Sugita - Stanley “KATSUMI”
January 09, 1944 - November 09, 2008
Engaging an all-out war against the invasion of cancer that had metastasized and weakened his frail body, Katsumi endured his final days with fortitude and calmness.
As a third-generation Japanese-American he was born in 1944 in Poston, Arizona, in a location camp, incarcerated with his family for four years. He began life without freedom and ended life in the same vein.
In later years he entered into the thrilling life of freedom and prosperity, being successful in all that he touched. In the school of learning he received a degree in Engineering; he then entered the school of experience and operated his own Real Estate Brokerage firm. In his last 34 years of life he fulfilled his real love and passion - art – in which he became well-known.
Fifteen years ago, Katsumi relocated in the Vancouver mainland; he often said that those years were the best in his life. Highlights of a meaningful experience were volunteering for the Vancouver Art Gallery with the Super Sunday program for children, and also his association with the Kent Street Seniors’ Center.
Katsumi is survived by his sisters Emi Esquibel (Joe), Carli Vandervort (John), his brother Richard Sugita, niece Kimi Garcia (Jaime), and nephews Jeremy and Joel. Katsumi will be remembered for his quiet and gentle nature and the gift he possessed of brightening the lifestyle of those with which he came in contact.
A huge thank you to Dr. Avis Picton and all the wonderful nurses, care aides, dietary and cleaning staff of Laurel Place Hospice who made Katsumi’s last journey one of comfort and dignity.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Surrey Hospice Society, (re: Laurel Place) 13857 68th Avenue, Surrey, B.C., V3W 2G9