Osamie (Sam) Oishi passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, on July 20, 2020, at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife Junko, two sons, Brian and Kevin (Jennifer), daughter, Shelley (Ben) and six grandchildren, Jordan, Ronan, Zander, Kailea, Akira and Mariko. He is predeceased by his parents Saneyoshi and Chika Oishi, his brother Yoichi Oishi, cousin Yosh Oishi, sister-in-law Reiko Oishi and nephew Kerry Nagata.
Raised in Raymond, Alberta, Sam graduated in 1960 from Raymond High School. He went on to attend the University of Calgary, earning his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1964. He then served his mandatory three years with the Canadian Forces, Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. In 1967, his crowning achievement was marrying Junko Oishi (Nishida) on July 8, 1967. With a deep love, commitment and partnership, they would spend the next 53 years on a journey that would see them raise 3 children, 6 grandchildren and take them on an adventure that spanned the western hemisphere.
Sam began his professional career with Catalytic Construction in Fort McMurray, Alberta, where he was part of a team that was developing a process of separating oil from the tar sands. In 1970, he moved on to Kennecott Copper in Kitsault, BC, where he worked until 1972. That year he moved to Leaf Rapids, Manitoba, to take a position as General Foreman of Operations for Sherritt Gordon Mines Limited. He finally settled with his family in Sparwood, BC, in 1974, working for Westar Mining, Balmer Operations. By 1982 he was the General Superintendent and three years later was promoted to Manager of Operations. His next move would see him take over the Greenhills Mine as the Vice President and General Manager from 1988 to 1992. In 1993 he established his own business, Pivotal Management Consulting before being enticed to accept an offer in 1996 by Greenstone Resources Limited to manage a gold mine in Canazas, Republic of Panama. Subsequently, Sam joined the team of Rydberg Levy International Incorporated in 1998 as a project manager where he worked until retirement in 2006. Not quite ready to settle down, he resumed his career as an independent consultant in 2012. This lasted until 2015 when he retired permanently with June in Courtenay, BC.
Sam successfully juggled his work aspirations and his devotion to family. He thoroughly enjoyed facilitating positive and unique experiences for others and seeing the happiness he instilled in those around him. During family gatherings his quick and humorous wit would create an atmosphere of laughter and joy. He had a knack for creating conflict between family members over opposing ideologies or politics and then would sit back and revel in the resulting fireworks.
Although he and June always seemed to be moving around the continent, he maintained a strong bond with his family. He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 1999—the beginning of his long, courageous battle with cancer. With unwavering support, June stepped up beside him, and together, they continued to live life to the fullest for next 21 years. Those years brought 6 grandchildren into the family; Sam’s greatest joy and focus in life.
Highly respected and deeply loyal to his family and friends, Sam was objective, insightful and diplomatic. He consistently put everyone else’s needs before his, especially when it came to his beloved grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers or koden, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (heartandstroke.ca) or BC Cancer Foundation (bccancerfoundation.com).
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