To Susanne, Renee and Ken + all your families,
A few memories...The carpool when I was in Kindergarten at Northfield school.  I think there could have been three or four scientists piling in the car, but the one I remember was your dad.  I think you lived on Boxwood Road which was out in the country then (now residential and light industrial).  Your dad was cheery, friendly and familiar to me (I knew him as Uncle Sus).  And I remember playing in your very big yard (acreage?).  I remember at least Susanne at birthday parties in those days.
I remember when my dad, Barb and I went to Victoria two days before my dad died.  Renee was there.  Dad brought a fine bottle of whiskey for your dad and they each had a drink.  Later, when going through some of Dad's papers there was a journal from 1955, and I learned that they shared quite a history with whiskey.
I also read quite a bit of their project in Steveston (not in the journal).  My memory is fuzzy these days, but I think the project was to resolve the issue of toredos (?) damaging the pilings.  This was in the beginning of their careers.  They were succesful.
Then shortly after the C. of L. for my dad, your parents invited Ian, Keith, Barb and I to their place on Gabriola.  It was a beautiful warm day.  Again, if I recall correctly, Renee was there.
As others have mentioned, your dad was a kind, deep and amusing man.  I was not aware of your mother's passing before reading this obituary, but I have very fond memories of her also.
I am so sorry for your loss.  I don't know if your experience will be like mine after losing both your parents, but be patient, it could be several years.  Be gentle with each other and yourselves.

Both Sus and Barbara were there for me when needed. Even though that was a long time ago I still very much appreciate it even today. Their care and concern were of great help in those days. We fondly remember visiting them on Gabriola occasionally. Thank you and may you both rest in peace.
Our condolences to Susanne, Renee and Ken. Your parents were loving people.

My condolences to the family on the loss of such a great man.  Spending summers growing up on Gabriola I will fondly remember Mr. Tabata standing out on the point smoking his pipe and watching the waves, happy to chat with whoever came by.  Or him telling us kids he started building his cabin the day  man landed on the moon and he was almost done!  It will be hard to look towards the lighthouse and not see him standing there.

My deep condolences to Sus’ family and friends. I was honoured to get to know Sus and Barbara in their later years through their interest in haiku. It was such a pleasure to know them. I will always remember their kindness and generosity of spirit.

To the family and friends of Sus,

Sus worked with my father, John Patrick Tully, at POG  for many years when I was a child and growing up. I have very fond memories of his wonderful warm smile and pleasant ways. My father admired Sus as an outstanding oceanographer and also as a great friend. 
James (Jim) Tully

I worked with Sus (as a summer intern) for 2 years in the 70s.  He used to give me a ride to the Institute of Ocean Sciences along with Andrew Wong.  He never complained when I was late, which was often, and always made the car ride enjoyable with his thoughts on just about everything.  He has been a life long inspiration to me, always learning new things and always willing to help others.   Sad to hear he is gone.

For Suzanne and other family members,
On behalf of Haiku Arbutus, here in Victoria (where Sus was a member for several years) I'm sending condolences. We were so moved by his kindness and gentle spirit. At one meeting he brought us a haiku that he had written in the internment camp

spring thaw
the ball
on the front yard

he had it framed with a lovely hand made frame. He was such a scientist and poet at the same time. Many healing wishes sent your way. Terry Ann Carter

I was moved to see Sus' memorial in the paper.  I first met him in the late 50's, when my father William English worked at the Pacific Naval Laboratory, and shared both work and social events with the POG staff.  I met him again when he and my father were forming the Institute of Ocean Sciences at Pat Bay.  Lastly I met him and Barbara at various memorial services for my parents and other of his friends.  My father always respected and liked Sus, both professionally and personally.  Will considered Sus to be 'one of the good ones', and so do I.  Dave English, Sidney.

OBITUARIO

Susumu Tabata

9 diciembre, 1925 – 5 febrero, 2024

Ocean View Funeral Home & Burial Park

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