Dear E-Mei, Catrin, and Dylan,

I would like to send my deepest condolences to you and your family. I met Yang Sensei when I was around 7 years old, (In the Craigie corridor right outside his office whenever I tagged along to the university with my mom!)

Yang Sensei always greeted me with a Japanese bow followed by a big wide smile and our interactions stayed like this for almost 20 years. As the years went on, I grew to know his family (always via my mom).

My simple interaction format with Yang Sensei stayed consistent just like the growth of both his and my mom's career.

The achievements made VS The people that made it happen in the Japanese department still remains unsolved in my mind.

I know that my mom is so thankful to have had Yang Sensei by her side. He understand my mom and the stresses of her job her family at home never could've and I am certain she is going to hard time figuring out a future at the university without her mentor. My mom wasn't ready to lose her partner in crime in the Japanese department just like I am sure you are all not ready not ready to be able to face a future without your father/husband.

However, I am thankful for many things as I am sure all of you are for having had a husband/father that stayed so strong and optimistic during the darkest of times.

Not only did my mom get to to work with Yang Sensei, but she had the opportunity to be able to teach and get to know his children Catrin and Dylan. Me being in Sharp Sensei's class would've been a nightmare... but I know that having Catrin and Dylan in hers was such a blessing.

I am so thankful to Yang Sensei, E-Mei, Dylan and Catrin for being her U of C work family. My mom has and will always have a special place in her heart for all of you, and my sister and I are heart broken and sending lots of love from Europe.

I have been living in Italy for the last couple of years, but still hope to hear updates from my mom! (I have a feeling it will be from Ryan, as he has clearly established himself as adopted son to both Sharp Sensei and Yang Sensei)

Dylan and Janet, a huge congratulations to your baby on the way! I am sure your father/father-in law would not want you to have anything other than smiles on your faces everyday leading up to the arrival of his future grandson.

先生、ありがとうございました。

To E-Mei, Dyland and Catrin,

I was so saddened to hear of Jie's passing. I got to know him many years ago, largely by accident, when I entered a classroom at the beginning of term to begin setting up for my class and he was erasing his chalk board after teaching his. He always stayed on a bit to chat, impressing me with his warmth, sense of humour, and obvious intelligence. Afterwards it continued to be a pleasure to encounter Jie in hallways or in elevators and continue our conversations. Truly, he enriched my day when I saw him. I don't think that our exchanges lasted over ten or fifteen minutes. Very few people can make such a deep impression on others in such passing encounters. Our university has lost a great colleague. Please accept my most sincere condolences.

George Colpitts (Department of History and Associate Dean, Research, Arts)

I am so sorry to hear about Jie. I always enjoyed being on committees with him and running into him on campus. My sympathies for your loss.

It's 2am in Japan, I woke up in the middle of the night for no reason. I read through sensei's ins, always on the top of my following list. I'm thinking of his tone of voice to read those content, those little moment of his life. And when I suddenly realized I could no longer hear that voice, no longer be able to see his smiling face, tears fall like rain. I miss you, sensei. You are a loving teacher for all of us.

Please rest in peace.

Dear E-Mei, Catrin and Dylan,

I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincerest condolences. Jie was a dear colleague whom I meet in the early nineties when we were hired at the University of Calgary. I will always remember his smile and his grace. L. Torres

From Kim L. Huynh, Department of Art and Art History.

Oct. 21, 2022

My condolence to Yang’s loved ones.

Yang’s friendly smile and gentle expression keep my heart open to others.

My heartfelt condolences to Dr. Yang’s family.

Biljana Arnautovic

Dear E-Mei, Catrin and Dylan,

We are so sorry for your loss. Please accept our sincerest condolences, on behalf of the entire School of Languages, Literatures, Linguistics and Cultures, and particular, of the Division of Chinese and Japanese. There would not be such a thriving Japanese program at the University of Calgary if it wasn’t for Jie. He was deeply respected, and will be greatly missed by his colleagues. We already miss his peaceful presence and his quiet efficacy.

