Takeshi Nishida was born in Okayama prefecture, Japan, on June 9, 1915.
He emigrated from Japan to live in Canada in 1926. Tak was a mill worker, musician, logger and tugboat captain. He spent most of his working life on the Arrow Lake between Revelstoke and Castlegar. In Vancouver, Tak studied music, performed with a Japanese-Canadian orchestra and taught a classical Japanese instrument, the shakuhachi. His music could often be heard drifting along the Columbia River after work days. Tak was an avid fisherman and a meticulous gardener.
Tak died peacefully surrounded by his family on the afternoon of November 15, 2009, at The Hamlets, a long term care facility, in Kamloops, BC.
Tak will be missed by his family and friends, and remembered for his friendly disposition and peaceful manner.
Tak and his wife, Fujiko, were married on November 24, 1945.
He is survived by his wife, Fujiko of Kamloops BC; son, Harold (Carol) of Kamloops, BC; daughter, Fay (Orville) of Prince George, BC; son, Ken (Cheryl) of Nakusp, BC; daughter, Patsy (Steve) of Nakusp, BC; grandchildren, Lisa, Kameron, Tanys (David), Alan (Hanna), Jill, Robert, Chris (Amanda), Darren, Janine, Avery, Kellan, Kobe, Garret and Tosh; and great-grandchildren, Ethan, Jordan and Ava. He is also survived by his younger siblings, Eddy, Walter, Marion and Katie of Alberta, Canada, and Tatsuo and Kiyoko of Osaka, Japan. Tak was predeceased by his daughter, Julianne (Roman), and several siblings from Japan. Tak was a quiet, unassuming, honest man who lived his life of ninety-four years without conflict... truly remarkable.
We wish to thank all the wonderful care aides and nursing staff at The Hamlets and Ponderosa Lodge as well as private care aides Shirley and Bonnie for their care and dedication.