It is with great sadness that we say farewell to our beloved Brother, Father, Papa, Uncle and Pastor. He was the son of Okinawa immigrants, grew up in Kenora, ON and graduated with a BA from McMaster University. He began his pastoral ministry in Ontario to the communities of Emo and Barwick, Brantford (Immanuel Baptist) and Cambridge (King St. Baptist). He stepped into a post as Area minister of the Baptist Convention of Ontario & Quebec followed by a similar position with the Baptist Union of Western Canada, finally settling in Victoria as pastor of a local church once again, at Royal Oak Baptist Church. As his ministry there was coming to a close, he stepped in as Counsellor and eventually Pastor & Executive Director at the Mustard Seed Street Church, where he spent the remainder of his formal ministry retiring at the age of 84. Tom was a constant fixture in the Rotary Club and was given the 2002 Citizen of the Year Award in Victoria and also received the Leadership Victoria Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. His last 3 years were spent as part of the vibrant community at the Cridge Seniors Centre where he befriended anyone he shared a meal with. Tom will be remembered as one who poured out the love of Jesus to everyone he met and lavished kindness and compassion on all from the greatest to the least. Tom has left an invaluable legacy to his family.

He was predeceased by his wife, Vietta; brothers, George, Hiro, Jim and sister Yoshiko. He is survived by his sisters, Mitzi, Lillian; his children Mike (Sue), Sandy (Russ), Barb (Garth); his 10 grandchildren and their 3 spouses.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be given to The Mustard Seed – Victoria or The Cridge Centre for the Family.

A Memorial Service will be held at Glad Tidings Church, 1800 Quadra Street, Victoria on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 3pm.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

 

  • Karen Peckham

    I miss you, wonderful man of God who’s leadership I grew under at Immanuel Baptist Church and baptized me, married me to my dear husband Chuck 44 years ago this week. I think of you always and the indelible mark you left forever on my heart, so grateful God crossed our paths, and looking forward to our reunion when I reach Heaven.

  • Helen Oshiro

    Our condolences go out to Toms family-Sandy,Barb,Michael & families. We are ever so grateful for Toms love compassion & caring that he showered upon George Tamis Carla & me over the years. We are especially thankful for his ministering to George at the time of his earlthly departure Thank you Uncle Tom for officiating at out wedding celebration in Monterey in 2001.Carla $ Ernie.
    Wishing you peace comfort & Gods blesisings.
    Love Helen Tamis Carla Ernke & family.

  • Lawrence Ogden (Burlington,ON)

    I’m very saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. My sincere sympathy to both his immediate and extended families. I first met Tom when he was the minister of the Emo and Barwick Baptist Churches where I became involved with the young people’s group that he led. He was a very personable man and made a great impression not only on me but on the larger community as well. Under his ministry I joined the Emo Church and have remained a Baptist ever since. I have many fond memories of the good times we enjoyed those many years ago. Tom, you have earned a hallowed rest.

  • Nikki Brooks

    Mike, Sandy, Barb and families,
    Grief is part of the life experience and thankfully, God’s grace is more than sufficient to help all of us through the process of that experience. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you remember, mourn, celebrate and give thanks for Tom. He was a special person who was loved by so many.
    Nikki

  • Cynthia Delaney (Kenora)

    Mr. Oshiro was one of the kindest men I ever met. Even though I hadn’t seen him for many years, I still remember his mentorship and life messages. To all his family, my sincere sympathies.

  • Pamela Abra

    He always had a wonderful smile and had the love of Jesus for those around him. He was a lovely man and a privilege to meet him at Central.

  • Yvonne Archer

    Mike, Sandy, Barb and all of your family members, I am deeply sorry to learn of your father’s passing. May God’s love enfold you as you journey through your memories and your grieving. Though I had but a few occasions to cross paths with Rev. Tom in one-one conversation, I found that the words he shared with me have stayed with me a lifetime.
    Praying for blessings of peace and comfort.
    Yvonne Archer

  • fred Jillard (Ted)

    “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

    Very sorry to hear of Tommy’s passing. I know he will always be loved dearly by the Jillard family.

    God bless you all.

    Fred

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