REVEREND NOBUO MATSUBARA

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REVEREND NOBUO MATSUBARA Peacefully on December 28, 2009, while surrounded by his family, Nobuo was called home to be with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Yoneko, to whom he was married for 52 years, along with his children Tim, Joy, David, Fred (Sheila) and grandchildren Matthew, Timothy, Tami, Vanessa and Jillian, all of Winnipeg and Nob Fukada of Richmond, BC; brother Tadao (Yoshiko) and sisters Haruko (Tom) Miyata of Winnipeg, Kazuko Kudo of Owen Sound, ON and Shizuko Ota of Kumamoto, Japan, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Keitaro and Sumino and brothers Takeo, Haru and Hideo. He was born in Steveston, BC, on December 15, 1926, where he lived until his family was relocated in 1941 to Manitoba near Homewood. When he moved to Winnipeg he attended Central Alliance Church and in 1946 accepted Christ as his personal Saviour. In 1949 he earned his teaching certificate and taught for one year at Hoey School West in East Selkirk that included all twelve grades in a one room schoolhouse. Then he went to study at Canadian Bible College in Regina, SK. From 1955 to 1960 he went to Japan as a missionary. During this time he married Yoneko and returned to Winnipeg in 1961. He taught in the Seven Oaks School Division for 24 years. In 1967 he founded the Japanese Alliance Church and served as the pastor until 2001. He had many interests. He was a member of the Manitoba Kendo Club. He also finished eight Manitoba marathons. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his five grandchildren. He was a loving person whose kindness and generosity touched so many throughout his life. He will be missed. The family would like to thank Drs K. Hameed, R. Kroeker, M. Jason, B. Hardy and interventional radiology staff, J.B. Sharkey and I. Maxwell along with the VGH Oncology staff. Appreciation is extended to the doctors, nurses and staff at Riverview Health Centre 3 East. Gratitude also to Kate and the home care staff allowing Dad to spend the past two years at home with Mom. Special thanks to Lea and David Menard. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Victoria General Hospital Oncology Program or Riverview Health Centre. Funeral service will be held on Monday, January 4, 2010 at Chapel Lawn, 4000 Portage Ave. at 3:00 p.m. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 02, 2010