Minoru was quiet and modest, though he did take pride in the NFB film about his wartime internment experiences, made by his son, Michael. He adored his daughter-in-law, Faye, and was immeasurably proud of his grandson, Takeshi. In 1942, 9-year old Minoru was part of the forced uprooting of 22,000 Japanese Canadians from the BC coast, to internment camps, in his case, at New Denver in the Kootenays. In 1947, his family was "repatriated" to war-ravaged Japan, but in 1950 he enlisted in the Canadian Army as a translator for Canada's Korean War troops. He continued to serve until his military retirement in 1980.
Minoru's family expresses their thanks and appreciation to the medical and care staff at Fairhaven LTC, who eased his final months. The family also thanks the generous members of the Peterborough LDS church, who provided extraordinary pastoral care and kindness.
There will be no service in the immediate future. If you wish to honour Minoru, please make a donation to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada chapter nearest you.
