With great sadness, we announce the passing of Kenji Kishiyama, devoted and beloved father, husband, son, uncle, cousin, and friend. He passed away in Victoria, BC, after a courageous five-year battle with stomach cancer.
Kenji was born in Lillooet, BC, on September 12, 1958 to Masao (Jim) and Yoshie Kishiyama. He was the only one of their three children to reach adulthood as his older sister Naomi died as an infant, and his younger brother, Gary (Seiji) perished in a car accident as a teen. Kenji spent a mostly carefree childhood growing up in Lillooet playing outdoors, camping and fishing with his Dad, riding motorcycles, and especially playing hockey.
After high school, Kenji went to Cariboo College (now Thompson Rivers University) for a year, but later went to BCIT for millwright training, completing his apprenticeship at the Ainsworth/Aspen Planers Mill in Lillooet. Kenji enjoyed the challenges of being a millwright and had great camaraderie with his co-workers at the mills in both Lillooet and Savona. He retired in 2018.
Kenji and his wife Anne (Anna-Marie) were married in 1987, in Lillooet. In the early years of their marriage, they enjoyed a lot of international travel. They moved to Kamloops in 2001. In the early 2000’s, two daughters, Kiana and Akina joined the family through adoption. Kenji was a very involved Dad who adored his children. Every milestone and accomplishment filled him with pride whether it was first words, first steps, a dance recital, or high school graduation.
Kenji, Anne, and the girls moved to Victoria in 2019. By this point, Kenji’s health was declining, but he continued to live every day to the fullest, even enjoying a Canucks hockey game in Vancouver two weeks before his passing. His positive attitude and determination to keep going were infectious, and he was an inspiration to others going through similar battles with serious illness. Much gratitude to everyone who supported him and his family through this difficult journey.
Kenji is predeceased by his parents, Jim and Yoshie Kishiyama, his sister Naomi Kishiyama, and his brother Gary Kishiyama as well as his Uncle Hiroji and Aunt Kimiye (Kay).
Kenji is survived by his wife, Anne, and their two children Kiana Kishiyama and Akina Kishiyama of Victoria, his cousins Joanne Clawitter, Eugene Barnak, and Gary Barnak and their families from Washington state, his Uncle Shuji Kishiyama and Aunt Haruko Nakada and their families from Japan, his Mother-in-Law Vi Kipper from Lillooet, Father-in-Law Ray Fulford from Chilliwack, and his Brother-in-Law Jamie Fulford from Yellowknife and Sister-in-Law Desiree Mou from Whistler and their families. He will be missed by many good friends across BC.
The family would like to acknowledge Dr. Jeffrey Sulpher and Dr. Bradley Proctor at the Victoria and Kamloops Cancer Clinics, as well as Dr. Peter Loland of Kamloops, for their excellent care of Kenji over the years.
Arrangements have been entrusted to McCall Gardens in Victoria.
A service will be held at a later date.
For those that wish to make a donation in Kenji’s memory, please consider the BC Cancer Foundation or the trust fund that is being set up to support his daughters’ post-secondary education. (To request further information contact akkishiyama@gmail.com )
What we once enjoyed
And deeply loved
We can never lose,
For all that we love deeply
Becomes part of us.
Helen Keller
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Mukesh Ralhan
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Candice Baytaluke Dear Anne, Kiana & Akina: I had the honour of witnessing much love, compassion, laughter and positivity for each of you and others by Kenji over the many years. We are heart broken over your loss.
Kenji was courageous in his battle and continued to share such positive energy with all in his world. I know he will continue to provide guidance and strength as you all navigate your paths and adjust in his absence.
Kenji was a calming force and many enjoyed his company, humour and wisdom. Remember always his love for each of you as you were his world.
Cherish the good memories and take time to heal and support each other knowing your many friends, family, and colleagues share in your grief and are always here for you as you adjust.
Take good care of yourselves and of each other.
Our deepest sympathies and love, Candice, Ed, Keaton & Meghan
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Cindy Stewart Dear Anne,
I was so saddened to hear of Kenji’s passing. It must be a terrible shock to all of you. I was not aware that you had moved to Victoria so it is unlikely I will bump into you in Kamloops to give you a hug. Please accept my most sincere condolences on your terrible loss. Cindy Stewart (MCFD – Kamloops)
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Jacquie Adams Big Blessing prayers up for you all Anne, Akina and Kianna. Please know that I am just a stones throw away and am here for you – even just to pop over for a cup of tea.
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Glendis Walker So sorry for you loss. Worked with him at Savona Specialty Plywood and he is truly missed since he retired. Enjoyed his humor and how he was so proud of his girls as he would share stories of there dance competitions. He was amazing in how he always had a smile during his hard fight. Condolences to you and your family at this hard time.
Take care!
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Sean Keith I worked with Kenji in Savona for twenty years.His family was a huge source of pride for him.He spoke of his girls with so much love.His positivity was such an inspiration.Not once did he complain.A truly amazing man.He will be missed
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Leslie Malm I am both shocked and saddened to learn of Keji’s passing!! I went to school with Kenji from Grade one up! One thing that stands out to me in my memories of Kenji was his positivity..he was always so enthused, almost bubbly!! He had such pride in his family and LOVED to show off his beautiful daughters!! I’m very sorry for their loss..May they find comfort in knowing how well liked and loved he was…
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Maureen Frantzen I was saddened by the notice posted of Kenji’s passing. He will be greatly missed by your family and his friends. Since I had know her, his dear mother always kept me up to date with all the great events during his life as well as his fight with cancer. She will also be missed. It is sad that this happened so close together. Be strong dear Anne….love and hugs to you, Kiana and Akina.
