We Remember
KOIDE, George Kazuo
June 17, 1931 — July 14, 2024
“I’m so sad to hear about your dad. Can you tell me a bit about him?”
George Kazuo Koide passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 14, 2024, at the age of 93. He was born in an orchard on K.L.O. road with the help of Kelowna settler Dr. W.J.Knox. George was the first child of proud parents Suekichi Koide who emigrated from Sendai, Japan in 1918, and Masako Shiosaki who was born in Revelstoke, BC. He went to the old Benvoulin elementary school and then to Kelowna Junior High School on Richter street.
Life was challenging once WW2 started and George needed to find work to help support the family. He left the orchards, riding a bicycle down the trails of the East Kelowna hills to start his auto body career at Kerr’s Autobody and eventually started Fairfield Collision by the old Burger Baron and Fruit Stand on Highway 97.
Later, he retired to a quieter second career of landscaping. He loved nurturing his Japanese garden, and gardeners from Burnett’s Nursery often came by wondering how he got plants to grow the way he did.
“It sounds like George worked to live. What else did he like to do?”
He had an amazing group of lifelong friends in the Japanese community. They had great fishing trips in the Okanagan Lake, Shuswap Lake, and fly-fishing in the nearby mountains, especially Oyama Lake. Sometimes it seemed like the whole community would head to a creek in the Joe Rich valley to feast on some trout. He loved helping to organize these trips and told many fishing stories.
He also loved skiing with my mom, Leiko. They skied for over 50 years at Big White. There was one T-bar when they started. Skis were made of wood, boots were made of leather, and helmets didn’t come into existence for decades. For 50 years, George was a powder hound, smoothly gliding through the trees and singing “ la la la la la la la” along the way. There might be a group of 20 Japanese friends playing follow the leader, or there might be a couple friends enjoying a picnic in a snow bank under the spring sun. George and Leiko were blazing trails for over half a century.
“Did your mom also recently pass away?”
Yes, Leiko passed away in the spring. They were happily married for 63 years. He lived to make her happy. She would call his name throughout the day and George would be there to provide whatever support was needed. Over the last few months he was lost as he didn’t hear his name being called. He has re-found his purpose as he has been reunited with the love of his life.
George was also predeceased by his sister Gloria and his brothers Richard and Frank. He leaves behind his #1 son Chris; his daughter-in-law Lynne; and two beautiful granddaughters Jennifer (Devon) and Emily (Wesley). Jenny is expecting and soon there will be a great-grandson to continue the family tree.
George also leaves many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, and their families. As well as a lifetime of friends and neighbours in Kelowna.
“That sounds like a wonderful, fulfilling life.”
Yes, George surrounded himself with family and friends who loved him. This is especially true of Leiko. It is hard to think of a time when they were not together. This companionship provided him life.
He was always true to himself and lived life on his terms. This included hard work, humour, humility, and the love of meeting new people. He greeted everyone with 2 thumbs up, and everyone returned the greeting. It was nice to see.
We will miss him.
Almost 100 friends and family were able to celebrate George’s birthday a few weeks ago. It was a timely opportunity to celebrate his life. In lieu of another Celebration of Life, a small family get together will be held to honour George’s life.
“Here comes the sun. It’s all right. It’s all right. “
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Please accept my condolences on the loss of both of your parents – I didn’t get to see Leiko but in late June I had a short visit with George. I hadn’t seen him for some time so was surprised when he shouted my name – I was delighted! George was especially kind to my mom, as they were both in the same painting group for many years – he provided transportation as she grew older and helped her with equipment.
Sincerely,
Jenny Sato
I have such great memories of George and Leiko; from laughing with my parents, to taking me up skiing, to playing with my kids when they were small. I’m sure I’ll never meet another couple as happy, warm, kind and giving. They were such good friends to my parents for so many years. I wonder how many hours they spent together gambling’ at the casino, and then rehashing those casino hours over coffee.
George basically taught me how to ski and I enjoyed countless days of fun up at Big White with them. I will always remember George on a powder day just laughing and singing as he came down the hill, and how pleased Leiko would be if she found some ‘velvet’ snow or if we made it to last run.
I’m glad that they are reunited again
This is a lovely tribute to a lovely man. He built a good life and was so good to those that enjoyed it with him. I’d like to mention his artistic achievements. In addition to everything else he enjoyed, George was a dedicated painter in retirement and his art works will provide a wonderful lasting reminder of him!
Chris and family, George was a great friend to mom and dad, always up for a run to the casino, but he was more than that. He was, like Leiko, a person who truly enjoyed life. A terrible loss.
To Chris, and your family, I am so sorry for your loss, of both your parents so close to each other. I’m glad they are happy together again though.
I have very fond memories of time spent at your parent’s place, playing pool and eating yummy goodies. Your Dad always had the most beautiful Japanese garden, I loved spending time in it. I will always remember their big smiles and how warm and funny they both were. Big hugs and love to you all.
Thank you for sharing the wonderful obituary of brother-in-law George Koide. Over 60 years, he was such a great partner for our sister Leiko, and a big part of our family. Kind, generous and full of humor to the very end, George will be missed. His love for Leiko was foremost on is mind….right until his last breath.
Dear Chris, Lynne and family, I am so sorry to hear of George’s passing. George was always cheerful and loved to make a person laugh. Our family have wonderful memories of visits with the Koides. Our deepest sympathies and love to you all.
Faith
Chris, and family, so sorry for your loss, especially coming so soon after Leiko’s passing but he probably missed her so much. They were a big part of our parent’s lives, and ours as well. George was like another uncle, always friendly and smiling.
Dear Chris, Lynne, Jennifer and Emily,
Sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved father, father-in-law, and grandfather. George was an exceptional brother-in-law and uncle to us. He was a hardworking man, owning his body shop collision business. He had an artistic flare for his oil paintings which we are so honoured he thoughtfully gave to us as gifts. He will be remembered for his baking talents, a green thumb for growing the best squash and zucchini in Kelowna, and a passion for manicuring his beautiful Japanese gardens. My parents, Terry and Sets, loved travelling to Reno with George and Leiko and spending memorable times together during family gatherings. We will miss George’s hearty laugh and humour, easy-going nature, and seeing the genuine love, care and devotion he gave to Leiko throughout their long and happy marriage. George and Leiko are deeply missed and will remain in our hearts forever. The two lovebirds are reunited in harmony once again.
The obituary brought to miind George’s passing. I remember George as a nice guy ,who told me that I could design any tree by cutting off limbs in different spots. I am sure to remember George everytime I work on the tree in my front yard.
Dear Chris, Lynne, Jennifer and Emily,
We’ll always remember our Uncle George with a twinkle in his eye and his signature laugh. He was Auntie Leiko’s lifetime side kick who was always up for some fun at a family get together. I still remember going camping with him when Glenn and I were kids. Good training, Uncle George! We know you’re good to go glamping in heaven with Auntie Leiko. Keep the party going!