John Yasuo Fujisawa

Reunited with his beloved Masae (predeceased 1998) in heaven, John passed away peacefully at St. Michael's Hospice on January 22, 2012 after a lengthy illness. Survived by sons Patrick and Albert (Holly), brother Eugene, sisters Sr. Margaret S.A., Kayoko, Marie and Geri, sister-in-law Kyomi, and numerous nieces and nephews in Canada and Japan. Predeceased by brothers Hiroshi, Nobby and George, and sisters Sr. Catherine S.A., and Anna Maeda. We are also saddened to announce the passing of John's sister Mary Ibaraki of Victoria, BC one day later on January 23, 2012. Born in Vancouver, John spent his childhood in the city until 1942 when, like many others of his generation, he was interned in the BC interior at Greenwood, BC during World War II. Returning to the coast in 1949, he worked first in the forestry industry, much of that time at Nalos Lumber Co., eventually rising to a supervisory position. In 1967 he moved to BC Hydro, working as an electrician until his retirement in 1990. Following a back injury in the 1980s, he began a regimen of daily walking for exercise which he maintained for over 30 years. He became a well-known personality to many in the neighbourhood for his regular appearances as he walked past their homes, and he made many friends during this time, both of the human and canine variety. He will especially be missed by his doggie friends: Tia, Toby, Cody, Lil Bear and many others for whom he always had a biscuit. After Masae's death in 1998, he continued her hobby of growing chrysanthemums, many of which he would dedicate to his wife's gravesite. The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors and staff at Royal Columbian Hospital and St. Michael's Hospice for their care and compassion. Prayers will be held at Bell & Burnaby Funeral Chapel, 4276 Hastings St Burnaby, at 7:00pm Thursday January 26, 2012. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1450 Delta Ave Burnaby, at 10am Friday January 27, 2012. Interment to follow at Ocean View Burial Park. In lieu of flowers and Koden, a donation in John's memory can be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.bellburnaby.com