TATSUO ONOTERA

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TATSUO ONOTERA After a short illness, Tatsuo (Gramps) Onotera passed away peacefully on June 28, 2015 at the age of 98. Gramps was predeceased by his wife Lily, brother Hideo and sisters Nobu and Aiko. He will be always remembered by his son Rod (Shelagh), grandchildren Steven, Michael, Kerri and Graeme, brother Tak and sister Yasu. Gramps was born on September 4, 1916 in New Westminster, BC. He loved to recount stories of commercially fishing salmon on the Fraser River and the Coast of BC as a young man with his brother Hides. He became adept as a mechanic, electrician and carpenter, skills he later passed on to his son. During the Second World War, Gramps was relocated to Greenwood, BC. Here he met Lily with whom he spent 71 wonderful years of marriage. At war's end Manitoba became their home. Gramps obtained his millwright papers, working at the Gypsum Lime/Domtar/Georgia Pacific plant in Winnipeg until retiring in 1982. Gramps volunteered as a Boy Scout leader. He was an immaculate and bountiful gardener. He was active in the Manitoba Japanese Canadian community. He was proficient in the Japanese martial art of Kendo and was a founder of the Manitoba Kendo Club. His grandchildren were truly his pride and joy. He and Lily cared for the children while Rod and Shelagh worked. Many childhood memories and a true sense of family were forged during these years. His face always lit up hearing of their travels and accomplishments. Gramps had a great love of Japanese food. Wonderful family time was had at Sunday suppers, followed by meals out together, where his appetite never failed to astound us. A memorial service in honour of Gramps' long and well lived life will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, September 13 at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard with Reverend Yoshi Masaki officiating. The family would like to extend their special thanks to Dr. C. Lowden, staff of the Victoria General Hospital Unit 4 and Sharon Davis of The Parkway. Donations made to the Victoria General Hospital Foundation or JCAM are greatly appreciated. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 05, 2015