Mr. Ken Koyanagi

KOYANAGI, Ken Passed away at his home in Langley, BC. Born in Eburne, BC in 1937, Ken was the youngest of seven children of Matashiro and Kisa Koyanagi. In 1941 Ken moved with his family to Taber, AB where he spent his early childhood and developed his love of the outdoors and open skies. In 1948 Ken's family move to Hamilton where Ken attended Hamilton Central Secondary School. Graduating from the University of Toronto in engineering in 1961, Ken's career began among the lakes and rocks of northern Ontario, a time he would later fondly recount in bush stories to family and friends. His work in mining and surveying took him far afield in southeast Asia and South America, where he developed a keen interest in the history and culture of the people he met. During his time overseas, Ken met and married Etsuko Iha, his wife of 44 years, and had two children, Daniel and Karen Saori. Returning to Canada in 1975 with his family, Ken worked for a mining firm in Calgary, AB for several years before moving to Burnaby, BC, where he remained until 2000. After retirement Ken was a member of the Burnaby Rockhounds Lapidary Club. A recreational fisherman, Ken's favourite vacations involved salmon fishing off the coast of BC. Upon moving to Langley, BC, he became an active volunteer with the Nikomeckl Fish Hatchery, where he enjoyed spending time with friends, working outdoors, and ensuring that his favoruite fishing spots would always abound with salmon. Ken is survived by his wife Etsuko, children Daniel and Karen (Fraser Shaw), siblings Yasushi (Ruby), Sherry (Ishibashi), Jim (Kimiko) and Connie (Tom Kawamoto) and many nieces and nephews. A memorial for Ken will be held on Friday, October 15 at 11am at Henderson's Funeral Home, 20786 Fraser Highway, Langley. In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice.