We Remember
KOBAYASHI, Eleanor Yates
December 2, 1927 — October 22, 2025
With great love and sadness, we announce that Eleanor “Jimmie” Kobayashi passed away on October 22, 2025.
She is survived by her children Audrey (Mark), Randy (Kim), Neil (Val), Dawnwyn (Mark), and Les (Snow); grandchildren Robert, Lindsay, Michael, David, Hiro, and Tori; great-grandchildren Lev and Felix; along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her first husband Andrew Hiroshi Kobayashi and second husband Bill Medvedeff.
Jimmie was born in Calgary in 1927 and in 1930 moved to Red Deer, where she grew up. After World War II, she and her best friend Joyce Bell and Joyce’s sister Jean hitchhiked to the Okanagan, where they found work picking and packing fruit. Jimmie and Joyce married two sons of local orchardists, Hiroshi Kobayashi and Jack Gunn. Their children grew up together, along with other members of a close-knit community of orchardists, including Taijis, Nuyenses, and the huge Kobayashi clan.
Jimmie loved to travel, and never got enough of it, always claiming her bucket was half empty. Over the years she was active in softball, curling, and horseshoes, and a number of community organizations, including Prime Time and Community Policing. Until her mobility was severely curtailed in recent years, she could be seen out and about with friends or volunteering. She loved life, animals, people, and most of all her family.
The family would like to thank the staff at Mission Creek Landing for their compassion and care.
There will be a private interment in November. Donations to the BC SPCA will be gratefully appreciated.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.


Condolences Audrey and Mark.
May her memory be for blessing
What an amazing story of “Jimmie” … love ❤️ you all dearly and thinking of you in your loss. Sincere condolences 💐. Nick, Wendy & Sienna Garding
Jimmie. Ah, well. A bright, cheerful light in a hard world. That is not a small thing. Gonna miss you, Red Deer kid. Rest in peace.
Our sincere condolences to you Les and Snow and your family. She lived a very long life.
Our condolences to the family. I always enjoyed talking to Jimmie. Rob and Merc
So very sorry to hear this news about Jimmy. I remember many times we shared at the Winfield arena where our boys played minor hockey. Thinking of the family today and sending you our love and sympathy. Sleep well Jimmy. Lynne and Ed Potter
My condolences to the family she was a wonderful friend to me and wife! God Bless her!
Audrey — It is hard when a parent dies, even when they have lived a long and full life. My very best to you and your family
Will always remember her energy and love for community. A beautiful woman.
Sincere condolences to the family. Lived across the street from Jimmie up on Cheryl Rd. with my wife Linda and always had a good time… John Martin
Dawnwyn , Mark & family- We are sorry to hear of your Mom ( Jimmy’s) passing . I read her beautiful obituary that touched on her life. What a rebel and a great woman. Sounds like her “bucket was very much full” with all her accomplishments & all those she touched. Sending our sincere condolences to all of you.
Paula Thorburn and Craig Weddell
Sincere condolences to our cousins, Audrey & Mark,Randy &Kim,Neil &Val, Dawnwyn & Mark, Les & Snow and their families, Auntie Jimmie was full of energy and Love for Life. May she Rest Peacefully.
To all of you, dear cousins, my sincere condolences..loved the Okanagan Centre memories we shared, gatherings at “the big house”, with our Grandma and Grandpa. Your Mom’s full of life attitude and easy laughter is a precious memory..Hold onto your special memories, and stay in touch, cuzzes! Love you all..❤️
Sharon
My sincerest condolences & warmest wishes to all family and friends.