May he rest in peace with the satisfaction of a job well done and with the serenity of a life well lived inspiring others.

Fellow colleagues of SLLLC.

Jie's is a face with a positive spirit that I am familiar with on campus. Consider me a passerby. Consider me blessed to have seen Jie. May his soul rest in peace. May his family and friends find consolation in having known a great person.

I have had the chance work with Jie as a colleague within the School of LLLC. I will always remember his smile and kindness. My deepest condolences to his family.

My sincerest condolences to Dr. X. Jie Yang’s family! I will remember him as a kind and brilliant colleague. What a tragic loss.

Best thing ever happened in my life is being a student of him. I wouldn't be where I am today without Yang sensei's genuine supports and guides. Words can not express how much I appreciate and admire Yang sensei. He always always inspire and encourage me when i had a hard time at school, when i received offer from JET, when I started my career in Japan. Words even my parents never said. The day before I left Calgary to start my new journey in Japan, by the embassy's door gate, he looked into my eyes and said "I am so proud of you." I will never forget that. I am so grateful to be his student. Saying goodbye to him is heartbreaking. He has inspired and made a difference in so many students' future for the better. All these special memories, each and every moment we shared with him will never gone. In the last moment, I saw Yang sensei still kept researching and updating his projects on the blog 絵巻三昧, a blog i always enjoy to read. His instagram posts always make me smile too. He lived a worthwhile and meaningful life, and inspired me to keep going. His kindness, warmth, and his gentle smile, a loving teacher to all of us. We'll miss you.

Yang sensei是全世界最好的老师，我会用我的一生去缅怀他。

I am so thankful to have met Yang Sensei. Words cannot express how thankful I am to have been able to walk my university journey with him. He taught me Japanese and helped me reach one of the most memorable and influential experiences in my life with the JET Programme 17 years ago. In the times that I spoke with him about my concerns, his words were always encouraging; he was always so positive and of all the professors that I had the honor to learn from, his office was always the most welcoming. I remember his unsatiable fondness for technology, unique chuckle and genuine smile. Looking at these comments brings me great joy and melancholy in knowing that he so positively impacted all of our lives in the same way. I truly believe that he lived and celebrated life to its fullest and will continue to remember him with fondness. I will strive to live like he did. Yang Sensei, it was an honour to have you as my teacher. I will always remember you. Thank you!

楊暁捷先生の訃報に接し、驚き悲しんでおります。

先生は日本文学研究の進展と国際化に多大なる貢献を果たされてこられましたが、また国文学研究資料館の研究事業にも格別のご指導を賜りました。

そのご功績は、先生の温かなお人柄とともにいつまでも私たちの心に残ることでしょう。

改めて先生のお仕事に敬意を表し、心よりご冥福をお祈り申し上げます。

国文学研究資料館館長　渡部泰明

The shock, and in its wake the enduring sadness I experienced upon receiving news of Professor Yang's passing, are feelings not easily put into words.

For the study of Japanese literature, to whose advancement and internationalization he made such lasting contributions, and also for my own institution, the National Institute of Japanese Literature, whose projects have benefited so long and so greatly from his generous guidance, the loss of Professor Yang is at once far-reaching and profound.

It is not to be doubted that his works, along with warm memories of his gentle character, will remain forever engraved in the hearts of those fortunate to have known him, among whom we at NIJL are honored to count ourselves.

With deep respect for the scholar and the man, we offer up our prayers for his peaceful rest in the hereafter.

Watanabe Yasuaki, Director, National Institute of Japanese Literature

My sincerest condolences to E-Mei, their children and all of Dr. X. Jie Yang’s loved ones. I had the great honour of working closely with X. Jie and found him to be a truly amazing, dedicated and caring professor, a gentleman scholar in every sense of the words. will always remember X. Jie for his beautiful smile and his positive and humble spirit. I am filled with sadness for this tremendous loss and my heart goes out to his family.

楊暁捷さんのご逝去の報をいただきました。

心からお悔みを申し上げます。

楊さんが京都大学の大学院に留学なさった時、私もまだ大学院生で、共に学びさまざまに論議を重ねてきました。

その後、再度京都で半年間研究滞在をなさった時、私の勤めていた奈良女子大学の国際交流会館を宿舎として利用していただき、楊さん手作りの餃子を作ってもらいって双方の家族一緒に食べました。別の機会には、今度は奈良の生駒市の私の家に来てもらい、近くにある行基菩薩の墓（竹林寺）を自転車で訪問しました。竹林寺が楊さんのネット上公開の写真アルバムに収められておりうれしいです。病状が芳しくないことと併せ、このアドレスを教えてもらってのメールのやりとりが最後の会話となりました。またそれから一ヶ月と少ししか経っていません。こんなに早いお別れになるとはと悲しんでおります。

思い出は尽きませんが、40年以上の親しい友人関係にあらためて感謝します。ご遺族のみなさまにお疲れの出ませんように。楊さんと会うといつも、りっぱな社会人となられたお子さんたちのことを話してらしたことを思い出します。

楊さん

　40年前の10月、あなたと同じ飛行機で来日し留学生活を始めた。京都に行くと、光華寮でいつも料理を作ってもてなしてくれた。速くて美味しい、という評判でした。学生時代最高の思い出になった北海道旅行も楊さんがいたからと言える。6年後、留学生を終えてまた同じ飛行機で帰国し、それぞれ北京の大学で教壇に立った。また期せずして同じ時期に再来日した。奥様とカナダに移り住んでからも、家族ぐるみの付き合いが続き、変わらず身近な存在だった。それほど頻繁とは言えないが、年に数回かメールで近況を報告し合っていた。2020年春、コロナ禍で気が滅入っていた頃何気なく書いたメールの返信に、初めてがんの宣告を受けていたことを知ることになった。すでに大変な時期が過ぎ、安定していること、心配無用と書いてあった。『中国21』に寄稿を頼んだのはその大変な時期だったと初めて気づいた。快諾してくれ、誰よりも早く原稿を送ってくれた。お身体のことを気にしながら、あまり立ち入らず遠くから見守ることにしていた。モーメンツの投稿から元気に毎日を過ごしている様子が伝わり、見るのが楽しみであった。9月20日の投稿を最後に投稿されていないのが気になったが、インスタグラムにご子息の写真に「いいね」が付いているのが10月4日だった。もうすぐお孫さんが生まれることを写真で知り、メールをしようと思った矢先に訃報に接した。最後の最後まで人生を全うした楊さんの生きざまに頭が下がる。最愛の夫、父を失ったご家族にお悔やみ申し上げます。私も最高の友人を失った。来日40周年という節目の年の10月にあなたが逝ってしまうなんて、この受け入れがたい現実に打ちひしがれている。しかし、誰よりも濃縮した人生を送り、愛する家族に囲まれ看取られた最期を遂げたあなたはやはり幸せものであった。

Since hearing this week of Professor Yang's sudden passing, I find myself, even now, fully at a loss for words. Thinking of how much I learned from his work, and how often I benefited from his advice over the years, I am simply filled with gratitude for all his constant encouragement and kind support. In the years ahead, I know that I will never forget what he taught me, or his always warmhearted smile, and I pray for his peaceful repose.

Saitō Maori, National Institute of Japanese Literature

I would like to express my deepest condolences on the passing of Professor Yang.　

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and colleagues.

During my tenure as Dean of the Center for International Academic Affairs, Professor Yang established and nurtured an invaluable partnership with Senshu University.

I would like to thank him again and offer my sincere prayers that his soul may rest in peace.

Professor Yutaka Takahashi, Former Dean of International Academic Affairs, Senshu University

忆晓捷

薛德意

２０２２年１０月２０日

听到杨晓捷教授过世的消息，真不敢相信。

疫情这几年，没有和晓捷聚。去年年底，在超市见到晓捷和他太太，他还是那样充满了活力。

和晓捷第一次见面是１９９５年，那时我刚来卡尔加里大学工作。晓捷是第一届教育部选拔的赴日留学生，比我早了四届。晓捷的专业是日本中古历史，相当于中国唐宋朝代。当时日本京都大学获得文科博士学位极难，许多教授都没有博士头衔。晓捷是为数极少的外国人博士获得者。

晓捷不但对日本中古的政治，经济和文化有深刻的研究，对于信息极少的当时的民俗也颇为精通。我当初在日留学时很少看中古的东西，最多看了几部相当于清朝的江户时代的电影。有一次，晓捷告诉我他出了一本书，我急忙借来阅读。内容是晓捷在什么收藏的博物馆里看到类似于清明上河图的一幅长画，大概是折叠式的。由此引发对当时民俗的讨论。书中关于中古的论述我是看了个云山雾罩，文字也是一团雾水，连主题现在也记不清了。但是有十几页纸的内容至今记忆尤新。画中有一人，肩上的扁担挑着两只木桶。讨论的内容是木桶里装的是水还是油。结论我现在记不大清了，大概是油，其实当时也不大关心。但晓捷论证时的旁征博引，逻辑推敲，以及对当时经济，文化和民俗的精通程度，大有胡适之当年研究红楼梦的劲头，使我彻底折服。

晓捷的书法，木匠作品，蛋黄炒螃蟹，．．．都成了过去。

愿晓捷在天之灵得到安息。

I am so very sad to learn of X. Jie's passing. I worked with him at the University of Calgary for many years developing international group programs for students in Japanese language. He also was a wonderful source for me in protocols, culture and just being a great colleague over all. I was so honoured when he invited me to witness his receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, the highest honour that the Japanese government bestows on foreigners who have enhanced and developed the culture of Japan outside of Japan.

I know how much X. Jie loved his family, especially his beloved wife. His kindness flowed from him and I am so grateful to have known him for most of my career at the UofC. Rest well friend. You have earned your peace.

Yang Sensei was the professor that brought my group to Japan on an exchange trip. During that time... We created an accurate, but embarassing nickname for him. We called him "Papa Yang". When we went for our first conveyor belt sushi, he told us to eat as much as we possibly could because he was paying... It was very clear to us that Professor Yang did not just see us as students of the University, but his precious students, and treated us like family.

Our group had a reunion many months later and invited him to join us. Even with his busy schedule, he showed up and ate with us as we exchanged gifts. He gave our group money, so that we could plan another event together, and not lose touch. His goal as a professor was not just to prepare us academically, but he wanted us to thrive in our lives.

Lastly, he wrote my reference letter which allowed me to work at my current job. I would not be living in Japan, working an amazing job, or making an impact on this community, if it wasn't for Yang Sensei. He has left a legacy with his children, undoubtedly, but he has also left a legacy with his students. The things I accomplish in Japan. The students I help. The people I impact. Those are all a part of Yang Sensei's legacy too.

I thank you with all my heart professor. Sleep well Papa Yang.

Kang-Min Yi （李康民）

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Yang Sanの悲報にショックを受けました。このショックを受け止めるにはかなり時間がかかりそうです。何より、ご家族の皆様にお悔み申し上げますとともに、心からご冥福をお祈り致します。

Yang Sanに初めて会ったのは、1986年の春、京都大学に留学した時でした。それ以来、36年間、友人としてまた研究者として、あれこれお世話になりました。ベルリン、サンディエゴ、トロント、ソウルでの思い出が走馬灯のように去来します。Yang Sanと最後に逢ったのは、2018年5月、日文研創立30周年記念シンポジウムの席上でした。コロナ禍の2021年11月には、ZOOMの画像でいっしょにパネル討論を試みました。その結果としてYang Sanの原稿をいただき、今年3月に本の形でソウルで出版しました。その新刊をカルガリーに送り、Yang Sanから本が無事届いたとのメールがあったのは、今年5月です。これがYang Sanとの最後の交信になってしまいました。ご病状が悪化していたとはつゆ知らず、本当に胸が痛みます。

Yang San!! お安らかにお眠りになってください。本当にお疲れさまでした。

Yang San!!

