Kiichi (Ken) Ishii, passed away peacefully at Humber River Hospital on February 18, 2022, surrounded by his devoted children, Louise (Gary), Margaret (Michael), Kenny, Gary (Manny), and Hope (Gilles). He is predeceased by wives, Mitsuye (Mitzi) Nagano and Machiko (Muriel) Seko. Ken was known as "Gigi" to his cherished grandchildren, Rachael, Lauren, Julia, Liam, Karine, Casey, Nathan, Alissa, Avarie, Jordanna and Jessica, and was a proud great-grandfather to Kayla, Ashline, Ben, Grace, Noah, Evie, and Rocky. He is fondly remembered by Craig Seko. Ken will be deeply missed by Mitzi’s surviving Japanese Canadian (Nisei) family, Tak Nagano (Molly), Hedy Perkins, and their families, who helped him build a new life in Canada.
Ken was born September 21, 1930, in Tokyo, Japan, and arrived in Canada in 1953. He was intensely curious and hardworking, always pursuing new hobbies and learning to repair and make things. Ken had a passion for flight: he raised passenger pigeons as a child, then worked on the Avro Arrow and Hydrofoil at DeHavilland Aircraft, where he was employed for over 30 years. Above all, his primary focus was his family. He enjoyed creating fun experiences and always offered guidance and help to all. He passed on unforgettable stories about his life in Japan and left us with many more to share about growing up under his loving support.
He resided the last 10 years at the Terraces at Baycrest, enjoying bingo, attending concerts, chatting to his neighbours, and spending time with his primary caregiver, Grace Saddul. The family expresses gratitude to the caregiver team from Saint Elizabeth and the staff, health providers, and many volunteers at Baycrest who ensured Ken's safety and happiness throughout his time there.
A private Buddhist graveside service for Ken will be held Friday, February 25 at 11:00am at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. If desired, memoriam donations to the Baycrest Foundation or Japanese Social Services would be appreciated.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kanejerrettnorthyork.ca ADD A MEMORY for the Ishii family.
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