ENPAY KAITA

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ENPAY (ROY) KAITA On Saturday, June 25, 2016, at the age of 91, Enpay (Roy) Kaita peacefully passed away at the Grace General Hospital. Left to cherish his memory and celebrate his life are his wife Yoriko (Judy), his children, Harvey (Sandra), Janet (Robert), and Kelly (Lisa); grandchildren, Adara (Ryan), Stephanie (Paul), Ryan, Taryn, Derek, Brennan, Reid, Danae, and Nicholas; sisters, Sumire and Kay; brothers, Ronnie (Lily) and Freddie (Christine) and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and longtime friends. Dad is predeceased by his parents, Takaji and Sue, sisters, Yume, Hana and brothers-in-law, Hiroyoshi Tahara, Shigeru Hirayama, Steve Tazumi, Robert Yamamoto, sister-in-law Amy Kaita, and niece Kathy Inouye. Dad was born on November 23, 1924, in Pitt Meadows, BC. He was the third born and eldest son of the seven Kaita children. He spent internment years in New Denver, BC and was relocated to Manitoba in June of 1942. Dad worked on the Tully sugar beet farm and during the winter he cut pulpwood in Northern Ontario and Manitoba. In 1945, Dad and his father purchased the farm in West St. Paul, which he still owns today. In 1947, ever the entrepreneur, Dad started his first business "Roy's Market", where he sold vegetables and flowers that he grew on the farm. In 1955, while traveling through Medicine Hat, Dad met his beloved Yoriko; they were married soon after in November, 1955. In 1960, Dad opened "Roy's Florist" on Notre Dame, which quickly became known for their quality flowers and produce; and in 1988 Dad retired. Dad had humble beginnings and worked hard all his life to create a better life for his family. He was undeniably selfless, always putting others' needs before his own. He was a devoted and loving husband, looking after mom at home for the past few years, and taking on many new roles, with never a complaint. Dad continued to visit Mom at Oakview Home as often as his health would allow him. There was nothing Dad loved more than spending time with his grandchildren and family; whether it was a birthday or holiday celebration, it somehow always came down to a card game, which Dad almost always walked away the winner. He was a loyal and loving friend to many, and in his retirement years enjoyed his trips with friends to Osoyoos where he played golf. He also loved going to Las Vegas with his siblings. Dad was always up for a day at the casino or a meal out, he loved his food and the companionship of friends. He always looked forward to spring and summer when he could plant his garden at the farm and his flowers at home. He had an award winning flower garden and we all reaped the benefits of his amazing vegetables. One of Dad's last wishes was to be able to plant one last garden, and he did. To our amazement he planted his garden both at home and at the farm. Dad was the best person we have ever known, he was generous with his time, love, support, and advice. He had a love and lust for life that was evident in everything he did and said. He was tremendously proud of his family, and to quote him, "I couldn't ask for a better family." Dad left us with so many wonderful memories and valuable lessons. He was a huge part of our lives and his loss is a void that will be difficult to fill. As his niece Nora said, "There is a Kaita reunion going on somewhere and I bet it's noisy with that crazy Kaita laugh." Rest peacefully Dad/Gichan, we love you more than words can say. We would like to thank the many friends and family for all their love and support during Dad's illness. We would like to thank Denise, Drs. Czaykowski, Hamedani, and Matthews, and the many nurses, aides and support staff who cared for Dad in his final days. Viewing will be held Wednesday, June 29, 2016, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue (across from Brookside Cemetery). Funeral service will be held Friday, July 1, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at the Manitoba Buddhist Temple, 39 Tecumseh Street. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Manitoba Buddhist Temple, located at 39 Tecumseh St., Winnipeg R3E 0J8. Online donations can be made through www.manitobabuddhistchurch.org NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 28, 2016