Henry Morita

It is with deep love and gratitude that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved father, grandfather and friend Henry Morita, at the age of 95. Surrounded by family and held gently in our hearts, he departed this world after a long and meaningful life on December 5, 2025.

Henry was predeceased by his beloved wife, Miyako; his granddaughter, Lael; and his brother, Masami. He is survived by his children, Gary, MaryAnn-Yoshiko (Ed), and May; and his grandchildren, Christopher (Michelle), Alexander (Margaret) and Michael (Brittany).

Born in Edmonton, Alberta on February 4,1930, he grew up during a time of profound change and carried forward the resilience and humour that defined his generation. Over the years, he mastered numerous trades: cabinet making, autobody repair, commercial salmon fishing and professional Japanese gardening. Each experience reflected his admiral work ethic, talent and versatility.

His early years as a commercial fisherman demanded grit and endurance, which he embraced wholeheartedly. We recall the late nights, and the fiberglass smell, as he built all twenty-six feet of his own fishing boat. He spent long days on the Fraser River, hauling in his catch with pride. We have fond memories of joining him on the water, helping him spread the fishing nets for repair and enjoying the sunshine together.

He was also a skilled Japanese gardener, tending each plant with patience and a deep sense of tradition. From building a Japanese tea house to contributing to the creation of the Nitobi Gardens at UBC, his artistry always shone through. In our own family gardens, he hand-carved stone lanterns — beautiful, enduring pieces that now stand as symbols of his craftsmanship and the serenity he cultivated in every garden he touched.

His approach, to whatever he laid his hands on, was an unwavering commitment to act with care. With an engineer’s mind and a tinkerer’s heart, he could improvise, repair or reinvent almost anything. Family often joked that Henry did not need any instructions, he could MacGuyver his way through life.

These habits followed him into the kitchen, where he loved to cook and experiment. Some memorable creations included toasted apple turnover sandwiches, scrambled eggs with rice, and hot dog sushi. We were always humoured to take part in his culinary adventures.

While he was supremely proud to be Canadian, he stayed close to the culture that he treasured. As a black belt in judo, he embodied discipline, humility and inner strength both on and off the mat. He also cherished the simple joys that connected him to his roots — watching sumo matches and laughing along with Japanese variety shows.

As a father and grandfather, he offered gentle wisdom, quiet encouragement, and a steady presence that shaped the lives of those around him. His stories, told with warmth and subtle

humour, bridged generations. He found peace in everyday routines, in nature, and in the moments spent with his adoring family.

A private service will be held in accordance with his wishes. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to all those who supported Henry in his final years. We will never forget the loving care and dignity that he experienced.

For all of our lives, we will honor his memory by carrying forward the values he passed down: humility, ingenuity, and strength of spirit. Though he has left this earthly life, his legacy endures in the many hearts he touched. May he rest in eternal peace.