June 5, 1928 - February 24, 2022
"Merv Araki passed away peacefully at the Fraser Hope Lodge in Hope, BC., on February 24, 2022.
Dad was born in Mission B.C. on June 5, 1928. He worked as a diesel mechanic for over 30 years for RivTow Marine and maintained two flourishing gardens in Hope and Bristol Island. Dad was passionate about baseball, Japanese enka music, and curling. He was a gifted storyteller who loved sharing memories about his favourite baseball teams: the 1950s Brooklyn Dodgers and the Vancouver Asahi. Dad was our family historian with impeccable memories of his childhood and working on sugar beet farms in southern Alberta during the 1940s. He reminisced often about the Tashme sawmill, where he worked with close friends and family. Dad was kind and respectful to everyone he met and maintained a positive outlook to the very end. We take comfort in knowing that Dad is off on a new adventure, joining his old friends on the ball diamond. We love you so much Dad.
He is survived by his wife, Daisy; daughters Maya (Doug) and Marci; granddaughters Betsie and Elizabeth; siblings Hideo Araki & YukikoTanaka; in-laws Roy (Itoko), Robert (Molly), Misaye, Ted (Rose); and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Tanekichi and Tokuyo Araki; brothers Ichiro (Teruko), Shunji (Sue), Yasuyuki, and Mitsuo (Shirley); sister Yasuko (Hideo) Tazumi.
We are incredibly grateful for the care and support provided by Dr. Rosanna Switzer, Sylta Hellner and the staff at the Fraser Hope Lodge, and Dad's community care aides. Thank you also to Reverend Grant Ikuta.
In lieu of flowers or koden, please consider a donation in Dad's name to a charity of your choice. A private memorial service has been planned for April 2022."