Kazuo "Kay" Kitagawa

Kazuo (Kay) Kitagawa

It is with deep sadness the family announces the passing of Kazuo (Kay) Kitagawa of Lethbridge AB, beloved husband of Kumiko Rosemary Kitagawa, on January 30, 2021.  Kay died peacefully in his sleep in the Lethbridge Regional Hospital.

As a result of the restrictions regarding COVID-19, and the government recommendations, plus respecting dad’s wishes, a private funeral service was held at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home, Lethbridge on Saturday, February 6 2021 at 3:00 P.M.  Cremation will follow.

Kay is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Kumiko (Rosemary) of Lethbridge, his son Tom (Barbara) of Edmonton, their children granddaughter Kristen (Ryan), great-grandchildren Quinn, Kade and Avery of St Albert, granddaughter Jennifer of Calgary and grandson Rob of Edmonton, daughter Linda (Paul) of Edmonton, and daughter JoAnn of Airdrie, grandson Cole.

Kay is also survived by brothers Kenichi (Ken) of Pincher Creek, sister Minie Nakatsuru of Calgary, Taxi (Doreen) of Calgary, sister in-law Sue Kitagawa (Masaru) of Lethbridge, as well numerous nieces and nephews.

Kay was predeceased by his father Denichiro and mother Iku of Taber, brother Susumu (Susie) of Toronto, Masaru (Mas) of Lethbridge, brothers Akira and Shigeru and also his sister Emiko, who passed away as infants in Haney B.C.,  his sister-in-laws Sue (Kenichi) and brother-in-law Roy Nakasturu of Coaldale.

Kay was born April 11, 1926 in Haney B.C.  With the onset of World War 2 the family was relocated to New Denver B.C. After a short stay, Kay and his father went into the interior and worked building roads for the duration of the war.

After the war Kay moved to Alberta to seek his fame and fortune. He spent several years working various jobs and met Rosemary along the way. They were married in Taber on April 4, 1953.

They farmed for several years in Taber and in 1960 moved to the Clarindale Farm in Vauxhall.  Kay and Rosemary had a very successful irrigation farm operation growing potatoes, sugar beets, grain, peas, alfalfa and even some cattle for a few years. Kay was also one of the founding members who started their own potato packaging facility, Pak Wel Produce as well as Vauxhall Foods and Growers Supply.

In 1974, Kay received an offer he couldn’t refuse and sold the farm and all of his equipment. In 1975 the family moved to Lethbridge. Kay began life as a retiree. However being only 49 years old and working all his life, he decided he needed to find something to fill his days. Thus began an odyssey of several jobs including selling cars. Kay eventually found his calling driving the delivery truck at Milliken Farm Supplies delivering equipment in Southern Alberta. He was always happy behind the wheel of the truck and talking to the farmers as he made his deliveries.

Kay finally decided he was ready to retire and did so with gusto.  He would golf 3 -4 times a week during golf season and curl 3 – 4 times a week during curling season.  He continued to golf and curl until his failing health several years ago curtailed his beloved golf and curling.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Chinook Regional Hospital and EMS staff for their care and compassion during Kay’s many calls to EMS and stays at the CRH. And to the staff at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home for their care and compassion during this very difficult time.

As a result of the restrictions regarding COVID-19 and the government recommendations, and respecting dad’s wishes, a private family funeral service was held at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home, Lethbridge on Saturday, February 6 2021 at 3:00 P.M.  Cremation has taken place.

Flowers and koden gratefully declined. If one wishes, please donate to the Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation or a charity of one’s choice.

Funeral arrangements by Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home.

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