The family of Takeshi Aoyama, age 85 is sad to announce his passing on November 28, 2023. Takeshi (Tak) was born in Vancouver on June 6th, 1938. Shortly after his birth, Tak and his mother, Tomiko and sisters Kyoko, Amy, May, and brother Ray were interned in the Kootenays. Spending his early years enduring life in an internment camp in Lemon Creek, contributed to the depth of character he exhibited throughout his life. After the war, the family moved to New Denver where Tak graduated from high school. He then moved back to Vancouver to attend UBC. He graduated with an undergraduate degree in Math and Science. While at UBC, Tak followed his passion for Judo, which started in high school. He became the first UBC student to obtain a blackbelt. Tak went on to start a Judo Dojo in Prince George and became a Sensi at the Burnaby Judo Club for many years.
Tak had a successful work career at the Mitsubishi Trading Company. He had an opportunity to work on a wide range of projects and he especially enjoyed the colleagues he worked with.
In his spare time, Tak loved to golf. He was an active part of the golf community with both Mitsubishi and later with a Japanese Golf Group. He also loved to play badminton and he was always looking for an opportunity to dance.
Tak raised two daughters, Andreen and Catherine, whom he loved deeply. Later, while teaching Judo, Tak met Lorraine June and they spent 39 wonderful years together. They hosted the yearly Oshogatsu which was a family favourite, travelled extensively and they spent as much time as possible at Tak’s favourite place on Shuswap Lake.
Tak’s sense of humour and infectious smile will be missed by all that knew him, especially his daughters Andreen (John), Catherine (Andres), grandson Jake, granddaughter Megan and sisters Kyoko, Amy and May and is predeceased by brother Ray.
The family would like to pass on a heartfelt thank you to the medical staff at Boston Medical Centre and Royal Columbian Hospital for the care given to Takeshi. And lastly to express our gratitude to the dedicated and compassionate caregivers from Nikoniko Care Home who made Tak’s favourite Japanese meals, shared their stories about Japan and helped Tak keep up with his Japanese language skills. In lieu of flowers or koden please consider a donation to the Nikkei Cultural Centre in memory of Takeshi.
A Celebration of Life will be held May 9th, 2023, at the Nikkei Cultural Centre.