DOC OKAMOTO

1915 - 1998

Tamotsu Tamo Okamoto, beloved brother of Haruco Haddie Okamoto, Michico Mitzi Ishida and Mary Saruwatari all of Taber and sister-in-law Tatsue Okamoto of Winnipeg, passed away peacefully following a courageous battle with cancer on May 2, 1998 at the age of 82 years.
Doc, as he was called by his many friends, was born at Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia on July 15, 1915 and was raised in Victoria, British Columbia. In 1942, as dictated by the Federal Government, he was evacuated to Ontario where he worked on the Trans Canada Highway and in the sugar beet fields. He moved to Taber in the mid forties to be united with his family where he has resided ever since. Tamo became an integral part of this area and his legacy can be seen in the many homes and other buildings constructed by him and his brother Stum and other associates. He influenced many young lives with his keen wit, sense of fair play, sportsmanlike qualities and his integrity. Tamo was an avid fisherman, hunter, curler and also played ball in his younger years. He was a story teller and regaled his many friends with tales of wild exploits. His meticulous garden was the envy of the neighbourhood and he shared his bountiful harvest with all. He was honoured by the Taber Curling Club in 1982 with a lifetime membership and enjoyed this sport until his illness forced him to discontinue last November.
Tamo was also a Charter Member of the Dollar Club at the Palace Hotel where his big one that never got away hangs on the wall over his favorite chair.
He is the loving uncle of Douglas (Erica) Okamoto and Bryan of Thousand Oakes, California, Robert Okamoto of Missausaga,Ontario, Kerry Miles Ishida of Taber, Kathryn (Richard) Kaga of Burnaby, British Columbia, Emi Okamoto of Winnipeg, Manitoba, David Tak (Brid) Saruwatari, Conor Tak and Declan Tamotsu Saruwatari all of Brooks and special cousins Aiko Okamoto, Jean (Ray) Kusumi and family, John and Jim Okamoto and Jane (Dave) Shartle. He will be sadly missed by them all along with his many friends.
He was predeceased by his loving parents Shinkichi George (Pop Oke) and Misu (Grandma Oke) Okamoto; brothers Macer (Muss), Isami (Sam) and Tsutomu (Stum) Okamoto; sister Irene Okamoto; sister-in-law Marion and brothers-in-law Eikichi Ishida and Tak Saruwatari.
Relatives and friends were invited to a Prayer Service at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, May 6, 1998 at 7:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service was held at Knox United Church, 4929 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, May 7, 1998 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Ken Crassweller officiating. Cremation followed with a private Interment Service.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Tamo’s name will be gratefully accepted to the Taber Hospital Foundation (Equipment Fund), 4626 - 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9 or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317 - 10 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2M7.