KAORU SUZUKI

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KAORU SUZUKI March 22, 1924 - August 1, 2011 Kaoru passed away peacefully with dignity, surrounded by his family, in the comfort of his home. Kaoru was predeceased by his Japanese born parents, Shunosuke and Hideko Suzuki, eldest brother, Jun Suzuki and sister-in-law, Ryoko Suzuki. Left to cherish Kaoru's memory are his wife of 52 years, Dorothy; their children, Joan (Rob), Ron and Gerry; grand-children: Ryan, Veronica; and great-grandchild: Abigail; brother: Toru Suzuki, sister-in-law: Yosh Suzuki and numerous nephews and nieces. Kaoru's life reflected the values he held dear. Kaoru believed in honesty and a strong sense of family - values he inherited from his parents, Hideko and Shunosuke Suzuki. Keeping the family together was an important part of who Kaoru was. During his youth, the Suzuki family lived in the Japanese farming community of Strawberry Hill, British Columbia. During the Second World War, at the age of 14 his family endured the Japanese internment, which brought them to the sugar beet farms of Manitoba. Of this experience Kaoru consistently said, This was the hardest time but we were happy here. Our family was together and that was the main thing. So long as you're happy, either way. After the war, with the assistance and support of Frank Ernst, Kaoru and his family participated in the building of the Manitoba Buddhist Temple, a cultural and spiritual haven for the Japanese Canadian community. It was not easy to establish themselves in Manitoba, but the years proved fruitful. Suzuki Brothers Limited was one of several successful Japanese Canadian construction companies in Winnipeg specializing in high quality custom homes. Kaoru, along with his beloved wife, Dorothy, created a strong foundation for their children and grandchildren to thrive in their lives. Kaoru is well loved and will be greatly missed. The family extends their deepest gratitude for the professional and compassionate care given to Kaoru by the palliative care team of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. They helped fulfill Kaoru's wishes to spend his last days in his home surrounded by all who loved him. Services will be held at 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 5 at the Manitoba Buddhist Temple, 39 Tecumseh Street. Private family burial will follow at Chapel Lawn. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Manitoba Buddhist Temple or the Manitoba Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 04, 2011