Obituary of Keiko Hinatsu

March 11, 1924 - Steveston, British Columbia

October 18, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Keiko Hinatsu, affectionately known as Kay, passed away quietly with her daughter Carol by her side at Evanston Grand Village on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at the age of 99 years.

Keiko was born in Steveston, British Columbia on March 11, 1924. She was born with a twin sister named Aiko (predeceased), of which Keiko was the oldest. Keiko lived in Steveston until the war and the family was interned in Lorette, Manitoba. After the war, the family returned to Wakayamaken and Keiko worked as house manager for an American General. Keiko’s brother Ty Shoji Minamide (predeceased) and his wife Elsie Minamide were the go between for Keiko and husband Kazuo Hinatsu (predeceased). Keiko traveled back to Canada by boat, and they were the first couple to marry in the Manitoba Buddhist Temple on January 27, 1951. Keiko was dedicated to her family and always made sure that all who visited her home left with some token of her love. She enjoyed attending the Calgary Kotobuki Society, Calgary Buddhist Temple, gambling, Tai chi, visiting with her friends, flowers, and traveling. Keiko will be remembered most for her infectious smile.

A private cremation ceremony was held in Calgary on October 26, 2023, presided by Sensei Robert Gubenco, to whom we are forever thankful for the lovely service, as well as to McInnis and Holloway.

Keiko is survived by her two daughters, Sharon Akemi Hinatsu (Christopher Williams) and Carol Naoko Hinatsu (Rissa); sister-in-law Elsie Minamide, and numerous nephews and nieces.  Keiko is predeceased by her husband Kazuo, parents Kanjuro and Nao; brother Ty Shoji Minamide, and twin sister Aiko Minamide.

A Celebration of Keiko’s Life will be held in the spring at the Calgary Buddhist Temple (658 1 Ave. N. E., Calgary, AB).

Please share condolences, memories, and photos with Keiko’s family here.

The family wishes to thank all the staff at Evanston Grand Village for their loving care and attention during Keiko’s stay.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Calgary Kotobuki Society (Calgary Kotobuki Society 2236-29 Street S. W. Calgary, Alberta. T3E 2K2) or to Calgary Buddhist Temple, https://calgary-buddhist.ab.ca/support-us/donate-online/.

In living memory of Keiko Hinatsu, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, telephone: 403-243-8200.