Sachiko Tanaka

February 5, 1922 — June 29, 2011

TANAKA, Sachiko

 It is with profound sadness that the family of Sachiko Tanaka announces her passing into Nirvana on June 29, 2011, at the Kelowna General Hospital.  Mom was born in Kelowna on February 5, 1922, the second child of Tokuichi and Ine Tomiyama.  She travelled to Japan with her parents and two brothers when she was four years of age and attended school there.  She returned to Kelowna along with her older brother, Norihisa (Tommy) to assist their father on the family farm when she was fifteen years old.  They both attended Benvoulin School to continue their educations in Kelowna.  Mom married Yukihisa (Roy) Tanaka on November 16, 1948 and together they farmed with Tokuichi until his passing on March 25, 1958.  Mom and Dad continued to farm until the mid 1990s.  For many years leading up to their retirement and beyond, Mom diligently supported Dad with his many civic volunteer duties.  Together they were actively involved with the Kelowna Buddhist Temple, the Kelowna – Kasugai Sister City Association, the Kelowna Multicultural Society, Kelowna Folkfest and the Kelowna International Regatta among other activities.  She was truly the woman behind the man.  Mom performed and taught Japanese Odori (dance) and Tea Ceremony for many years and was an accomplished Kimono maker.  Mom led by example and taught us, her children, a strong work ethic and the importance of living life with integrity and service to others.  Mom was predeceased by her loving husband, Yukihisa (1995), parents Tokuichi (1958) and Ine (1968) and siblings, Norihisa (1991), Mitsuhisa (1996) and Meriko (2009).  She is lovingly remembered by her children, Reiko, children Dan, Neal and Angie (Darren), Keiko (Gary), children Riley, Nikki and Cody, Peggy (Rick), Herb (Cheryl), children Brad and Darren and Dorothy (John), great-grandchildren Dayton, Kaito and Kimora, as well as her faithful companion dog, Sandy.  We would like to thank Dr. Shari Claremont and Dr. Daphne Green for their kind care for Mom during her years of declining health.  Your efforts enhanced the quality of her life immeasurably.  A Funeral Service in honour of Mom’s long life will be held at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, July 6, at the Kelowna Buddhist Temple, 1089 Borden Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6A7, with Reverend Yasuhiro Miyakawa officiating.  We will all miss Mom’s gentle smile and steadfast guidance.  Thank you Mom and Sayonara, until we meet again.  NAMO AMIDA BUTSU.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.