Passed away peacefully September 19, 2023.
Kazuko was born May 22, 1930 and returned to Japan as a teenager from Korea at the end of World War Two. She immigrated to Canada in 1962 with her then husband Timothy Rutley.
She was a dedicated and giving mother. She was avid in her promotion of Japanese culture and an advocate of multiculturalism. She also loved her new country Canada and spent time as a tour guide telling Japanese tourists about Canadian sights, scenery, people and life. She was a talented seamstress, did Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement), studied Japanese calligraphy, and loved ballroom dancing and tennis. She always wanted to learn about new things and this trait was present her whole life. Her volunteer work in multiculturalism was recognized in her being made an Honouary Citizen of the City of Victoria in 1986 in addition she received a Certificate of Recognition for her volunteer work in multiculturalism from the Federal Government in 1987.
Kazu enjoyed her life with her family and was especially kind and generous to her grandchildren. Kazuko was known in the circles she travelled in as the sweet Japanese lady with the big smile and stylish hats.
She will be missed by her son Ken, daughter Sheila, daughter in-law Lindie and grandchildren Michaela and Stella, her two surviving sisters Yoshiko and Chioko and their families in Japan, and will also be missed by her many groups of friends and the staff at Marion Village.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
11 Responses
We are so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Bente Svendsen and Kim Raham