Feb. 7 1928 - Oct. 17, 2013
Toru passed away in Nachikatsurra-cho, Japan on October 17, 2013 at the age of 85. Toru was born in Cumberland, B.C. but went to live in Japan at the age of seven. He returned to Canada in 1957 to work for his uncle, one of the owners of Tatton Lumber. His wife, Setsuko and older daughter, Mari , joined him in Canada in 1963, and his younger daughter , Ruri , was born in 1964. After Tatton Lumber was sold to Canim Lake Sawmills, which, in turn, was later purchased by Weldwood of Canada; he continued his employment with each subsequent company. Toru lived in the 100 Mile House area for 33 years, but returned to Japan with Setsuko after he retired in 1990. Funeral services were held in Japan.
Toru is survived by his loving family: wife Setsuko, daughters Mari (Randy), and Ruri (Steve), grandchildren Sonja (Darren), Jennifer, and Jared; great-granddaughters Lily and Grace, sister Noriko, brother Kumio (Kimiko), and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, both in Canada and Japan.