Obituary of Toranobu Goto

Cherished husband, exuberant father and grandfather and a generous friend, Tiger passed away quietly at home, at 2:55 AM, on November 22nd, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. He will be profoundly missed by his wife, Kyoko; his daughters, Naomi, Hiromi, Nozomi, Ayumi; his grandchildren, Koji and Sae; his sons-in-law, Chris Goto-Jones, Tamotsu Tongu, Craig Bridges, and Remi Paradis. His passing will also be deeply felt by his surviving siblings in Japan, Maruko Takahashi, Kikuzou Goto, Miruko Sei, Seiko Nakamoto, Shizue Goto; and also by his many cousins, nieces and nephews. Born on March 25, 1938 (Showa 13) in Hakusui-Mura, Aso-Gun, Kumamoto-Ken, Japan, to Sadamu and Shinae Goto, Tiger attended Hakusui National Public School. He graduated from Oozu Koutou High School in 1932, and helped with the family farm for one year before joining the Air Self Defence Force (ASDF). He was an accomplished Kendo practitioner and won numerous tournaments. He left the ASDF in 1963, and in the same year, married Kyoko (nee Kai) at their Baptist Church in Miyazaki-Ken. His faith in Christ sustained him throughout his life. Tiger attended The Agricultural University of Tokyo (Nodai) while working full-time as a delivery and salesperson for the national newspaper, Mainichi Shimbun. He persevered on three hours of sleep every night for five years until graduation in 1969. During this time, Naomi and Hiromi were born. In December of 1969, Tiger and his family immigrated to Canada and settled in the lower mainland of British Columbia where Nozomi and Ayumi were born. Tiger and Kyoko, with the help of Naoe Kiyokawa, established their own business, Tiger Mushroom Farm, Ltd. in Langley, BC, where they remained until 1978 before relocating to Nanton, Alberta. Tiger and Kyoko worked vigorously and optimistically through many years of challenging and joyful times on their Nanton farm. They sponsored numerous families from Asia during the eighties and with the generous support of the Nanton community sponsored many exchanges with Nodai students and other youths from many walks of life. Tiger was a member of the former Lions’ Club, and was made a lifetime member of the Nanton Booster Club. Tiger and Kyoko sold the farm early this year and retired to Calgary, AB. Tiger was passionately engaged with many scholarly pursuits and was at his happiest while reading from his diverse collection of books whilst listening to classical music. Philosophy, poetry, religion, world politics, history, anthropology and science were some of the many subjects that fascinated and delighted him. Tiger was fortunate enough to travel to five continents. Generous to a fault, he enjoyed socializing with his many friends and family who visited him from all over the world. His connection with people was immediate, his charisma and distinct sense of humour having captivated all who met him. He was a bright and shining light. We will miss him. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Saturday, November 26, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Oxfam Canada, #200, 215 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 2C7 TELEPHONE: 1-800-466-9326, specifiy donations for the earthquake relief in Pakistan. In living memory of Tiger Goto, 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.