We Remember
TERADA, George
December 14, 1930 — February 11, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of George Terada, born December 14, 1930, in Vancouver, BC, passed away on February 11, 2023, at the Hospice House Kelowna, at the age of 92.
George is survived by daughters Darlene (Dan), Lani (Jay); sons Ricky and Blake; granddaughter Catherine; sister Carol; brother Tak (Yvonne); and sister-in-law Sue. He was predeceased by his wife Toshi; brothers Mas, Yosh, and Naga; sister-in-Law Florence; brother-in-law Morio; and nephews Brian and Kenny.
George was a proud, hardworking orchardist and welder. He worked the family farm in Rutland with his wife Toshi, where many of his nieces and nephews learned how to drive, and survive, under his (sometimes) watchful eye. Uncle George was generous and fun to the core: Even though he could not swim, he’d take them to the lake for water-skiing and fishing; he would give them the keys to the GM truck or the old mini bikes and set them loose in the orchard; and he insisted on paying for every meal out.
A man of few hobbies (because he was always working), he found time to volunteer as a member of the Big White Ski Patrol, and he was also a member of the BC Dragoons. He took up flying remote control aircraft after his son-in-law, Jay, gave him a remote controlled helicopter for Christmas, his granddaughter caught him practising flying with it, in the kitchen, with the helicopter tied to the table.
Never one to complain, he withstood years of chronic pain, a result of a near fatal fall while working on the Roger Pass in 1986. George soldiered on, he was as tough as they come.
In his 80s, he started travelling. Exploring Nicaragua with Lani and Jay on their honeymoon, where he hiked an 8 km 1000ft elevation trail to the waterfall, refusing to turn around because he was stubborn! As everyone celebrated at the top by jumping into the water, he promptly lite a cigarette, much to everyone’s delight, what a guy! Travellers remembered him and greeted him warmly when their paths cross again. He enjoyed Costa Rica, El Salvador, Hawaii, Japan, and a trip to Ottawa to visit his brother Tak. Cancun, Mexico was his last trip before COVID, and yes, he tried to climb the Mayan ruins.
He had 2 memorable trips to Thunder Bay, ON to visit Toshi’s eldest sister, Nobby, and her sons. He pruned back Larry’s apple trees (trees Larry grew from George’s apples), he loved every moment of it, he was in his element teaching his nephew how to shape his trees.
Special thanks to Dr Jim Ketch and the staff of the Hospice House Kelowna for their wonderful care of George; to his sister Carol, niece Janice & nephews Bob and Gary who brought his favourite Japanese foods when he was barely eating; and to everyone else that visited or called in the last few weeks, your kindness and generosity will not be forgotten.
At George’s request, there will be no formal service at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held on MONDAY, MAY 1, 2023, at 11:00 AM, at Buddhist Temple in Kelowna, BC (1089 Borden Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6A7). George will be laid to rest with his wife Toshi, who predeceased him in 1988.
In lieu of flowers or Koden, donations may be made to the Kelowna Buddhist Temple to honour his memory.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
MONDAY, MAY 1, 2023, at 11:00 PM
Location
Buddhist Temple
Share with Others:
The Kelowna Buddhist Temple Link: www.kbtemple.ca/donate/
Service Information
Service Details
The service for TERADA, George is scheduled for MONDAY, MAY 1, 2023, at 11:00 PM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Buddhist Temple
1089 Borden Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6A7
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
I’m so sorry for your loss. I didn’t really know your dad much but I sure loved hearing your stories about him!
Dianne Perrot and David Brown
Thank you, Dianne and David. Yes, dad provided us with plenty of material.
Dear Terada Family, so sad to hear of George’s passing. He was such a great neighbor. We think of him often and will miss his friendship.
Thank you to both you and Barb for being such wonderful, life long neighbors and friends and for keeping an eye on dad and Ricky and sending all the great food over the years.
George Terada let me drive the Terada pick up truck. Never mind it’s 80 years old, he let me drive it, and even told me to drive faster. I could barely steer it. But that was George, of all the Terada boys, George was the one always wanting to go faster. His personality and love of life was clearly off the charts. Uncle George was the Uncle who helped me catch my first ever fish as a 10 year city kid from Ottawa. He stood there helped me with the bait, told me where to throw it, and then helped my hold it up and show it off. I’ll never forget that memory of fishing with George, as a ten year old, looking up to him, a man with a heart the size of a mountain.
Thank you, Randy for sharing your memories with dad with us.
RIP Parade Commander, it was an honor.
Deeply sorry to hear of George’s passing. My sincere condolences to his family.
George and I were neighbors and classmates from grade one and on.
Thank you, Mrs. Douglas. My dad always spoke fondly of you.
So sorry to hear of George’s passing. I first met George when he and Mas opened up the welding shop. He did all the welding for our family. He was an excellent welder, a very positive man, a great sense of humour, and story teller. RIP George- Doug Pekrul
Dear Terada Family,
Your father, as you well know, was an all too rare, exceptionally gifted man. His ever present, infectious smile coupled with his buoyant and whole hearted enthusiasm for life will remain etched in my memory as long as I live.
George was a valued member of the Big White extended family. He played an important role as an active member of the Big White Ski Patrol. His input on terrain and potential new runs helped to shape the development of the Mountain. I am confident that he acted as a good will ambassador and attracted a number of individuals to the sport of skiing.
I join with you in the sorrow on the passing of your father and my friend George. I regret that his life is over, however I am happy that it was!
Thank you, very much Mr. Serwa for sharing your memories of my dad’s early days at Big White. My father taught me to ski up at Big White. I still enjoy the mountain. My husband and I have been pass holders for several years. I would be interested in knowing what runs my dad had input in, if you remember. One of the runs he took me on was Dragon’s Tongue.
I have so many happy and funny memories when I think of Uncle George. When I saw him in Salmon Arm when he attended my grandmother’s funeral in 2008, I asked him about a cruise that he had been on and he said that there were ‘too many old people’ (he was about 78 years old around then). He visited us in Ottawa about 5 years ago. He inspected the welds on the landscaping steel that had just been installed on our property – he said that the welds were terrible 🙂 Uncle George always said what he meant and meant what he said. One of a kind and we will miss him. Rest in peace Uncle George.
Thank you, Wendy. He never slowed down.