Rest in peace. Thank you for all the time we had together.

Thank you Yang Sensei for all the interesting courses you taught at the U of C. You will be greatly missed. Rest in eternal peace

Yang Sensei was an amazing educator and an amazingly kind and patient human. He left us with so many wonderful memories, learning, and experiences. Sending love to family and loved ones.

Dear Dr. Yang’s family

On behalf of all the members of BUNGO-bun Project (study group of teaching classical Japanese for non-native speakers), please accept our deepest sympathies.

Dr. Yang has been actively contributing to the society since its inception. Just last year in February, we had the privilege of hearing him present his excellent research. Two websites created by Dr. Yang, “Kobun On-Line” and “Classical Japanese in 5 Minutes,” and furthermore the blog “Emaki zanmai,” are without a doubt among the most valuable resources for the study of Classical Japanese.

心からご冥福をお祈りいたします。

BUNGO-bun Project

憶及楊教授在2018 年 為我們加拿大亞省古箏協會（Alberta Chinese Zither Association)做了一場精采的長恨歌日本繪卷專題講座，分享的應該正是金教授所言2015楊教授偕夫人的西安行，金教授及夫人錄製朗誦配樂的長恨歌。由此可見到楊教授為學術界所做的串連與發揚，從中國到日本，從西方到東方，完美學者稱號，絕對當之無愧。

哲人已遠，哀思逾恆，惟願祝福，楊教授 天路好行，安返天家～

蘇偉琪 秋 2022 於 Calgary Canada

晓捷兄一路走好！你的笑容永远留在我们心中！御冥福をお祈りいたします。陳捷より

May the soul of our beloved lecturer and colleague rest in perfect peace until we meet again!

吉田修（Osamu Yoshida）

楊先生の訃報に接し、心より哀悼の意を表します。

私と楊先生のお付き合いは、1998年から始まりました。当時、楊先生はカルガリー大学の準教授と国際日本文化研究センター（International Research Center for Japanese Studies）の

客員研究員を務めておられ、３回ニューテクノロジー振興財団懸賞論文「"文化・遊び・すごろく」で優秀賞を受賞されました。私は、この論文をネットで拝読し、

賞賛のメールをお送りしたことから今日までのお付き合いが始まりました。私の家族と先生ご家族と城崎温泉で遊んだり、また、私の双六関連の出版やHP（http://www.sugoroku.net/）作成に

多くのアドバイスや励ましをいただきました。先生が来日された折に、何度も東京グルメを楽しんだことも懐かしい思い出です。先生はいつも穏やかで、知的で、話題豊富でした。

ご家族の写真もよく送っていただきました。いつか、絵巻物や絵双六の話しをじっくりしたいものです。本当にありがとうございました。

Osamu Yoshida

I would like to express my heartfelt condolences upon hearing the news of Dr. Yang's passing.

My relationship with Dr. Yang began in 1998. At that time, Professor Yang was an associate professor at the University of Calgary and a professor at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies.

He is a visiting researcher, and won the award for excellence in the three-time New Technology Promotion Foundation prize essay "Culture, Play, Sugoroku". I read this article online and

Since I sent you an email of praise, our relationship to this day began. Playing in Kinosaki Onsen with my family and my teacher's family.

I received a lot of advice and encouragement. It is also a fond memory that I enjoyed Tokyo gourmet many times when I visited Japan. The teacher was always calm, intelligent, and rich in topics.

You also sent us your family photos. Someday, I would like to take a closer look at the story of picture scrolls and picture sugoroku. I'm really thankful to you.

Noriko　ITASAKA

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

I was deeply saddened by the news of 楊暁捷　death.

Xiao Jie Yang　has been a dear friend of mine for a long time.

