Toru Kato

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Toru Kato of Richmond, BC on March 22, 2015; eight days short of his 91st birthday. He died at Richmond General Hospital with his family at his side.

Toru was born in Japan on March 30, 1924. Looking out for the best opportunities for his young family and nudged perhaps by a sense of wanderlust, Toru, with family in tow, came to Canada in 1965 after a “five-year layover” in Brazil. Settling first in Edmonton, the family moved onto Fort Nelson and finally settled in Richmond. A life-long builder of model ships and airplanes, he enjoyed flying and sailing his models at Garry Point Park in Richmond. He also enjoyed displaying his fleet of model fishing boats at the Steveston Salmon Festival on Canada Day and at the Britannia Shipyards Historic Site.

The family are deeply grateful to the staff at the BC Cancer Agency, Richmond General Hospital and Dr. C. Ling for the care provided. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Richmond Firefighters Society, 1210-11980 Hammersmith Way, Richmond, BC V7A 0A4 or to the BC Cancer Foundation, www.bccancerfoundation.com.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER PARISH, 4451 Williams Road, Richmond, BC, with Father David Poirier, celebrant, followed by a reception.