Katsumi Kitamura

Katsumi Kitamura passed peacefully on the morning of September 18, 2026, at the age of 82.

Kats was born at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops on March 21, 1944, after his family moved to Kamloops to escape forced relocation during the Second World War. He grew up in Kamloops and developed a lifelong love of hockey. Kats played for most of his life, continuing to play with his Oldtimers team until he was 78 years old. Before retiring from hockey, he organized a hockey trip to Japan with his Oldtimers team.

Kats graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Science and Education, where he met June Tasaka. They were married on April 10, 1971, in Kamloops, B.C. Together, they raised their two children, Kevin and Kelly.

As a father, Kats created many special memories for his children: piggyback rides, exchanging back scratches, and countless hours playing board games. He had a gentle spirit and a playful sense of humour. He could always surprise the family by humbly pulling out an accordion to accompany Mom on the piano. Kats loved animals and had a deep appreciation for the outdoors.

He was a devoted and encouraging father who supported Kevin and Kelly in all of their interests and passions— hockey and football for Kevin, and soccer, followed by rugby and hockey, for Kelly. He also shared his love and passion for photography and judo with his children.

Family adventures were a big part of Kats’ life. He loved fishing, hiking, and camping, and as a family they spent countless hours and many summers travelling in their blue camper van across Canada, through the United States, and all the way to Mexico and Florida. There were also many family holidays spent on ski trips and soaking in hot springs.

Kats was a dedicated teacher in Kamloops for more than 30 years, retiring in June 2002. Retirement gave him more time to travel with June, camp, hike, fish, and explore new interests. He enjoyed learning to paint, birdwatching, and becoming involved with the Kamloops Naturalist Club.

Kats always made time for Kevin and Kelly and, later, for his grandchildren. He had a wonderfully playful spirit, and Drew, Tye, Fumiko, and Yuki have fond memories of piggyback rides, water fights, board games, sports, and Grandpa falling asleep in “school.” When the family visited waterslide parks, Grandpa could often be spotted running ahead to be the first in line.

Kats will be remembered for his quiet and sensitive nature, his loyalty and strength, his diligence, his sense of humour, and his playful spirit. Above all, he will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend who found joy in his family and the outdoors.

Kats is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, June (Tasaka) Kitamura; his children, Kevin (Selena) and Kelly (Michael); and his grandchildren, Drew, Tye, Fumiko, and Yuki.

A memorial will be held for family and close friends at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kamloops Naturalist Club or Marjorie Willoughby Hospice.