I have so many grateful memories of 楊暁捷.

I’m really going to miss him.

I don't know how much I can thank him.

I would like to express my deepest sympathy.

I am very sorry for your loss.

Please let me know if there’s anything I can do for you.

我和杨晓捷先生相识于2007年日本国文学研究资料馆举办的国际日本文学集会上，以后一直有交流。杨老师给我留下近乎完美的学者印象，感觉他始终都是乐呵呵的，学术上独树一帜，热爱生活。杨晓捷先生携夫人2015年6月访问了西安交通大学，作了两场学术讲座，我们一同游览了兵马俑和华清池。这些年我就一些英语表达的问题请教过杨老师。就在今年5月，我创作的歌曲《我希望这世界不再有硝烟》的歌词英语翻译，是杨老师帮我联系的加拿大专家作了校对，再次致谢。杨老师的离去对我来说有些突然，向家人致以深切的问候，杨老师安息。

西安交通大学 金中 2022年10月18日

I enjoyed visiting Dr. Yang in his office. He would make us tea with very expensive, high quality tea leaves as we chatted. When I got accepted to the PhD program, I went to his office right way. “Oh, you got accepted. It won’t be easy. Are you sure?” I was already scared, and he helped me feel even more insecure! But after making sure this was what I wanted to do, Dr. Yang turned into the kind, positive, enthusiastic and passionate professor that I’d known. He encouraged me to do well in the program and hired me as his TA and RA until he became sick and could no longer teach. During his leave, we kept in touch. I would send him pictures of my owls and their babies, robin’s nest and their babies, deer and gophers, and he would keep me updated on his “personal” academic projects.

I’ve never studied at a Japanese university, but whenever I talked to Dr. Yang, I wondered if this is what it feels like talking to a professor in Japan, the way he spoke, with confidence, his choice of words, how he was encouraging and respectful. He made students believe they can do anything.

I miss Dr. Yang very much.

My sincere and deepest condolences to his family.

あなたの笑顔は周囲を明るくしています。これからも、いつまでも、わたしたちの心を灯されていくことでしょう。

悼念好友杨晓捷

几夜噩梦又重游，

今晨悲泪溢不休。

晓捷抗癌整叁载，

顽强意志鬼见愁。

旧日好友来相送，

音容笑貌浮心头。

热情聪明众人爱，

云天九重在相逢。

韩兆华敬上

2022年10月15日

Dylan, Catrin, and Yang Family,

Ai and I were deeply saddened to hear the news of your Dad’s passing. While we may not have seen him frequently, he was a big figure in our lives, and really, truly made an outsized impact. We have only the best memories of him, and we will keep those as precious.

Two anecdotes in particular stand out for me as evidence of Yang-sensei’s character:

1. For those of us who were his students, he will always be Yang-sensei. And he truly embodied the role of “teacher”. I remember on one of the last days of the Senshu Group Study Program (which he was in charge of that year) another student and I ran into Yang-sensei at the Uniqlo at the west exit of Shinjuku station. He was doing typical human stuff – shopping for socks. We were on our way out to a night-on-the-town, but we probably should have been back at the dorm putting the finishing touches on our final projects. Yang-sensei made no mention of it - he encouraged us to have a great time and to enjoy the experiences of being in Japan. It was really this positive, cheerful, and encouraging attitude to which he approached his students that was the most impactful. Moreover, he was more than just a teacher of the Japanese language, he was a teacher of Japan.

2. When I applied for entry into Law School at the University of Calgary, I was required to provide two reference letters. I asked Yang-sensei for one letter. The second letter fell through shortly before the deadline. In the end, I only provided the one letter from Yang-sensei. I don’t have any idea what he wrote in that letter, but it clearly had his typical outsized impact, because I was accepted despite the deficiency. I am forever grateful for whatever he wrote in that letter. Truly a giant.

Your family will remain in our thoughts, and your Dad will remain in our memories.

