Kazufu Yoneda

Kazufu Yoneda
1925-05-14 - 2023-07-04

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Kazufu Casey Yoneda, a dedicated husband, beloved father, uncle, and friend. Casey passed away peacefully on the 4th of July 2023, in Calgary, Alberta, at the age of 98. Casey is predeceased by wife Lily and brother Hiroshi and is lovingly remembered by many friends and relatives for whom he encountered during his lifetime. 

Born on May 14, 1925, in the picturesque town of Steveston, British Columbia, Casey led a remarkable life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Growing up in a community of Japanese Canadians, and then moving to Japan as a young boy, he became fluent in both English and Japanese for which he was often called upon to translate both speech and writings. Because of his friendly demeanor and language skills, he made many friends in Canada and in Japan. Spiritually, he learned the teaching of Buddha from his early childhood in Japan and later became an active member of the Calgary Buddhist Temple.

He endured many hardships during his teenage years. In 1941, he returned to Steveston from Japan in order to help his brother, Hiroshi with his commercial fishing business. In 1942, Casey, his brother Hiroshi, Tomiko, and their son, Bob were evacuated to Iron Springs, Alberta where they farmed sugar beets. At the end of WWII, Casey moved to Calgary to work as a cook at the Empress Hotel. He later became a machinist at Taylor, Pearson and Carson and at Headhunters until his retirement. During his time in Calgary, he met Lily Saka at the Nisei Club potluck and dance and were later married in 1952. Their only child, son Dana was born in 1963.

Casey was a man of many passions, and his hobbies brought him immense joy throughout his life. He had an extraordinary talent for karaoke singing and became an active member of the Karaoke Club of the Calgary Japanese Community Association (CJCA). Having been raised in a family of fisherman, Casey applied his knowledge and passion for fishing to the local Alberta lakes where he often fished with his son, Dana. Chain Lakes was among his favorites. 

Casey will be lovingly remembered by his devoted son, Dana, who will forever miss his presence. The bond they shared was unbreakable, and the memories they created together will forever be cherished. Special thanks to Dr. Bouchard, the nurses, and staff at the Providence Care Centre (PCC) for their compassion and dedication to Casey's wellbeing. Even though their time at PCC was short-lived, both Casey and Maxine shared a special bond that said, it is never too late to find love.

At Casey's request, there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers and Koden, donations can be made to the Father Lacombe Care Foundation: https://flccfoundation.ca/donations/.

Rest in peace, Dad. I love you and we'll meet again someday.