We Remember
JIYOBU, Joe Yoshimi
September 22, 1924 — November 30, 2012
Joe Jiyobu passed away suddenly at his home in Westbank, BC on November 30, 2012 at the age of 88 years. He was born on September 22, 1924 on Mayne Island, BC. Joe is survived by his loving wife Kaz, daughter Mich Nansen (Nick) of La Jolla, California, son Greg of Burnaby, grandson Shaun Hazell of Burnaby, granddaughter Nikki Burnett (Lucas) of Peachland, brother Ken Koyama of Toronto, ON and various nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his oldest son, Chris, three years ago. For many years, Joe worked for Westbank Orchards, Gorman Brothers and lastly, Brenda Mines. He had various interests but the most passionate one was creating Bonsai. Joe taught the art of Bonsai at the Kelowna Bonsai Club, of which he was the founding member. As requested by Joe, there will be a private funeral service held.
Service
A private family service will be held at a later date.
Hi Auntie Kaz:I am so sorry to here about Joe , he will be missed alot
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help
take care
lots and lots and lots of love
James
the maddock family feel your loss having known Joe for such a long time. He was a gentle person and also had a smile for everyone.
I was sorry to hear that Joe had passed on. He was a very kind man who helped me with my Bonsai.I told him I had one that needed trimming, so he told me to bring it over and he trimmed it for me. He wouldn’t take any money for doing it, so I got him a Wendy’s gift card. I work at Wendy’s and Joe was a regular customer, for years he got a single combo, no onions with a rootbeer. Both Vicky and I will miss Joe coming in and seeing us, his Wendy’s friends will miss him!
Dear Kaz and family
Our deepest sympathy to you. This past year when I was trying to plan our family trip to Mayne Island Joe was so helpful by graciously sharing pictures and giving directions to the place where his mother, our step-grandmother and grandfather lived. I treasure the thoughts that I recorded as he reminisced about life on Mayne Island. Joe’s kindness will always be remembered.
May the special memories that you have of him comfort your hearts at this time.
Our condolences, Hiroshi and Addie Maehara
Our Sincere Condolences to Your Family
From the Bidwell Family of Lakeview Heights and Kelowna
Len Bidwell – Kelowna Bonsai Club
Deepest sympathy to Joe-san’s family. He was such a kind man, always willing to share knowledge about bonsai, always with a smile.
Dear Kaz: So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. I did not realize he was born on Mayne Island – I have been there a few times in the last couple of years and in fact am going again next May for a week. It is a beautiful island. Take care.
Dear Kaz & Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you. Joe will be missed greatly. He was always so friendly, helpful and kind, and our whole community will miss his inviting smile, and peaceful presence.
May you all be blessed at this time of loss and if we can be of help in any way, please let us know.
My condolences to Joe’s family. He was a great mentor in the bonsai club where my son Gabriel and I attended for a couple years. I have two beautiful bonsai plants in my front yard that Joe
styled and will help us remember his spirit.