Koji Kobayashi, 84, a compassionate, generous, dedicated brother, uncle, great uncle and friend passed away on February 2, 2024. Seven years ago, Koji was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis which altered his life style, especially the last three years. Koji was an incredibly caring person, however he found it difficult to allow people to care for him.
Koji was born on May 15, 1939 in Vancouver. He will be lovingly remembered by his siblings Toshiko (Irene) Maeda, Kazuko Kobayashi, Mutsuko (Bill) Barclay, Hiroshi (Dona) Kobayashi, Yoko McMillan, Satoko Kobayashi, Ines (Doug) Thornton, Eileen Gill, Kenneth Kobayashi and Jo-Anne Kobayashi (Don). He is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and close friends Tim and Tamme Barzaghi, Karen and Dan Doyle and family, the Callahan family, the Sawada family and the Stocks family.
Koji is predeceased by his parents Ishisaburo and Shizue Kobayashi, brother Shigeo Kobayashi, and sisters Sumiko Marks, Pamela and Miyeko Kobayashi.
Koji was 3 years old when the family was interned to Blind Bay in the summer of 1942. Eventually they moved to Singh Street in Brocklehurst in 1943 until the family home was built in 1948 on Desmond Street. Koji attended Brocklehurst Elementary School on Crestline Street , Kamloops Secondary School and North Kamloops Senior Secondary School. In high school, Koji played the trumpet and played basketball for the Saints. After graduation, he was employed at Kamloops Lumber, and in April 1969 was employed at Weyerhaeuser Pulp Mill until his retirement in 1999. After his retirement, he enjoyed having coffee with his colleagues and friends.
Koji’s knowledge of gardening originated from his Dad. His hard work in the garden produced an abundance of vegetables for family and friends. He also preserved vegetables including pickled daikon.
Koji enjoyed his time in the casinos. He was incredibly lucky playing slot machines and scratch tickets. In Koji’s memory, visit a casino and hopefully you will enjoy his winning ways.
There will be a graveside memorial service at Hillside Cemetery on Saturday, March 30th at 1:00 PM. Followed by a tea at the Japanese Cultural Centre from 2:00pm until 4:00pm.
The family wishes to thank Tanya Knighton and Lora Knighton for their dedication and incredible care of Koji.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the British Columbia Lung Foundation 2675 Oak Street, Vancouver. B.C. V6H 2K2, Japanese Cultural Centre 160 Vernon Ave. Kamloops B.C. V2B 1L6, Kamloops Buddhist Temple 361 Poplar St., Kamloops, B.C. V2B 4B9, or a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
9 Tributes
To the Kobayashi Family,
jim worked with Koji at the pulpmill starting in 1972, & over the next 9 plus years. Yes, he was a very caring person,a great friend, and he absolutely had a “green thumb!” I always remember his pride and joy, the green Buick! Whenever we crossed paths over the years, Koji would always take the time to chat.
Our sincere condolences, Jim & Sheila West. Merritt BC.
Its not easy to type with tears in your eyes. Koji and I have been close friends for 66 years. We have shared the grief of losing family members and the delight of many many hilarious situations. He was a true gentleman who cared very deeply for his family and friends. An avid sportsman, he and my Dad would watch hockey games together. Borrowing from William Shakespeare I would describe Koji this way “His life was gentle and the elements so mixed in him that Nature might rise up and say to all the world This was a Man.”
Sincere condolences on the loss of Koji especially after his debilitating illness. I remember all the years of knowing Koji as our neighbour in Brocklehurst. All the wonderful memories of him and the other ‘boys’ playing hockey on the ice rink on Gellrick’s orchard gulley. Other terrific memories of Koji are the many basketball games as he played on the first Nor Kam ‘Saints’. I still have a group photo of that team. The Kobayashi brothers brought forth a huge community spirit to those games! In that shared spirit, Koji was always up for a good chat wherever we’d meet. So sad to lose such a kind and considerate person.
Always a caring man and always a kind word when talking to Koji. Member of a great Brocklehurst family. Sorry to see his passing. Condolences to Kobyashi family.
Ken, I am very sorry for your loss. Although I never knew Koji long, he always greeted me with a warm smile and happy hello. I quite enjoyed our little chats. It was obvious to see how much he loved you and appreciated how well you cared for him and Kaz. My sincerest condolences to you and your family.
“I am so sorry to hear about Koj’s death. I knew he was suffering after I met Hido by chance at Home Depot and he told me that Koji was ill. My heart goes out to the entire family, Koji was a special friend and I will always keep a part of him alive in my heart. The Kobayashi family played an important role in the history of Brocklehurst and the Stocks family will be forever linked with them. My kindest thoughts are going out to the entire family. Best Wishes, Gloria Humphrey (Stocks)”
Our condolences to the Kobayashi Family, we were neighbours for a few years before you moved on Desmond
So sad to hear about KOJ’S passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Phil & Mary Huber ( Mary Matonovich)
My consolences to the Kobayashi family I am so sorry for your loss. Words cannot describe how sorry I feel. Koji was a source of love and support to so many people, and his wonderful memories will live on in the heart and mind of friends and family forever. There was no one in the world like Koji and never will be. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Father will miss his visits! Jeanne Stocks-Moffat
Condolences to the Kobayashi Family, Koj was a very special person to our family and will be sorely missed. Having known him all my life it is like losing another brother. He was a very special person and a wonderful human being. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Donna Stocks