THURSDAY, August 27, 2020

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on August 27, 2020.

OKA

JAMES HAJIME OKA, of Lethbridge, passed away at the St. Michael’s Health Centre in Lethbridge on Sunday, August 23, 2020 at the age of 88 years.

James was born on August 18, 1932 in Port Haney, British Columbia and was the only child of Yatsuko and Sozaburo Oka. In 1942, his family was relocated to the Village of Stirling. He grew up with his cousins and their families – Keiko [deceased] (Aki) [deceased]; Yoriko (Kaz); Miki (Cecil); Lillian [deceased] (Gordon); Peter; Ken (Betty); Kathleen (Ralph) and Bruce, and their families. He is also survived by a special nephew Michael and special niece Leslee (Craig) as well as a large extended family and a special friend, Barbara.

After high school, Jim attended SAIT in Calgary, taking Industrial Electricity, becoming a journeyman electrician.

Jim was an active member of the Anglican Church of Ascension in Coaldale. He had a strong faith. The church provided spiritual comfort and fellowship and the congregation became part of his family.

One of Jim’s passions was inventing/creating more efficient ways of completing tasks. He purchased his first computer, a Tandy, from Radio Shack and became a lifelong learner. He was an active member of the Chinook Computer Club.

Jim had an affinity and talent for numbers and meticulously tracked the stock market. At the age of 80, he discovered travelling and took many cruises and excursions. He loved all sports, especially baseball and hockey. Tuesdays were coffee with the gang at Tim Horton’s. It was a good life. He will be missed.

A Private Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. The service will be live-streamed and may be viewed under James’ obituary on the Cornerstone website.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Kiyoko Shimozawa

1941 – 2020

Mrs. Kiyoko Shimozawa of Taber, beloved wife of Mr. Hisashi “Slim” Shimozawa, and mother to Trent (Merina) and Lisa, passed away peacefully and comfortably at Taber Continuing Care on Monday, August 24, 2020 at the age of 78 years.

Funeral arrangement to be announced when completed.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

John Vonkeman

1941 – 2020

With saddened hearts we announce the passing of John (Jan) Vonkeman, who went to be with the Lord peacefully at the age of 78.

John was born second-youngest of nine children in the town of Doetinchem, The Netherlands. The family immigrated to Canada and settled in the Iron Springs area in 1952. John eventually took up dairy farming and successfully ran a dairy operation until his retirement in 2005.

John was a kind, gentle, welcoming, and caring man who loved his family and friends. He loved to plant trees, garden, and share its produce with others. He had a passion for sharing the love of Jesus through music and song. Now he’s singing bass in Heaven’s choir with the good Lord above.

John will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife Jo, daughters Joni and Esther, son-in-law Graeme Roset, little grandson Linden, and extended family and friends.

When we’ve been there

ten thousand years

Bright shining as the sun

We’ve no less days to sing

God’s praise

Than when we’d first begun.

Due to current restrictions, a private family Graveside Service will be held at the Royal View Cemetery.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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fschuld

4 years ago

Our condolences. John and I were friends as children and in school days. Fred W Schuld

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