Christopher Johnson and Ai Yazaki (Kawasaki, Japan)

Our deepest condolence to Dr. Yang’s family

We, all the members of CAJLE are deeply saddened to hear the news of Dr. Yang’s passing.

On behalf of all CAJLE (Canadian Association for Japanese Language Education) members, I am sending my deepest condolences to Dr. Yang’s family.

Dr. Yang was a member and had served as a board member in our association. He contributed so much to promoting Japanese language education in Canada and the relationship between Canada and Japan. His passion for Japanese language education inspired all Japanese language instructors in Canada and beyond. We are feeling a significant loss now, but we will continue to cherish what Dr. Yang has left for our association.

In addition to his contributions, what we remember the most is the care Dr. Yang showed everyone he met. His kindness and sincere warmth touched us through our conferences and CAJLE activities. It is our honour to be able to know him and work with him. We miss Dr. Yang deeply, but we will remember Dr. Yang for his big warm smile he always showed to us.

With our sincere siympathy,

Mika Kimura (CAJLE, president)

I am so sorry to hear of Jie's passing. He was a supportive mentor who encouraged everyone around him to take on work that they are passionate about. I'll always be grateful to Jie for teaching me to use chopsticks. He will be missed. Please accept my deepest condolences.

I am very sad to hear of Jie's passing, far too soon. I remember working with him on various projects and he was always a pleasure to be with, positive and full of ideas. My deepest condolences to his family.

I’ll miss Jie, one of my favourite colleagues. Jie was an intelligent, reliable and generous person. He was a true scholar who had many brilliant ideas and liked to share them with us. I have benefited many times from his sound advice. The University of Calgary will no longer be the same for me without his smile and optimistic outlook.My heart goes out to E-Mei, Dylan and Catrin.

Our fond memories of 捷go back to the early 90s when he and 峨嵋arrived at the Univ. of Toronto where he quickly went from being a visiting scholar to a Japanese instructor, then a tenure track professor at the University of Calgary. What followed was an illustrious career of teaching, publishing, and administrating. Yet, his family and friends remained central in his life as 峨嵋,多多, and 巧巧 grew under his guidance, giving him much pride and many stories of their accomplishments. It is with heartfelt sadness that we offer our condolences to them, but also in knowing that they can be as proud of 捷/父 as he was of you. Lloyd, Shu-ning, Rowan, Rya (羅一﹐恕寧﹐平平﹐均均)

I’m so sad to hear of Jie’s passing. I have many fond memories of his positive attitude and welcoming manner. As Department Head he was supportive and encouraging and we could always depend on him to take photos of events and make them available to everyone. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to E-Mei and the rest of his family.

I am so very sorry to hear of Jie's far too early passing. I remember so very clearly when he came to the University of Calgary and enriched our department with his optimistic personality and positive approach to life - I remember him saying once: "This is a happy day!" in reference to something now forgotten, though it could have been anything as that was his general attitude. My very warmest condolences to his wife and two wonderful children, whom he clearly loved so dearly and of whom he was so very proud.

My name is Maiko Tsuda, and I am the editor of Maar-sha, the publisher responsible for Yan's book to be published in November 2022. Since the end of last year, he had contacted Yang more than 100 times in preparation for the book's publication, and the rest was just to print it. It is very disappointing that the book was not finished in time. I still remember him smiling and shaking the screen at a ZOOM meeting in June of this year. Mr. Yang always checked my manuscripts immediately and gave me polite feedback on my suggestions. We were able to enter the manuscript safely and shared our joy. Rest in peace. Working with Yan has been a great learning experience and valuable time. Thank you very much.

