Hiroyoshi Oshiro

Obituary of Hiroyoshi Oshiro

December 20, 1950 – Okinawa, Japan

March 22, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

 

It is with great sadness that the family of Hiroyoshi "Hiro" Oshiro announces his sudden passing on March 22, 2023, at the age of 72 years old in Calgary, Canada.

 

Hiro was born in 1950 in Tomigusuku, Okinawa, Japan.  A strong work ethic was instilled in him from a young age from working on the family farm and training in a tightly knit judo club.  Hiro graduated from an agricultural high school at the age of 18.  With only $50 in cash and the clothes on his back, Hiro flew to Southern Alberta to work at a potato farm as part of an exchange program.  Although life was grueling on the farm, he endured the hard work and poor conditions with his fellow exchange students, many of which would become lifelong friends.

 

After completing the program, Hiro became a Canadian citizen and moved to Calgary, AB.  While working odd jobs, he was introduced to cabinet making and would continue a fulfilling career as a cabinet maker until retirement.  He was highly respected and relied upon by his colleagues and was known as a dedicated, meticulous, and experienced professional.

 

Despite growing up in neighbouring Okinawan villages, Hiro would meet his lifelong partner Keiko, while she was on a work trip in Calgary.  The couple quickly fell in love and got married a year later in Japan surrounded by family and friends.  Hiro and Keiko returned to Calgary and worked tirelessly together to raise a happy family.  Leading by example, Hiro instilled strong morals, work ethic, respect and honor in his sons, Shaun 将吾 (Joanna) and Eric 啓介 (Ashley).  They admired, respected, and loved him for his limitless devotion to his family.

 

His happiness grew exponentially with the birth of his two granddaughters, Tatum 恵 and Claire 花 , who captured his heart and completed his family.  Known as “Ojeech”, he eagerly awaited every Friday visit from the girls and would take them on long walks to Fish Creek Park and the playground, let them pillage his cucumber and tomato garden and sneak them chocolates when Obaachan was not looking.

 

Hiro’s motto was to keep things simple and lead a healthy lifestyle.  He would incorporate this into his daily regiments and hobbies.  From his long walks and bike rides in Fish Creek Park, weekly visits to the Canyon Meadows Pool and YouTube Tai-chi, Hiro found ways to remain physically active.  Armed with his Japanese/English dictionary, he kept his mind sharp by reading the daily Calgary Herald, skillfully solved sudoku puzzles and recently started playing the Japanese flute.

 

In retirement, you could find him spending time with his friends; fishing, having coffee at McDonalds and sharing stories over the phone.  In the summertime he would spend countless hours tending to his flower and vegetable gardens.  He loved sharing his garden bounty with friends and everyone will miss feasting on the yearly harvest.

 

He was the youngest son in a family of ten, a respected brother and a highly regarded friend to many.  Hiro is predeceased by his parents, Keisei and Fumi Oshiro and father-in-law Seitaro Toyama. 

 

Hiro will be dearly missed by his family and friends, will never be far from our hearts and forever in our memories.

Upon Hiro’s request, a private funeral service has been held with his immediate family. 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 Hiroyoshi Oshiro, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Share Your Memory of
Hiroyoshi