May 15, 1939 – February 2, 2024

Koji Kobayashi, 84, a compassionate, generous, dedicated brother, uncle, great uncle and friend passed away on February 2, 2024. Seven years ago, Koji was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis which altered his lifestyle, especially the last three years. Koji was an incredibly caring person, however he found it difficult to allow people to care for him.

Koji was born on May 15, 1939, in Vancouver. He will be lovingly remembered by his siblings Toshiko (Irene) Maeda, Kazuko Kobayashi, Mutsuko (Bill) Barclay, Hiroshi (Dona) Kobayashi, Yoko McMillan, Satoko Kobayashi, Ines (Doug) Thornton, Eileen Gill, Kenneth Kobayashi and Jo-Anne Kobayashi (Don). He is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and close friends Tim and Tamme Barzaghi, Karen and Dan Doyle and family, the Callahan family, the Sawada family and the Stocks family.

Koji is predeceased by his parents Ishisaburo and Shizue Kobayashi, brother Shigeo Kobayashi, and sisters Sumiko Marks, Pamela and Miyeko Kobayashi.

Koji was 3 years old when the family was interned to Blind Bay in the summer of 1942. Eventually they moved to Singh Street in Brocklehurst in 1943 until the family home was built in 1948 on Desmond Street. Koji attended Brocklehurst Elementary School on Crestline Street, Kamloops Secondary School and North Kamloops Senior Secondary School. In high school, Koji played the trumpet and played basketball for the Saints. After graduation, he was employed at Kamloops Lumber, and in April 1969 was employed at Weyerhaeuser Pulp Mill until his retirement in 1999. After his retirement, he enjoyed having coffee with his colleagues and friends.

Koji’s knowledge of gardening originated from his Dad. His hard work in the garden produced an abundance of vegetables for family and friends. He also preserved vegetables including pickled daikon.

Koji enjoyed his time in the casinos. He was incredibly lucky playing slot machines and scratch tickets. In Koji’s memory, visit a casino and hopefully you will enjoy his winning ways.

There will be a graveside memorial service at Hillside Cemetery on Saturday, March 30 at 1:00 p.m.  Followed by a tea at the Japanese Cultural Centre from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The family wishes to thank Tanya Knighton and Lora Knighton for their dedication and incredible care of Koji.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the British Columbia Lung Foundation 2675 Oak St., Vancouver, B.C. V6H 2K2, Japanese Cultural Centre 160 Vernon Ave. Kamloops B.C. V2B 1L6, Kamloops Buddhist Temple 361 Poplar St., Kamloops, B.C. V2B 4B9, or a charity of your choice.

You may offer a message of condolence at Kamloops Funeral Home for the Kobayashi family.

• Date : 2024-02-02
• Location : Kamloops