Shigeru "Bill" Tanaka

Shigeru (Bill) Tanaka, September 13, 1923 – July 22, 2025. Shigeru was born to Ichijiro and Miki Tanaka (nee Tsuji) in Vancouver, B.C. He was a dear brother, friendly uncle and trusted friend who peacefully passed away at the age of 101. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Sumiko (nee Takimoto), siblings Saiyo Hattori, Masako (Linda) Yada, Kazuo (Bud), Minoru (Bob), Akira (Mike) and Mitsuru (Miki). He is survived by his brother Osamu (Sam) and Virginia, sister-in-law Yukiko and many family members.

Shigeru grew up in old Japantown in Vancouver until the family was relocated to East Lillooet, B.C. during World War II. He ended up living most of his life in the wonderful, small Chilcotin town of Lillooet and moved back to the Lower Mainland in 2012. During his time in Lillooet, he worked for a few years at the Yada General Store and then worked for many years in the supply chain department of Evans Forest Products Ltd.

He enjoyed travelling with friends and family especially to Las Vegas. He went on several cruises as well as trips to Europe and Japan. Shigeru was an avid gardener who was renowned for his vegetable garden in Lillooet, especially his ability to grow outstanding tomatoes. His tomatoes were enjoyed by all of the Tanaka family members throughout the years. He enjoyed playing card games including cribbage and poker (with “the Boys”) and loved the outdoors including fishing around the Lillooet area.

Shigeru enjoyed sports and loved watching the Blue Jays, BC Lions and Vancouver Canucks. His perfect afternoon at Nikkei Home was having a cold beer with some peanuts watching a Blue Jays game. He was also a dedicated BC Lions season ticket holder for many years and really enjoyed attending games at BC Place.

Shigeru will fondly be remembered for his pleasant, friendly manner and infectious laugh. He was always smiling and fun to be around. He loved interacting with his nieces and nephews. We will greatly miss his presence.

A heartfelt thank you for the compassionate care provided by the staff at Robert Nimi Nikkei Home. The level of care he received at Nikkei Home during his long stay was a special part of his life. He met and made many friends with both other residents and the care team. The culture and environment that exist at Nikkei Home are very special to its residents and family members. Also, many thanks to the medical and support teams at Dania Home and the Burnaby Hospital who were all extremely supportive during Shigeru’s last few challenging months.

There will be a private memorial service for Shigeru. In lieu of flowers, or koden, a donation in memory of Shigeru may be made to the Vancouver Buddhist Temple or to the Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society.