EMY OZAMOTO (NISHIOKA)

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EMY OZAMOTO (nee NISHIOKA) Emy passed away the morning of December 16, 2013 with family by her side. Born February 6, 1926, she was predeceased by her parents Shigeki and Kameju Nishioka and her husband Hank. She is survived by her brothers George and Hiro, grandson Andrew, daughters Sheila, Karen and Cathy, sons-in-law Jim Kajpust and Allan Berrington, nephews Tom and Robert, nieces Kari and Christina, and Charlie, the yellow lab. Her early years were spent on the family chicken farm in Surrey, BC and she graduated from Queen Elizabeth High School. In 1942, the Nishioka family was forced to leave their home and possessions. They relocated to a sugar beet farm in Birds Hill and eventually moved into Winnipeg. Overcoming discrimination and many adversities, Emy became the first Japanese Canadian to graduate from the Manitoba Commercial College. Hired by the Winnipeg Supply and Fuel Company, she was later appointed secretary to the President and General Manager. When Emy married Hank in November 1948, she "retired" to raise her three daughters. As a loving mother and wife, she provided selfless care for Hank in his later years. Emy's interests were diverse. Her collection of photographs and gift for organization made her an expert archivist. She enjoyed winter vacations in Florida and Hawaii while spending summers on her balcony tending to her geraniums. Profitable outings to the casino, baking her melt-in-your-mouth pies and shortbread, playing piano and picnics at Assiniboine Park were all favourite activities. An avid Winnipeg Jets fan, she followed the team from WHA days through to the NHL. One of her fondest memories as a season ticket holder was winning her "trip of a lifetime". In 1987, she and Hank travelled to Los Angeles as guests of the team to attend two games against The Kings. It was Emy's interest in the medical profession that launched her back into the work force. In 1967 she began a rewarding career at the Health Sciences Centre. She became the first clinical education coordinator for the Department of Internal Medicine - a position she developed and held for nearly 25 years. She loved her challenging job and took pride in contributing to the program's success. Working tirelessly throughout her career, she ensured that her infamous board' accommodated the requests of countless medical graduates while respecting the requirements of physicians who served as program directors, department heads, undergraduate coordinators and service chiefs. Her office GC440 was where Jets Rounds' were held after each game; where postcards from traveling grads were addressed and displayed. The gang' on C4 and all of the Residents, Interns and Clinical Clerks became her second family. In recognition of Emy's work with the program, a fund has been established in support of the Department of Internal Medicine within the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Medicine. For those who wish, donations in memory of Emy may be made to: University of Manitoba, c/o Donor Relations, University of Manitoba, 179 Extended Education Complex, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2. Many thanks are extended to all who have helped and supported Emy and her family over the years. Special appreciation to Dr. Ken VanAmeyde, Dr. Allan Ronald, Dr. Allan Downs, Barb, Judith, Monica, Ligaya, Marlene and the staff of 3 South Calvary Place for their care and friendship. On Saturday, January 18, 2013, an informal celebration of Emy's life will be held at the Manitoba Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 180 McPhillips Street from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friends are invited to share fond memories at 2:30 p.m. We will miss you Mom, Nana, Emy. Bardal Funeral Home and Crematorium 843 Sherbrook Street, 204-774-7474

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 04, 2014