ROBERT KAZUMA HIRAYAMA

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ROBERT KAZUMA HIRAYAMA It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Robert "Bob" Hirayama, the beloved husband of Gisele; father of Jeff, Bren and Griff; and Poppi to his treasured grandchildren. Bob passed away on Sunday, July 8, 2018, at the age of 74, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family - a wish that was made possible for him by his wife. Bob is predeceased by his mother and father, Tokiko and Ichiro Hirayama; sister Yumi Shimoji; son Brennan Hirayama; mother and father-in-law, Rose and Ross Boux; brothers-in-law, Tom Shimoji, Wayne Holmstrom and Roman Gura; and niece Kathryne Holmstrom. Left to treasure his memories are his wife Gisele, of 49 years; sons, Jeffrey (Andrea); Griffen (Hiede); his foster children, Arlen, Tyler and Viviannah; daughter-in-law Lisa Hirayama; grandchildren, (Bryce, Brett, Isabella, Emily and Bradley); sister Pat Saper (Arnold); sisters-in-law, Judy Holmstrom and Yvonne Gura; brother-in-law Louis Boux; nieces, nephews and many lifelong friends. On December 3, 1943, in Winnipeg, Bob was born into a family of two older sisters, and as the only son in a traditional Japanese family, was treated like a prince. Being born after 1942, he missed the relocation that many Japanese families experienced during the war. However, the family still faced monitoring by the RCMP, including specific restrictions to the rights and freedoms that many other Canadians enjoyed. As a young man, Bob's love of fashion, creation and design lead him to several years of advertising, including becoming a co-founder of MHG. When Bob met his sweetheart, Gisele, at the age of 22, he was smitten. There wasn't a thing or plan (and there were many of them) he didn't support, and she could do no wrong. Deeply in love, he married Gisele in 1969, was gifted three handsome sons, and later raised three beautiful foster children. With his young family, Bob enjoyed many summers at Linklater Lake, and later at their cabin in Grand Beach. Most recently, he enjoyed his summer home in Kenora that "they" renovated and shared with family and friends. Bob and his wife shared many travels and memorable dinners with good friends, where his beloved Caesar salad became a major hit. He could lose himself building birdhouses in the garage with his kindred spirit, Doug; and he had a love of old cars, treasuring his 1952 Buick until the end. With a humble personality, Bob coached hockey and was known to many children as Mr. H. He was Poppi to his grandchildren, whom he was so proud of, enjoyed many chuckles with, and avidly attended their sporting events! Much later in life, Bob and Gisele tragically lost their middle son, Brennan. Bob endured this painful loss and his lung disease, never complaining. He spent many quiet days admiring his wife's endless hobbies...oh he loved her so. Louie, the new furry love of their life, brought them comfort and many laughs. Our deepest gratitude to the staff at Health Sciences Centre - Respiratory and Rheumatology, and in-home palliative care. Bob loved his family and cherished his friends and in return, was loved and will be forever remembered. Love you forever my dear husband and Poppi. A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 16, 2018 at 2:00 p.m., at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd., with reception to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sjogren's Society of Canada, Lupus Society of Manitoba, Kidney Foundation of Canada, Diabetes Canada or Manitoba Lung Association. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 14, 2018