TOM TOSHIO YASUMATSU

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TOM TOSHIO YASUMATSU Tom passed in the early hours of February 26, 2019 with his favourite girl by his side. He was 80 years old. Tom was born in BC on the 4th of July, 1938, and he used to say that he was so important that all of America celebrated his birthday. He was the youngest of six kids and when he was four years old, his family was forced to move to Manitoba as part of the Japanese Canadian Internment. They lost everything and he grew up poor, dropping out of high school at age 17 to find a job. Thus began his career at Paulin Chambers. He started as the office boy and when he was hired, he was told he was "the first of his kind" to be hired at Paulin's so he better do a good job. He spent the next 34 years proving himself, working his way up through the company until he was "the boss", Director of Manufacturing. He loved the "kids"' who worked at Paulin's and it broke his heart when the plant was closed. After Paulin's, he worked for Melrose Coffee Company and then went on to start his own coffee company. When he finally retired, he volunteered at the Grace Hospital and the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg. Tom was a natural leader. He led by example and will be remembered for his strong work ethic and his integrity. Tom was a loving dad to Marni and Derek. Growing up poor, he hated to spend a nickel on anything for himself, but he never denied his kids a thing. They were spoiled and the family took many fun-filled vacations to Hawaii, California and Florida. Despite spoiling his kids, he instilled in them his strong work ethic and sense of fairness. He had high expectations of himself and everyone around him. They were no exception. He took pride in each and every one of their accomplishments. Tom took joy in being a Grandpa and took many trips to Finland to visit Lucas and Alex and could often be seen on the sidelines of Parker and Finn's soccer games. Tom will be deeply missed by his daughter Marni, son-in-law Trevor and their kids, Parker and Finn; his son Derek and his kids, Lucas and Alex; his brother and sister-in-law, Hideo and Lorna Yasumatsu; his sister Kay Sakiyama; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Kosaku and Shigeru, and his sisters, Nobie, Daisy and Marge. In his later years, Tom suffered from dementia and its many indignities, but he would still greet his family with a smile and a sparkle in his eye. Our sincere thanks to his caregivers at Riverview Health Centre for their kindness and compassion to Tom and his family. Cremation has taken place and a family service will be held at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 02, 2019