Kiyoshi Aomoto

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. Kiyoshi Aomoto was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around him and always thinking before acting. He was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything he did. He was a friendly person who truly cared about those around him.

Kiyoshi was born on September 14, 1923 at home with the assistance of a mid-wife in Port Haney, British Columbia. He was the son of Ichiji (father) and Niwa (mother) Aomoto. Raised in Port Haney, British Columbia, he was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, he learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that he would carry with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Kiyoshi was always aware of how others around him felt and this quality served him well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, he was generally able to avoid conflicts. Preferring a quiet environment where he could concentrate, Kiyoshi also had the ability to relate well with his family and friends. Kiyoshi was raised with two siblings. He had one younger brother Bill and one younger sister Mary. Kiyoshi and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

Growing up, Kiyoshi was one of those children who didn’t need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. Kiyoshi was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, he was able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. In just about everything he did as a child, Kiyoshi was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around him. As a child, Kiyoshi attended a Japanese school and enjoyed playing baseball with his friends.

Kiyoshi enjoyed learning. He always had a great memory and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information. Kiyoshi was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. He often showed great concentration and was competent at completing the tasks at hand. Good with details, Kiyoshi was painstaking and accurate in his efforts.

Most folks would say that Kiyoshi was shy until they got to know him. Those who were privileged to know him well learned that he was a solid, good friend. Kiyoshi was reluctant to generalize about people, and he based his friendships on his personal experiences. Because of this, Kiyoshi best trusted those people that he truly knew. He was concerned about how those around him felt, and he always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. He could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that he made, Kiyoshi kept. While growing up, some of his best friends were Frank Matsumoto, Fred Yamamoto, Sandy T., Mas Yamamoto, Tom Nogami, and Tats Yamamoto. Later in life, he became friends with Bill Shumay, Bill Turanski, Fred Yamamoto, and Tom Dent.

Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Kiyoshi. On June 11, 1949 Kiyoshi married Kiyomo Sakurai at Trinity United Church of Vernon, British Columbia. He was totally committed to Kay and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if Kiyoshi naturally sensed his spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Kiyoshi disliked conflict, he did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

Kiyoshi was a good father to his daughter, Patti. He had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because he trusted emotions, Dad was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way he seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around him, always thinking before acting. Kiyoshi and Kay were blessed with one grandchild, Lisa. At a very young age, Lisa called her grandparents Pa and Ma; so to the family they were known as Pa and Ma.

If you gave Kiyoshi a deadline, he would meet it. At work, Kiyoshi was always on task. Without hesitation, Kiyoshi could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. His primary occupation was custodian. He was employed for 14 years at school district 22 in Vernon , 20 years as a logger for Ohashi Bros, 10 years working as a farmer in Oyama and Vernon. During that time, Kiyoshi excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. He was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Kiyoshi was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Kiyoshi had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. He was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

Kiyoshi liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Kiyoshi's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Kiyoshi preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on his hobbies. His favorite pursuits were fishing (tying flies), golfing 5 days a week, A&W coffee daily "meetings", camping at the hot springs in Nakusp three times a year, and his swim and sauna pass at the recreation centre. Dad also kept a weedless garden where ever he called home.

An individual who respected and maintained traditional values, his faith was important to Kiyoshi. His compassion, consideration and sympathy toward others were evident in his personal beliefs. He practiced Buddhism during his youth.

Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Kiyoshi had smooth sailing. It was often taken for granted that he was the trip planner. He would start early and examine all of the possibilities, selecting the best and most effective options. Favorite vacations included camping at Nakusp hot springs, fishing at Telegraph Cove, and annual vacations around British Columbia, Alberta, and Washington State.

Kiyoshi had Simon, the Tuxedo Cat, who was his best friend for 17 years. His family was rounded out by his many dogs and cats throughout his life. As a child he was surrounded by goats and horses on the family farm. Kiyoshi was as loyal to his pets as they were to him.

When Kiyoshi's retirement finally arrived in 1987, he was well prepared. He had taken the time to learn about his various options and chose his course wisely. His new life involved spending more time with his wife and granddaughter Lisa who were the apples of his eye. In retirement, he found new pleasure in golf, coffee times with his many buddies, (fly) fishing at Hidden Lake, a favorite spot. Even in retirement, Kiyoshi continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. When he moved to Carrington Retirement Residence he felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

Pa passed away on July 10, 2015 at Heron Grove Complex Care Facility, Vernon British Columbia due to failing health. He is survived by his daughter Patti, his granddaughter Lisa, his sister Mary, and three sisters-in-law and their families. Services were held at Pleasant Valley Funeral Home. Pa was laid to rest beside Ma in Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Vernon, British Columbia.

It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Kiyoshi was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Kiyoshi was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom everyone was drawn. He was thorough and practical. Kiyoshi Aomoto was very literal with his words. You always knew where you stood with Kiyoshi. He will be missed.