YAMAUCHI o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2007-07-28 published
YAMAUCHI,
Leonard (NaoshiJune 27, 1923-July 25, 2007)
On Wednesday, July 25, 2007, Alberta lost one of its most hard
working and proud citizens.
Leonard was born in Maybridge, Alberta, a tiny village north
of Edmonton. His family settled in another small village in Opal,
Alberta, which spawned many distinguished Albertans. In October
of 1941, Leonard left Opal. His brother, Henry, accompanied him
to the Greyhound bus station, where Henry bid his big brother
a sad farewell. Leonard's journey brought him to Calgary on October 7,
1941, a day that was etched in his memory and celebrated every
year by our family. Like today, Calgary held many promises and
opportunities for young people and Leonard took full advantage
of them. He obtained employment with Precision Machine and Foundry
on his arrival as his brother, Gus, already had a position with
that firm. He knew nothing of machines at that time, so he studied
at local libraries and used the facilities at the Southern Alberta
Institute of Technology to obtain that knowledge. After working
for Precision Machine and Foundry for several years, he felt
he needed to become his own boss. With his friend, Wally
HUMFREY,
he formed Allied Machinists and soon after that, this business
was joined by another friend, John
LUBBERS.
Leonard was also
becoming interested in the graphic arts industry and he began
to do some work with Allied Press Specialties. In 1960, he purchased
shares in this company, and in 1971, he and his wife, Yo, became
sole shareholders. Leonard was known by those in the graphic
arts industry as the most knowledgeable individual in Western
Canada in the operation, repair, erection and dismantling of
printing presses. Leonard loved his work; so much so that he
worked every day until his so-called retirement at the age of
83. In fact, he felt his work was his best holiday. Leonard was
also an avid sportsman. He played baseball, curled and golfed
at an elite level. He was a dedicated sports fan, as well, supporting
the Flames, the Stampeders and the Blue Jays. He never liked
the idea of seeing the Grey Cup, Stanley Cup or the World Series
being won by other than a Canadian team.
Leonard celebrated life and that celebration will be continued
through Yo, his wife of fifty-seven years, and his children,
Gail (Pat)
McCARTHY,
Keith
(Donna
SCOTT and Graeme) and Jo-Ann
(Barry COCHRANE.) He adored his grandchildren, Kimiko (Nick
COMEAU,)
Tom and Michiko
McCARTHY and Kelvin
COCHRANE, who will continue
to celebrate the life of their Jichan. Leonard will be reunited
with his father and mother, Sampei and Kon
YAMAUCHI, and his
brothers, Shoji and Gus, and will be missed by his sisters, Kazuko
CALLOW,
Florence
(Ben)
SHIKAZE and his brothers Henry and Joe
(Nancy).
A Memorial Service will be held at McInnis and Holloway'S, Park
Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W. Calgary, Alberta), on
Monday, July 30, 2007 at 10: 00 a.m. Forward condolences through
www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If Friends so desire, memorial tributes
may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta,
200, 119 - 14th Street N.W., Calgary, Alberta T2N 1Z6 Telephone:
(403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.
In living memory of Leonard Yamauchi, a tree will be planted
at Fish Creek
Provincial Park by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes Park Memorial
Chapel, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W. Calgary, Alberta Telephone: 1-800-661-1599.
Y... Names YA... Names YAM... Names Welcome Home
YAMAUCHI - All Categories in OGSPI