1930 – 2017

It is with great sadness that the family announce the passing of Hedao (Al) Tomiye on November 25, 2017 at 87 years of age.

Al was predeceased by his loving wife, Mieko on July 29, 2015, brothers, Tom Tomiye, Charlie Harada, Jimmy Harada, sisters, Aya Tanemura and Tamiyo Kuroda. He is survived by his daughters Lana Tomiye and Caroline (Keven) Watt, granddaughter Sasha Watt, grandson Kai Watt, sisters Michi Dakus and Setsu Kikuchi, nephew Reggie (Donna) Tomiye, niece Diane Katz, and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Al was born in Kelowna on May 5, 1930 and was raised on the family orchard. At age 8, he moved to Kamloops. When he was a young adult, he worked on the family farm and loaded boxcars at a packing house. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, Department of National Defense, from 1953 to 1958, where he was an instrument technician. He then started his own business called Al’s Jewelry, where he was a watchmaker and sold jewelry. He then worked for CNR as a car inspector from 1962 until he retired in 1990.
His favorite pastimes were hunting, fishing, gardening, composing poetry, attending social and family gatherings, and honing his practical skills. He had a good sense of humour, was thoughtful, and a creative thinker.

A special thank you to Dr. Howie, Dr. Eccleston, Royal Inland Hospital ER staff and First Responders for their compassionate care.
A Service of Remembrance will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at the Kamloops Buddhist Church on 361 Poplar St, Kamloops BC, V2B 4V9 with Sensei Miyakawa officiating. Tea to follow.

Donations in Al’s memory may be made to Kamloops Buddhist Church on 361 Poplar St, Kamloops BC, V2B 4V9.

Condolences may be expressed at www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

• Date : 2017-11-25
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.