Obituary of Naozo Konno

January 26, 1935 - Mission, British Columbia

July 7, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Naozo Konno, beloved husband of Marie Mariko Konno (nee Teshima), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at the age of 89 years.

Naozo was born on January 26, 1935, in Mission, British Columbia. He completed his Automotive Mechanics Apprenticeship from SAIT and achieved his Red Seal designation.  He worked as a mechanic for 43 years throughout Alberta and BC, and in 1974 he became the owner of Parkdale Service in Summerland, BC, which he and his wife Marie operated until their retirement in 1999.

Naozo was a dedicated member of various organizations including Kinsmen, K-40, Chamber of Commerce, and the Summerland Curling Club.  Naozo's dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed as he was recognized as the Petro Canada President's Award Winner in 1987 and received the Celebration '88 Olympic Community Award. He was named to the BC Minor Baseball Roll of Honour as a “Builder” and received a Lifetime Membership with Summerland Minor Hockey for his many years of service.
 

In his free time, Naozo enjoyed curling, playing baseball, slo-pitch, and hockey. He also loved officiating baseball and hockey games. He was a proud grandparent and enjoyed watching his grandsons play hockey, baseball, volleyball, lacrosse, rugby, and football.

Naozo leaves behind his beloved wife, Marie Konno, his children, Cheryl, Grant (Doreen), and Kim (Keith) Publicover; his grandchildren, Ryan (Emma), Nathan, Ethan, Nicholas, and Jacob. He was predeceased by his brothers, Katsushige, Akira, and Tsutomu; his sisters, Hisako, Sachiko, and Ann; brothers-in-law, Mas Iwamoto and Harry Ikebuchi; and sisters-in-law, Chiyeko and Helen; and his parents, Yukio and Haru Konno.

Naozo Konno will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and his love for his grandchildren.  He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

The family would like to thank the medical team for looking after all his health needs, particularly the staff of South Health Campus Unit 78 and Intercare Chinook Hospice.

A private family gathering will be held later to celebrate Naozo's life.

In the words of Yogi Berra, “Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too.”
 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Naozo’s family here.

The family requests no koden or flowers.

In living memory of Naozo Konno, 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.