Kaye Kishibe

It is with deep sadness that his family announces the passing of Kaye Kishibe. He died peacefully on April 28th at Michael Garron Hospital with his wife, Mary, at his side. He was 85 years old. In addition to his wife, Kaye leaves his son, Hiro, his daughter, Teruko, her husband, Sunny Gafur and his granddaughter, Madoka. He also leaves his brother, Kenzo (Ken) of Thornhill, Ontario. He was predeceased by his older brother, Ko (Donald) in 2018.

Kaye was born in Vancouver in 1938. His father, Kenichi was an immigrant from Japan, his mother, Aki Nakamura, was Canadian-born. Kaye also had an older brother, Ko, deceased in 2018.

Kaye’s family was relocated to internment camps, (New Denver and Tashme), during WWII. At war’s end, in 1946, they left Canadian exile for Hakodate, Japan. After eight years, the family returned to Canada and settled in London, Ontario. Kaye achieved a BA degree majoring in history and philosophy at the University of Western Ontario. He continued his education at the University of Toronto, obtaining a Master’s degree in library science (MLS). In 1965, Kaye became a librarian with the Toronto Public Library (TPL). He ended his career as the Head of Technical Services. Kaye loved his work and was very fond of his colleagues.

A devout Christian, Kaye was an active member of St. Andrew's Japanese Anglican Congregation, He was also involved in writing and researching Japanese history and wrote a book about Japanese Canadian volunteers to the Canadian Army in WWI.

Kaye was especially close to his family, a wise and empathetic father and doting grandfather. Friends and relatives remember Kaye as being gentle, intelligent and kind.

He is so missed.

Kaye’s family are most grateful for the love, support and kind words of many friends, relatives and the parishioners and clergy of St. Andrew’s Japanese Anglican Congregation and St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Riverdale. They recognize with gratitude the professionalism and compassion given to Kaye and his family at Michael Garron Hospital. Donations in Kaye’s honour to this hospital would be greatly appreciated.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.giffenmackdanforth.com for the Kishibe family.