, lots of smiles and laughter.

Both simple and touching...... wish I could be there for  mine!