KOGA, Suemori

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Suemori “Suey” Koga passed away surrounded by family on Monday, October 17 at age 94 years in Langley, B.C. after a full and happy life.   He will be greatly missed by those who knew him especially his son David Koga, daughter-in-law Heather, grandchildren Brendan, Andrew, Ethan, Sabrina, and Liam.  He is also survived by his sisters Yuki Sakaki (Shig), Emmie Moore (Cyril), and numerous nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by wife Mary, sisters Kimi Nakata, Eiko Chiba, Yoshi Yamashita, and by brothers Morio and Mit.  Suey was born in Kelowna on August 8, 1922 to humble circumstances that he worked hard to overcome.  He loved to reminisce on history of the area and often spoke and wrote about all of the changes he witnessed throughout his many years in Kelowna.  Suey was truly devoted to his family, teaching and passing on his family values and work ethic.  He was a career orchardist and took pride in producing quality tree fruits for 50 years.  He was active in the fruit industry, serving on the board of directors for B.C. Tree Fruits, B.C Fruit Packers, and Sun-Rype.  Suey was also active in many sports including helping to organize the Kelowna Five Pin Bowling Association as the inaugural president.  He loved to play baseball with his brothers in the forties and fifties and later coached minor baseball and hockey.  Suey took golf up at age 66, and managed to keep playing for nearly 25 years. In 1992, he received the Canada 125 Medal for his dedicated service to the community. He loved to speak and sing in front of an audience whenever the opportunities arose, and had a passion for driving his car on the mountain highways, something he did into his nineties.  He was a proud member of the Kelowna Buddhist Temple since 1997 and served as a board director for five years.  Suey will always be remembered for his kindness, gratitude and generosity.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at the Kelowna Buddhist Temple 1089 Borden Ave at 7:00 pm.  If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”