SAWAE NISHIKIHAMA (YAMAMOTO)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

SAWAE NISHIKIHAMA (nee YAMAMOTO) Peacefully on December 24, 2002, in Vancouver, at the age of 89 years. She was predeceased by her husband Torasaburo; and by her daughter Kikuko (Kay) and her two sons, Toyoaki (Tom) and Kenji. She is survived by her daughters, Grace Eiko Thomson (Alistair Thomson) and Keiko (Art) Miki, and by her 10 grandchildren and her six great-grandchildren. Born in Wakayama Ken, Miomura, Japan, she moved with her husband to Steveston, BC and later to Vancouver. She was interned with her husband and children at Minto Mines, BC during the Second World War, and the family was required to relocate to Manitoba in 1944. She and her husband returned to Vancouver in 1962 and opened a successful drycleaning business with their son Kenji. After her retirement she lived a very active life participating in community activities (a bowling and ping-pong champion) and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She lived independently until recently, and was an intelligent and accomplished woman, who overcame the many adversities in her life, and in the life of her family, and did so with strength and wit. Cremation will take place in Vancouver, December 30, as well as a service for family. A memorial service is to be scheduled in January, 2003.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 29, 2002