Yasuko passed away peacefully after a long illness on February 19, 2009 at Surrey Memorial Hospital with her mother at her side. She is sadly missed by her father, Dr. Charles Hamori-Torok, Chilliwack, mother, D. Joy Sagara and stepfather, Flemming Seyler, both of Sidney, as well as Vinnie, her mini dachshund.
Yasuko was born in Peterborough, Ontario on March 9, 1971. She participated in girls' hockey, soccer, Girl Guides and enjoyed playing flute in the school band. In March 1988 it was discovered she had Wilson's Disease, a genetic condition affecting her liver. Surgical know how to perform liver transplants became available a matter of months before she fell critically ill. On March 13, 1988 Yasuko was one of the youngest members of successful liver transplant patients at Toronto General Hospital. After she graduated from Trent University she moved to Vancouver in August 1994 where she enjoyed the climate, scenery, multicultural environment and ability to eat Japanese food regularly. Camping, snowboarding, reading and time with her pets were among her favorite activities.
Memorial donations to the Liver Foundation, Kidney Foundation or SPCA are appreciated.
If you have photographs of Yasuko you would like to share, please email joy.sagara@shaw.ca.