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Erika, John & Family Anne & family,
Wishing you sweet memories to carry you through the pain of your loss. We are all so sad to hear of Kenji’s passing.
Sincerely,
John & Erika Barten & Family
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Cindy Carusi Sending my condolences. Anne I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. Kiana and Alkina so sorry for the loss of your dad. Cindy Carusi (Gaspard).
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Kim Cunningham-Alexander Anne ~ I am so sorry to hear of Kenji’s passing. I have fond memories of him. I am sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you and your daughters and family at this time. My deepest condolences to you all at this difficult time. Kim Cunningham-Alexander
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Ray and Irene Kennedy Condolences to the family. Cherish the memory of his big smile and heart. He was very kind. RIP
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Anne Clayton Anne and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Kenji’s passing. I never knew him well but got to know of him through my work with you. He sounds like a good man who will be missed. Sending you hugs and lots of love.
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Chris Oike I am so sorry to hear that Kenji has passed on. I will remember him as a positive, friendly, and gentle man who always had a big smile. Hold on tight to all the good memories.
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Ian & Lori Landy Kenji always treated us like family. He was an inspiration and source of positivity. He is missed.
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Shawn Read Dean Anne, Kiana, and Akina
For almost 20 years we had the privilege to be your neighbours in Kamloops. You have an amazing family and it was wonderful watching the girls grow up. Kenji was always such a positive person and I always enjoyed our conversations about family, sports, and the general comings and goings of our kids. We miss all of you as neighbours and will dearly miss Kenji.
You are in our thoughts always…
Shawn, Nadine, Emma, & Nicholas
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Scott Hatfield I worked with Kenji at SSP in Savona for about 7 years. Sometimes we worked the same shift, and when ever we did he always seemed to brighten my day. He was an easy person to talk to and usually had a smile on his face. I am very sorry for your loss, he was taken too young.
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Sandra Gold Dear Anne,
Please accept my sincere condolences on your terrible loss. I hope that the love of your family and friends will support you and your children at this very sad time.
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Ivan-Bub-Adolph So sad to hear of Kenji’s passing,a great man, always had good talks and laughs through the years of working with him. Condolences to Anne and the girls. He will be definitely be missed.
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Orra Storkan Dear Annie and family:
So sorry to hear of Kenji’s passing. We are all thinking of you and send our deepest condolences.
Love Orra (also on behalf of John & Karol and Jo & Sue.)
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Stephanie Kenji was a wonderful person who always had a smile on his face and a minute to spare for a chat. Condolences to Anne and the girls and the rest of the extended family.
Love from Stephanie and David Witt
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Lyle Steliga So very sorry to hear of Kenji’s passing. He was one of my favorite hockey buddy’s. We spent much time talking laughing and just enjoying the moments we had. My heart is heavy this day. My condolences to Anne and the girls.
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Carol Dickie RIP Kenji, my condolences to the family. I also worked with Kenji at Ainsworth, loved his sense of humor.
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Jane Christy So sorry to hear this sad news. May he rest in peace. We both worked with him at Ainsworth. Enjoyed his sense of humor.
Jane Christy and Mark Smith
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Sharon and Marvin McGillis So very sorry, condolences to Anne and the girls.
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Tammie Ozanne I am so sorry for your loss Anne. Kenji was a very sweet man and I always enjoyed a chat with him.
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Kim Bruce and I were sorry to hear of Kenji’s passing. Always enjoyed watching him play hockey. Our thoughts are with all his family at this time.
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Errin Gregory Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We have nothing but good memories of Kenji. He was a very positive role model to Erick growing up, especially as a hockey coach. Love and hugs from Erick, the boys and I.
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Jane Silversides Dearest Anne,
This beautiful piece of writing touched my heart. You summed up the way Kenji enjoyed people and people enjoyed him. He was a very honest, straight forward person, very proud of his daughters and wife. I believe he had an excellent life on Earth and knew how to make the best of it. Now, he will be moving on to contribute his wisdom and his support in another realm. Being proud of someone you love is one of the best gifts one can receive, and I think you have received this gift, Anne, Kiana and Akina. Being aligned with a true hearted, good person is a blessing that doesn’t ever really go away. May you continue to be blessed by his love for you all your lives.
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Barry & Anna Kato Dear Anne, Kiana & Akina,
We were saddened to learn of Kenji’s passing. We admired Kenji’s positive attitude for life and will remember him with many fond memories.
Sending our prayers and thoughts for comfort and strength at this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Barry & Anna Kato
Dear Anne, Kiana and Akina,
We are deeply saddened and heartbroken to hear the demise of Kenji. I remember the days spent in Kamloops when I occasionally saw Kenji with you. He had a cheerful disposition and was a very kind hearted person. I pray to the almighty God to give you strength to bear this unbearable loss. Rest in peace Kenji.