TOSHIO YAMADA

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TOSHIO (CHARLIE) YAMADA July 7, 1927 - September 29, 2016 Toshio of Atlantic Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba passed away September 29, 2016 aged 89 at Seven Oaks Hospital after a brief illness. Toshio was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Sumiyo (nee Mori). He was also predeceased by his mother and father, two brothers and one sister. He leaves to cherish his memory sons Gerald (Gayle) of Calgary, AB, Perry (Marion) of Thompson, MB; grandchildren: Kate (Ivan) Chan of Calgary, AB, Melissa (Andrew) Lennox of LaSalle, MB, Brent (Maddy) of Calgary, AB, Charles (Malorie) of Thompson, MB; and great-grandchildren Hana, Elliot and Oscar. Toshio will also be missed by his sister Miye Iwabuchi, sister-in-law Mary Mori and his many nephews and nieces. Toshio was born in Port Haney, BC. He moved to Manitoba in 1942 when he was 14 years old. He worked on the sugar beet farms in Oak Bluff, MB until 1945. From 1942 to 1945 he worked on Mr. Erb's farm during the summers, while winters were spent in Geraldton, ON at the lumber camp. In 1947 the Yamada family built a house in North Kildonan. Toshio attended Manitoba Technical Institute and graduated with a diploma, in Radio Servicing and was a member of the Television Service Engineering profession. He ran a television repair business for 13 years and then returned to work for Co-op Implements for six years. Toshio enjoyed family. He was always happiest in the presence of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The joy and love he had for them was always evident when he was with them. Toshio was always thinking about family and would thrive at family events where he was showered with attention and admiration. It was quite evident that his nephews and nieces respected and loved Uncle Charlie. He instilled the values of caring, generosity, affection and a belief that family is of fundamental importance. Throughout his life, Charlie took pleasure in travelling, gardening, volunteer work at the Japanese Centre, special casino trips, and early morning walks in Kildonan Park with his wife, Sue. When Sue required full time care, he visited her daily, showing his commitment to be with her always. Until recently, he continued his routine of morning walks, casino drop-ins and Japanese Donburi lunches. He will be sorely missed by the staff at the casinos he loved to attend, and by his walking friend and casino buddy, Julie. We will all miss his infectious smile, teasing nature along with his sense of humour, and the joy that he spread when he entered a room. The family would like to thank Dr. David Crawford, wife Carla, and his staff for always being available to hear this health concerns. Also, our thanks to the nurses and staff of Unit 7, Fifth Floor, Seven Oaks General. Hospital for their compassionate and exemplary care they provided to Toshio. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Seven Oaks General Hospital Foundation, or the Japanese Cultural Centre, 180 McPhillips Street. A small Celebration of Life for family and friends will take place on Saturday, November 19 at 2:00 p.m. at the Japanese Cultural Centre, 180 McPhillips Street, Winnipeg, MB.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 08, 2016