John Yasuo Fujisawa
March 26, 1925 – January 22, 2012
Reunited with his beloved Masae (predeceased 1998) in heaven, John passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Hospice on January 22, 2012 after a lengthy illness. Survived by sons Patrick and Albert (Holly), brother Eugene, sisters Sr. Margaret S.A., Kayoko, Marie and Geri, sister-in-law Kyomi, and numerous nieces and nephews in Canada and Japan. Predeceased by brothers Hiroshi, Nobby and George, and sisters Sr. Catherine S.A., and Anna Maeda. We are also saddened to announce the passing of John’s sister Mary Ibaraki of Victoria, BC one day later on January 23, 2012. Born in Vancouver, John spent his childhood in the city until 1942 when, like many others of his generation, he was interned in the BC interior at Greenwood, BC during World War II. Returning to the coast in 1949, he worked first in the forestry industry, much of that time at Nalos Lumber Co., eventually rising to a supervisory position. In 1967 he moved to BC Hydro, working as an electrician until his retirement in 1990. Following a back injury in the 1980s, he began a regimen of daily walking for exercise which he maintained for over 30 years. He became a well-known personality to many in the neighbourhood for his regular appearances as he walked past their homes, and he made many friends during this time, both of the human and canine variety. He will especially be missed by his doggie friends: Tia, Toby, Cody, Lil Bear and many others for whom he always had a biscuit. After Masae’s death in 1998, he continued her hobby of growing chrysanthemums, many of which he would dedicate to his wife’s gravesite. The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors and staff at Royal Columbian Hospital and St. Michael’s Hospice for their care and compassion. Prayers will be held at Bell & Burnaby Funeral Chapel, 4276 Hastings St Burnaby, at 7:00pm Thursday January 26, 2012. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1450 Delta Ave Burnaby, at 10am Friday January 27, 2012. Interment to follow at Ocean View Burial Park. In lieu of flowers and Koden, a donation in John’s memory can be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.bellburnaby.com
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Albert & Patrick–your father knew he was loved and cared for until the end of his life. You are in our thoughts. Love Renee, Brian, Grace, & Ellie.
Words cannot express the sadness we feel for the loss of a very special man, It was a priviledge to have known John and a pleasure to have John as a neighbor, John will be missed by all including his four legged friends
My deepest condolences to the family
John Rest In Peace.
Fernando & Gaye Di Cesare & Family
May God Bless you Albert, Patrick & Holly during this time of sorrow. Even when we know a love one is dying we are never prepared for the day it comes. Your father was one of the greatest men we have ever known…a friend to all even Gods creatures. He had the gift of talking to all ages and intelligence. He spoke frequently with us, our children as they grew and finally with our grandchildren. We all had the utmost respect for his knowledge and the man he was. We will miss him very much and pray he is in peace and with your mom.
Our deepest condolences to you all.
With heavy hearts we learn of your loss of both Johnny and Mary. May you hold many happy memories to ease your great loss. We extend our deepest sympathy, with warm hugs.
Uncle John
You will be in my heart forever. You have had such a huge impact on my life in such a positive way. I have learned so much from you, more than words can say. I have learned more about my mother from you and Grandma, than any other persons on this earth. I am eternally grateful to have had you in my life, my children’s lives and grndchildren’s lives. Love you…
To Patrick & Albert: Your dad was an extra special man and we will miss him terribly, but I can see him happily rejoining your mom, who was the love of his life, and his siblings, including my mom.
Our deepest sympathy to the family on the loss of both John and Mary. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
John and Kathleen were such loving, amazing people to me growing up. I feel so honored to have time with them. They taught me so much.
Now they are reunited, my heart is heavy for your loss Albert, Patrick and Holly. I pray for you all during this time and I just thank you for the years I had with them.
My condolences to you and your family.
I worked with your dad at nalos lumber in 1966, I was a labour then moved up to a millwright’s helper until 1972…I was a high school and university student at the time.
I remember Johnny at the time because he told me carry on with my education , which did .
After afew other short term jobs I too joined B C Hydro in 1974 as a Personnel officer then to HR manager Electrical Operations – still remmebering Johnny who I never met at BCH–I really regret not having done so ! I retired in 2005
I’ll always remember Johnny as a very dignified man !!!
God Bless him !!!
Jerry Sarai
Uncle John
You were an amazing man and we will treasure all the moments we had with you and we will also recount your wonderful vivid stories. Your memory and life stories live on.
-Love Danielle and Quintin (your “grandson”)
Patrick and Albert
Our thoughts go out to you. Please take care and let us know what we can do to help.