We Remember
ONO, “Nobu” Paul Nobuaki
January 27, 1949 — February 13, 2023
Born January 27, 1949, at Montreal, Quebec, Nobu Ono died peacefully on February 13, 2023, at Kelowna, BC. Nobu was the third of seven children born to the Rev. Yoshio Ono and Fumiko Ono (née Matsubuchi). He was predeceased by his parents and his brother John. He is survived by his older brother, Mark (Patricia); sisters Anne Clement (Christopher), Joy Kenk (Evert), Dawn Green (Peter), and Yoshi; as well as his three aunts, 13 nephews and nieces, and three grandnephews and one grandniece.
As a youngster, he was a speedy athlete in hockey and football. In his early twenties, He worked briefly for IBM and North American Van Lines in Montreal, QC and Toronto, ON before pulling up stakes and heading west to Kelowna, BC, which became his home for the rest of his life. He lived with his parents in Kelowna off and on into his late 30s.
Nobu loved to cook, write, was a lover of music, and a man of faith, and he was always generous with his time and money. He was truly a free spirit, a child of God, who had a positive influence on those he touched.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
I remember Paul From his early days. He stayed with us in Toronto and in the middle of the night needed some medications We went to the 24 hour open pharmacy in Toronto. Paul had a front tooth which was filled many times and many times the filling fell out. I took him to the dental office where I worked, and he had a gold half crown on the tooth and it stayed in for a long time. When we moved to Vancouver, Paul came and stayed with us and helped us paint our house. Then the years past and we lost touch with each other. I miss Paul and wish I had.could have visited with him again.. Blessings to you Paul, Auntie Esther.
Dearest Mark, Anne, Joy, Dawn and Yoshi,
Sending you and your families our heartfelt condolences in the passing of your brother Nobu. We hope all your happy and beautiful memories of him help during this difficult time. We are thinking of you and sending all of our love.
Love Missy & Peter
Dear Ono family,
My deepest condolences as we mourn the loss of the physical presence of Nobu. He was one of a kind, a brother, and a kindred spirit to me. Each time we met, Nobu shared wisdom, kindness, and gifts. Over the years we have written poems, created art, and shared meaningful stories together. We’ve made memories too. The last time we walked together was to have a coffee at Blenz on Bernard Avenue. I put my arm in his and we walked that way for about a block, laughing and talking. It felt right. I feel a profound sadness that he has gone from us so soon. May your hearts be buoyed up by your memories and the love you share. Nobu is with us still, in many ways. And one day we will be with him. I’m sharing one of my recent and favourite photos of One San. This is how I will remember him, calligraphy pen in hand, deep in thought, writing something beautiful.
With love and respect,
Lesley-Anne
Ono Family,
It was difficult to learn of Nobu’s passing. He was such a bright and eclectic character. I had the pleasure of spending time with him while I worked as a case manager. Nobu was always generous, insisting that I take small gifts from him of tea, rocks, feathers, books, etc. His apartment was a beautiful reflection of his interests and his nature. The kitchen was always stocked, and and bits and bobs hung glittering from the ceiling. It was like entering a magical world. Nobu loved food and was always willing to connect over a meal. I will fondly remember celebrating his 70th birthday with colleagues at Momo Sushi. His laugh, accompanied by his genuine wide smile, still rings in my ears, and in my heart. He was loved and will be missed by many.
Cassie