HARRY KIYOSHI TABATA
August 9, 1921 - February 25, 2012
Harry Tabata, devoted husband, father, brother and friend to many passed away peacefully at home on February 25, 2012.
Survived by Hannah, his loving wife of 61 years, daughter Joy Voykin, son Les (Colleen) of Kamloops, grandchildren Dean Voykin (Jess) of Calgary, AB, and Spencer Voykin, Nicola and Aiden Tabata all of Kamloops. Also left to mourn are brother Saburo (Nobue) Tabata of Burnaby, and numerous nephews and cousins in British Columbia and Japan.
Predeceased by father Seijiro and mother Masae Tabata, sister Fumiko Nakano, brother Takao and son-in-law Stan Voykin.
Harry was born in Steveston, BC in 1921. His family moved to Kelowna when Harry was a child. Subsequently, the family relocated to Japan where Harry attended elementary school. Accompanied by his grandfather, Harry returned to Canada as a teenager and later found employment at Britannia Mine. In 1942, Harry was uprooted from the west coast of British Columbia and was required to relocate to the BC interior for the remainder of the Second World War. After the War, Harry was employed at a sawmill in the Kamloops area.
Harry and Hannah were married in Montreal in 1950 and settled in Kamloops, BC. Daughter Joy arrived in 1953, followed by son Les in 1956. Harry was unable to continue as a sawmill worker due to a workplace injury. After a period of rehabilitation, he re-entered the workforce as a custodian-engineer with the then School District 24 (now SD 73). His friendly nature and work ethic endeared him to students and staff alike. Harry retired in 1984 after 27 years of service. Spending quality time with the family was always a priority. Treasured memories include camping trips and sightseeing adventures in western Canada and the United States.
Harry was one of the founding members of the Kamloops Japanese Canadian Association when it formed in 1977. He went on to serve on the KJCA board of directors for many years, including two years as President. He received the National Merit Award from the National Association of Japanese Canadians in 1992 for exemplary community service. Harry and Hannah travelled extensively throughout North America, the Caribbean Islands and Southeast Asia, including several trips to Japan. Although they travelled afar, they always considered Kamloops their home. Harry also enjoyed life's simple pleasures including fishing, gardening and tending to his bonsai trees. He faced many personal challenges during his lifetime with courage, determination and faith. How he lived his life is an inspiration to all who knew him.

He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

Special thanks to doctors Simon Treissman, J. Waller and D. Ottem for their compassionate care of Harry.
A Celebration of Harry's Life will be held on Friday, March 9, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in the Schoening Funeral Chapel, 513 Seymour Street, Kamloops, BC, with Captain The Reverend Isabel Healy-Morrow officiating.
If friends desire, donations in Harry's memory may be made to either the Kamloops Japanese Canadian Association, 160 Vernon Avenue, Kamloops, BC, V2B 1L6 or the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation, 311 Columbia Street, Kamloops, BC, V2C 2T1.
On-line condolences may be expressed at www.schoenings.com