MAS INABA

1916 - 2009

Masanobu (Mas) Inaba beloved husband, wonderful father, caring grandfather and great grandfather, passed away after a gallant battle with cancer on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at the age of 92 years.
Mas was born in Japan, the second eldest of six children and immigrated to Canada in 1934 at the age of eighteen years where he farmed in Mission, B.C. He married Fumi in 1937. A forced evacuation in 1942 brought him to Southern Alberta, this area would become home. Many strong, warm friendships developed as he continued farming around Vauxhall and Hays, finally settling in Taber. In 1964 he returned to Japan for two months to add acupuncture skills to complement his chiropractic and physiotherapeutic work. He helped mostly local people, although his practice eventually broadened to patients from British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Montana.
He had a passion for golf and curling and enjoyed organizing tournaments and bonspiels. As well he enjoyed karaoke, shibais (Japanese theatre) and hosting parties in general. He enjoyed playing dominoes with friends in the winter to keep his mind sharp, and his mind certainly remained acute right up until the end. He had a great sense of humor and loved to entertain for others by performing magic tricks. Many of his children and grandchildren have picked up and continued on with some of his passions.
Mas will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of seventy one years Fumi; seven children Frank (Toseko-“Dimples”), Nancy (Elbert), Dan, Larry (Lori), Janet (Shig), Ron (Wendy), Michael (Tracy) and twenty grandchildren and great grandchildren who have fond memories of times with Grandpa.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Sunday, February 15, 2009 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00P.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at Knox United Church, 4929 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Aldeen McKay officiating.
A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Yamabe and the wonderful staff at Taber Hospital. Mas was grateful and thankful to his family and many friends for their love and support during his illness.