Dr. George Ryoji Sugiyama

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of George Sugiyama on February 4, 2022 at Vancouver General Hospital. He was born in Vancouver and was the youngest of 4 boys in his family. They were displaced to the interior of BC in 1942 and worked on their farm, where he met his future wife Kuni. He moved his family to Toronto in 1960 to attend dental school. George was the oldest member in his class of 120 men and 5 women, but left an impression with his calm and friendly nature. One final move in 1976 back to Vancouver, where he provided dental care for friends and family, and many patients that were to become friends. He was regarded as a "real gentleman" by both colleagues and patients alike, and retired at the age of 70. George enjoyed fishing and golfing with Kuni until her failing health necessitated a quieter life. They moved to Crofton Manor where George tirelessly attended to her needs until she passed in 2015. George continued to live there until he was moved to the hospital in his final days. Till then he enjoyed sending daily emails to his 3 children - always closing with "take good care everyone, and STAY WELL".

George is survived by his sons Robert and Gerry, his daughter Heather, and their spouses Kathy, Darlene and Reid, granddaughters Katie and Kelly and spouse Geoff, and great granddaughters Aubrey and Flynne.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to The Salvation Army, BC Children's Hospital, The Vancouver Food Bank, or Nikkei House.

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