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KOJI SATO
Born: May 05, 1930
Date of Passing: Feb 10, 2019
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
KOJI SATO 1930 - 2019 On Sunday, February 10, 2019 at the age of 88, Koji Sato passed away after a long battle with cancer. Koji was born in Vancouver, BC, May 5, 1930. He spent his early years working on his father's farm near Delta, BC. Like many other Japanese Canadians during the Second World War, the family was interned in a camp in interior BC and eventually settled in Winnipeg. After the war, Koji's family moved to Japan where he met Shigeko Sugihara. They were married in 1952 and started a family. Koji returned to Winnipeg alone to prepare for his young family to settle there and the family was reunited in 1955. Koji worked at various jobs, learned the construction trade and attended evening classes at Tech Voc to become a carpenter. Koji worked with Suzuki Construction and then Kuwada Construction before deciding to become an independent contractor. As an expert carpenter, with quality work at a fair price, his business thrived and his skills remained in high demand until his retirement. His solid dependability, honesty and desire to always do right provided a guiding example to his children and grandchildren. Koji was active in the community and in the Buddhist Temple and he continued his strong support throughout his retirement. Through his work, and his commitment to the temple, community and travels, Koji made countless acquaintances and many close friendships. He was an avid golfer and bowler and enjoyed vacations to many parts of the world. He particularly enjoyed Japan and memorable cruises with his children and grandchildren. His humility, integrity, respectful manner and easy smile leave an admirable legacy. A memorial service will take place on a date to be announced in warmer weather that Koji would desire in consideration of his friends and family. Koji was predeceased by his brother Hiroshi Sato and his sister Sumichan Sato. Left to remember Koji/"Daddy"/Jichan are his wife of 67 years, Shigeko, his son Dr. Ken Sato (Adele) and daughter Irene Keay (James); grandchildren, Corinne Sato (Mark), Dr. Lindsey Keay, Dr. Steven Sato, Michael Keay (Baina); great-granddaughter Nicole Keay; family in Japan, brothers, Yasuo (Takeko) and Noboyuki (Hiroko), sisters-in-law, Sumi and Yoko, great-niece Asuka, as well as many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated for CancerCare Manitoba, Manitoba Buddhist Temple or the Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 204-885-9715
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 16, 2019
Condolences & Memories (1 entries)
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My name was Anne Brown, and the Sato family worked on my father's farm on the outskirts of Winnipeg when they first arrived in Manitoba in the 1940s. Although I have lived in Edmonton for many years, I remember Hiroshi and Sumiko as well as Yasuo. I know that he connected with my brothers Cam (d2014) and Jim in Winnipeg. From the obituary I see what an admirable person and valuable member of the community Koji was, and I regret very much that I was unable to see him once more. I am presently sorting through old family items and have a couple of photos of us as kids that date back to maybe 1943 or 44. If anyone in the Sato family would like to contact me, I should be very pleased. - Posted by: Anne Packer (childhood friend) on: Apr 17, 2020
