Obituary of Leonard Naoshi Yamauchi

On Wednesday, July 25, 2007, Alberta lost one of its most hard working and proud citizens. Leonard was born in Maybridge, AB, a tiny village north of Edmonton. His family settled in another small village in Opal, AB, which spawned many distinguished Albertans. In October of 1941, Leonard left Opal. His brother, Henry, accompanied him to the Greyhound bus station, where Henry bid his big brother a sad farewell. Leonard’s journey brought him to Calgary on October 7, 1941, a day that was etched in his memory and celebrated every year by our family. Like today, Calgary held many promises and opportunities for young people and Leonard took full advantage of them. He obtained employment with Precision Machine and Foundry on his arrival as his brother, Gus, already had a position with that firm. He knew nothing of machines at that time, so he studied at local libraries and used the facilities at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology to obtain that knowledge. After working for Precision Machine and Foundry for several years, he felt he needed to become his own boss. With his friend, Wally Humfrey, he formed Allied Machinists and soon after that, this business was joined by another friend, John Lubbers. Leonard was also becoming interested in the graphic arts industry and he began to do some work with Allied Press Specialties. In 1960, he purchased shares in this company, and in 1971, he and his wife, Yo, became sole shareholders. Leonard was known by those in the graphic arts industry as the most knowledgeable individual in Western Canada in the operation, repair, erection and dismantling of printing presses. Leonard loved his work; so much so that he worked every day until his so-called retirement at the age of 83. In fact, he felt his work was his best holiday. Leonard was also an avid sportsman. He played baseball, curled and golfed at an elite level. He was a dedicated sports fan, as well, supporting the Flames, the Stampeders and the Blue Jays. He never liked the idea of seeing the Grey Cup, Stanley Cup or the World Series being won by other than a Canadian team. Leonard celebrated life and that celebration will be continued through Yo, his wife of fifty-seven years, and his children, Gail (Pat) McCarthy, Keith (Donna Scott and Graeme) and Jo-Ann (Barry Cochrane). He adored his grandchildren, Kimiko (Nick Comeau), Tom and Michiko McCarthy and Kelvin Cochrane, who will continue to celebrate the life of their Jichan. Leonard will be reunited with his father and mother, Sampei and Kon Yamauchi, and his brothers, Shoji and Gus, and will be missed by his sisters, Kazuko Callow, Florence (Ben) Shikaze and his brothers Henry and Joe (Nancy). A Memorial Service will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Monday, July 30, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. In living memory of Leonard Yamauchi, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.