2022年11月に刊行される楊様の本を担当する、出版社マールの編集者・津田麻衣子と申します。昨年末から楊様と本の出版に向けて100回以上やり取りをし、あとは印刷のみのところまで来ていたため、たいへん悔しく残念に思っています。今年6月のZOOMミーティングの際、画面越しに笑顔で手を振ってくださる朗らかなお姿を今でも覚えています。楊様はいつも私の原稿をすぐに確認してくださり、提案に対して丁寧にフィードバックしてくださいました。無事入稿できた際には、二人で喜びを分かち合いました。楊様とのお仕事は、たいへん学びが多く、貴重な時間でした。どうもありがとうございました。直接お会いして、お伝えしたかったです。心よりご冥福をお祈り申し上げます。

We are so saddened to hear about the passing of Xiaojie. He was such a kind-hearted person, such an outstanding scholar, and one of our best friends. With a creative artistic mind, everything he made or worked on carried his signature style. We particularly enjoyed listening to him telling about his travel experiences every time he came back from a research trip or a family vacation, for his narrative style made everything related entertaining and fascinating. There is no doubt that the way he made his life so beautiful and admirable will never cease to be an inspiration to us. Xiaojie, you will live in our hearts forever! Shaobo Xie and Liya Yuan (谢少波、袁丽娅)

We are so saddened to hear about the passing of Xiaojie. He was such a kind-hearted person, such an outstanding scholar, and one of our best friends. With a creative artistic mind, everything he made or worked on carried his signature style. We particularly enjoyed listening to him telling about his travel experiences every time he came back from a research trip or a family vacation, for his narrative style made everything related entertaining and fascinating. There is no doubt that the way he made his life so beautiful and admirable will never cease to be an inspiration to us. Xiaojie, you will live in our hearts forever! Shaobo Xie and Liya Yuan (谢少波、袁丽娅)

Thank you for all the happy memories Uncle Yang! We will always cherish your joy for life and kindness.

Xiao Jie was the best friend of ours. We shared a lot of loving memories over the past 11 years. We, 4 couples, have been gathering every season since 2012 and enjoyed same very much. Xiao Jie would take photos for us with his new camera and send us the photos as soon as he arrived home. We were so impressed by his swift action, just like his name, Jie. He had never complained of anything. Nothing could bother him at all because he was always confident, efficient and reliable. In Aug. 2019, Xiao Jie announced his diagnosis of late stage esophagus cancer. We prayed together to God for his mercy and healing power. Xiao Jie actively participated in chemotherapy as well as conventional treatment. Nest year, Xiao Jie told us that the treatment was effective and his cancer lump was shrinking 25% each time he had ultrasound or CT scan. He was so courageous and optimistic that I started to question the accuracy of his cancer diagnosis. Xiao Jie was laughing with us, taking photos and videos for us at the back yard of my home on June 25th, 2022. His wife E-Mei told us that his book in Japanese will be published in Japan in Nov. 2022. Never did we know that was our last gathering...We are saddened by his passing. We are still in deep grieving. Xiao Jie, you will be remembered in our minds and hearts forever. May you rest in peace.

The news of Dr. Yang’s passing was such a shock to me….

Dr. Yang, or Yang-sensei as I always called him, was always very positive and inspiring. I met him around 1997, when I started teaching Japanese at the University of Alberta. We shared a lot of laughs and occasional agony — like the rental-car related incident we had in Berlin, back in 2000… to when we co-organized many speech contests and a few national speech contests. I learned so much from you, not only about teaching Japanese, but also how you should not let the trivial things in life bother you.

Yang-sensei, you were such an inspiration and encouragement to all of us. It was a such an honour to have been able to work with you all those years.

What a shocking and sad news, I lost a great tennis partner on court. Professor Yang, the kindest and nicest person in our tennis group, will be missed dearly by all the group members.

Condolences to professor Yang's family。I know Mr. Yang from Chinese tennis socioty。The tennis courts in front of his house is his "HOME"。There, in a spring afternoon of April，Mr. Yang and me pushed left over snow aside, built a tiny court , then rallied。He told me the story why he bought the house...I felt his passion for tennis。By reading his obituary，just found out "tennis -dad" would be one of his hats ;) 63 years is short，but Mr. Yang's achievements list is very long。We were/are blessed by his presence。胡燕林 YanLin Hu