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”.

Share with Others:

Share on Facebook
Share Via Email