We Remember

UEMOTO, Johnny

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Johnny Uemoto passed away suddenly on June 29, 2016 at the age of 82 years. He is survived by his loving wife of over 50 years, Yoko and his beloved daughter, Joy; sister Kiku (Frank) Naka; and their sons Don (Paula) Naka and family, Gordie (Michelle) Naka and family, and Wayne Naka; Kaichi (Linda) and his children Sheri (Ivan) Young and family, Liana Uemoto and son, and Bryan (Hiromi) Uemoto and family. His nephews and nieces Russel (Joan) Hamanishi and family; Carole Hamanishi and family, and Mel (Tammy) Hamanishi; Nori Nishi and family, Hiroshi Nishi, Frank Nishi and family, Mizue Nishi and family and Sandra (Eric) Tamaki and Brian Nishi. Predeceased by his parents, Kasoji and Taju Uemoto; sister Taya and her husband Harry Hamanishi, their son Neil Hamanishi, sister Sadame Toriumi; brothers-in-law; Masaharu Nishi, Tetsuo Nishi and Jim Nishi.     Johnny was born February 5, 1934 in Kelowna, BC at his family home on the M.W. Marshall ranch. There he spent his childhood working on the ranch, and farming. He went to school at Rutland Elementary, and attended Rutland High School. He eventually went on to become a journeyman mechanic, and enjoyed working at Benny’s Garage for Ben Ueda for many years. During that time he met and married Yoko Nishi, on December 4, 1965. Afterwards he drove trucks for Millar & Brown, and a number of other trucking companies, and finished off his career at Western Star Truck Company until his retirement in 1999.   In his spare time, Johnny was an avid bowler, skier, and especially enjoyed fishing with his buddies. More recently, he has been enjoying going out for coffee with his many friends, lunching with his best friends Ken Ito and George Terada, and going on long drives chauffeuring Yoko, so she could partake in her favourite hobby of wildlife photography.     The family would like to thank Dr. E.A. Broome for looking after Johnny for many years. We would also like to thank the wonderful staff at KGH during his recent hospitalization, and the many specialists who have been involved in his care in recent years.    Johnny will be dearly missed by his family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held for him on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 4:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.   This service will be live streamed.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice. For those wishing to send a condolence, photos or share memories, you may do so by scrolling down this page to the area called “Share Your Condolences”.    

Service
Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 4:00 pm

Location
Springfield Funeral Home

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In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice.

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for UEMOTO, Johnny is scheduled for Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 4:00 pm. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home

2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone: 250-860-7077

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Vern & Jeanne Rehbein says:
    July 2, 2016 at 6:38 pm

    Once again, so very sorry. We will be watching the memorial on Saturday. We will be thinking of you both.
    Hope to get out to Kelowna sometime later this year & would love to see you.
    Best always,
    Vern & Jeanne

    Reply
  • Kebrina Caldwell says:
    July 3, 2016 at 3:24 pm

    Yoko My thoughts and prayers are with you. Deepest condolences Kebrina

    Reply
  • Corey Lange says:
    July 5, 2016 at 3:09 pm

    Very sorry to hear of the passing of John Uemoto. Even though I haven’t seen him in many years, my childhood is filled with fond memories of growing up around John, Yoko, and Joy. You will be missed by many, many people. My sincerest condolences.

    Reply
  • Rhoda Weisgarber says:
    July 6, 2016 at 8:10 am

    I so remember John’s smile. A lovely man.
    Sending my condolences to his family and friends.
    Rhoda Weisgarber

    Reply
  • Ian and Katherine Beardsell says:
    July 6, 2016 at 10:11 am

    John and I would often meet up in front of our respective houses and chat, as long time neighbours while I was growing up in Kelowna, and later when I came “home” to visit. He was such a kind and gentle man, quick to smile and laugh! I will always remember him with fondness.
    Thinking of you, Yoko and Joy, at this time of your loss,
    Ian, Katherine, and Joshua

    Reply
  • Grace and Brian Klein says:
    July 7, 2016 at 7:43 am

    Dear Yoko and Joy, We are very sorry that we will be out of town this weekend and won’t be able to attend Johnny’s Celebration of Life. Our thoughts are with you.

    Reply
  • Lewis & Ann Runnalls says:
    July 9, 2016 at 3:22 pm

    We were sorry to hear of John’s passing, Yoko. You and John were not only the best neighbours our son could have had but also the very best of friends. Thank you.
    Lew & Ann

    Reply
  • Lewis & Ann Runnalls says:
    July 10, 2016 at 1:30 pm

    We were so sorry to hear of John’s passing, Yoko. Our son could not have found better neighbours or such good friends anywhere. Thank you.

    Reply
  • Peter G says:
    July 10, 2016 at 6:35 pm

    So Sorry Yoko and Joy for your loss. Thoughts and prayers. I could not be present with you at John’s service but I was in” Spirit”. I attended through the funeral home taping. I have missed my buddy, often wondering how he was doing. I know he did not want to suffer a lengthily illness so maybe a blessing in disguise. The hardest part is letting go and I know he would want you to. He is no longer in pain. You have so many great memories to carry with you. Love you guys. God bless Happy fishing Johnny!!

    Reply

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Testimonials

They took care of me like family.

Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke