We Remember
NAITO, George Jiro
July 10, 1927 — July 26, 2026
It is with love and sadness that we said goodbye to our dear husband, dad and grandpa, George Jiro Naito.
George was born on July 10, 1927, in a picker’s shack in the Glenmore area of Kelowna, BC. His father crop shared on a farm on Valley Road and the family soon moved to this property. His mother died when he was 16. The years of WWII after the bombing of Pearl Harbour were very difficult for him, as there were many restrictions placed on Canadians of Japanese ancestry. He graduated from Kelowna Senior Secondary School in 1945.
George enjoyed a variety of sports. He played baseball, was in a judo club, bowled, and especially loved to go fishing.
In 1947, George and two of his brothers purchased the orchard where their father had been working. In the following years they purchased more of the surrounding land. Eventually, George bought the land from his siblings and farmed it until he retired.
George married Emie Ito in 1953. They raised four sons on the orchard, Ted, Gerry, Alan, and Brian. George and Emie shared their love of sports and fishing with their children, regularly going to the various creeks and lakes to fish and swim. These activities and vacations often included extended family, so there would be a parade of cars and campers going to Three Forks or Belgo Dam. In later years they loved to take their grandchildren fishing as well.
George retired in 1995 and moved to a house at the base of Glenmore Mountain very near to where he had been born. He and Emie spent their days watching sports on TV and going to the casino.
He passed away peacefully after a brief illness, on July 26, 2026, at the age of 99, surrounded by his loving wife and extended family. He is survived by his wife, Emie; sons Ted (Yvonne), Gerry (Linda), Alan, Brian (Tracy); and four grandchildren Marcus, Curtis, Courtnay, and Megan. George is also lovingly remembered by his sister in-laws, Nancy Blackmore and Emma Naito; brother-in-law Morio Ito; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Kotaro and Hideko Naito; his oldest brother Tom; his younger brothers John and Joe; and many extended family members.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at KGH Emergency Department and Strathcona 4 East for their kindness and excellent care.
At the request of the family, no funeral service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.



Dear Emie
We are so sorry to hear of George’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Suma and Jay Hunter
George was one of the good ones. Always loved my 35 years of cutting his hair. I will always miss his kind words. Rest.in peace George.
Debra
With deepest condolences and heartfelt gratitude
To dear Emie, Alan, and the entire family,
We are deeply saddened to hear of George’s passing and offer our sincere condolences.
It was a true blessing to be able to reunite with him this past February after 20 years. Looking back, that precious time has become a beautiful and everlasting memory for us.
Whenever I visited Canada, George always welcomed me with such warmth and kindness. Not only I, but my parents, brother, and sister were all deeply touched by his generosity and the great care he showed us over the years. We will never forget the wonderful hospitality and love he shared with us.
I am truly happy that I was able to introduce my high school-aged daughter to George during our visit this February. She, too, is deeply saddened by this loss and shares the same feelings of love and gratitude that we do.
During this incredibly difficult time, our entire family is thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers. May George rest in peace.
With love and prayers,
Masakazu and family
Sending you all love and cherished memories. We have such great memories of Uncle George through the years. He always had a big smile, strong hug and lots of love to share. Thinking of you all.
Sincerely,
Alli, Tracey and Family
Dear Auntie Emie and Family,
Our condolences to you all. We will always have such fond memories of Uncle George. He always had a smile, huge hug and a laugh to share. He will be missed greatly. Lots of love to you all.
Sincerely,
Alli, Tracey and Families