Roy Masayoshi Urasaki

It is with great sorrow that we announce that Roy Masayoshi Urasaki, passed away on Saturday, January 15th, 2022 at the age of 83 years, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Roy is survived by his son Jim (Cindy) and their children Jenna and Kobe, his daughter Rumi and her children Evian, Ocean and Skyy and their father Miro Kyjac.  He is pre-deceased by his loving wife, Shizuko, and his son, George. 

 Dad was born in Yomitan, Okinawa, Japan on November 25, 1938.  He was the oldest of a family of eight children and grew up in the aftermath of WWII.  He went to post-secondary school in Tokyo and eventually finished his degree at Okinawa International University.  

 Dad worked at a variety of jobs as a young man.  He was a guard at a USMC base, teacher, newspaper reporter and as a civilian employee in the supply and human resources unit at Camp Butler in Okinawa. His many conversations with American co-workers influenced him to move overseas and after Dad and Mom got married in 1966, they bravely decided to leave Okinawa to start a new life.  

 Without any prior training as a welder, he eventually earned his journeyman certificate through Lethbridge Community College in the early 1970s.  He was employed for many years at Neufeld Industries (Haul All) and enjoyed working with the people there.  His practical skills were put to good use at home and we always benefited from his help too.   Weekends were often spent fishing, reading, writing in his journal or working on small projects.  He was a long-time member of the Okinawan Cultural Society and that part of his identity was never forgotten.  Upon retirement, he and Mom intended to travel more and spend time with their grandchildren.  Life circumstances sometimes got in the way of those plans but he worked through those challenges with dignity and perseverance. He spent many years taking care of Mom and he found it to be an adjustment when others had to take care of him.  He was proud of his grandchildren’s achievements in their activities such as karate, dance, hockey, rodeo and academics and he always encouraged them to work hard to get what they wanted.   

Dad passed away with his children at his side and we appreciate the care that he received at Gardenview Lodge, Jack Ady Cancer Centre and Fairmont Extendicare.  We are especially thankful for the palliative care that he received from Dr. Smuts and nurse Nena Robertson.   

On Friday, January 21, 2022, friends of the family are welcome to attend a viewing from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home, 703 - 13 St N, Lethbridge.

The family would like to extend our gratitude for the gifts of koden and expressions of sympathy.

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