Harold Yoneyama
November 21, 1924 — March 18, 2021
Harold Yoneyama
November 21, 1924 - March 18, 2021
Harold Yutaka Yoneyama, affectionately known as Jiji, passed away on March 18, 2021 at Scarlett Heights Retirement Home, the place he called home for the past 8 1/2 years. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Patricia (nee Adachi), daughters Linda (Rich), Norma (Pete) and his grandchildren, Matthew, Lauren, Marcus and Andrew. He was predeceased by his parents Rikizo and Yone Yoneyama and his 3 older sisters, Misao, Yachiyo and Mitsue.
Harold was born in Haney B.C., moving to Ontario in 1946. He graduated from the University of Toronto as a civil engineer in 1951. He worked for the Government of Ontario providing 32 years of dedicated service before retiring in 1983 as an Executive Director in the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations. Although a proud Canadian, he never forgot his Japanese roots and was instrumental in the building of the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre in 1963.
Harold was an avid athlete playing basketball in university and then later embracing both curling and golf as a proud member of Weston Golf and Country Club. He made many lifelong friends there and was honoured to be elected President of the club in 1990, Weston's 75th anniversary. His love for the outdoors and green thumb made it easy for him to grow a garden. Even during the pandemic he tended to 6 tomato plants, giving away most of what he grew. He loved walking, exercise class, cribbage, bridge, the therapy pool and above all else, being with people. He continued to show his leadership as chair of the Food Committee and as an Ambassador for the residence.
Behind his sometimes gruff and no nonsense manner, Harold was kind, caring, generous and a man of the utmost integrity. He never looked back with regret, rather he always looked forward with optimism. He made an impact wherever he went..
The family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to all who have cared for him, especially in the past 6 months. He truly appreciated all of your patience and kindness.
Due to Covid restrictions, a private memorial will be held with immediate family with a possible celebration of life at a later date. Online condolences may be made on the Book of Memories at www.wardfuneralhomes.com. Donations to the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre or Heart and Stroke Foundation may be made in honour of Harold’s life.
"Dad, you will always have a special place in our hearts as you continue to guide and encourage us. We love you."
Harold Yutaka Yoneyama, affectionately known as Jiji, passed away on March 18, 2021 at Scarlett Heights Retirement Home, the place he called home for the past 8 1/2 years. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Patricia (nee Adachi), daughters Linda (Rich), Norma (Pete) and his grandchildren, Matthew, Lauren, Marcus and Andrew. He was predeceased by his parents Rikizo and Yone Yoneyama and his 3 older sisters, Misao, Yachiyo and Mitsue.
Harold was born in Haney B.C., moving to Ontario in 1946. He graduated from the University of Toronto as a civil engineer in 1951. He worked for the Government of Ontario providing 32 years of dedicated service before retiring in 1983 as an Executive Director in the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations. Although a proud Canadian, he never forgot his Japanese roots and was instrumental in the building of the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre in 1963.
Harold was an avid athlete playing basketball in university and then later embracing both curling and golf as a proud member of Weston Golf and Country Club. He made many lifelong friends there and was honoured to be elected President of the club in 1990, Weston's 75th anniversary. His love for the outdoors and green thumb made it easy for him to grow a garden. Even during the pandemic he tended to 6 tomato plants, giving away most of what he grew. He loved walking, exercise class, cribbage, bridge, the therapy pool and above all else, being with people. He continued to show his leadership as chair of the Food Committee and as an Ambassador for the residence.
Behind his sometimes gruff and no nonsense manner, Harold was kind, caring, generous and a man of the utmost integrity. He never looked back with regret, rather he always looked forward with optimism. He made an impact wherever he went..
The family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to all who have cared for him, especially in the past 6 months. He truly appreciated all of your patience and kindness.
Due to Covid restrictions, a private memorial will be held with immediate family with a possible celebration of life at a later date. Online condolences may be made on the Book of Memories at www.wardfuneralhomes.com. Donations to the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre or Heart and Stroke Foundation may be made in honour of Harold’s life.
"Dad, you will always have a special place in our hearts as you continue to guide and encourage us. We love you."
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