It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of George Osamu Uyeyama on May 28, 2021. As in life, he was surrounded by the love of his family.

He will be forever missed by his wife of 57 years, Toshiko, their sons Grant and Craig, daughter-in-law Jacqueline Cosgrove and granddaughter Claire.

George was born on December 14, 1936 in Nanaimo, BC to Etsusaburo and Mitsuye Uyeyama. He was the youngest and last surviving of 10 children; brothers Takeshi (Kash), Taira (Jim), Mutsumi (Wally), Noboru (Norman), Masaru, Toru (Tom), Mitsuru (Massey), Kiyoshi (Mac) and sister Sawaye (Dorothy) Matsunaga. He is remembered by his sisters-in-law Akiko Mukai, Chiz Uyeyama, Kay (and husband Mitts) Sakai, brother-in-law George (and wife Gail) Hamanishi, many nieces and nephews and the late Kiyoshi (Keiko) Hamanishi.

As a young boy during World War II, George and his family were interred at Slocan, BC. At the end of the war, George, his mother and some of his siblings were sent to Japan. It was a difficult time, but George was a hardworking and bright young man and at 14 became an interpreter for Australian and British engineers in Japan, and then supervisor of the engineering warehouse depot at the tender age of 16. In 1953, he was offered employment at the Lever mushroom farm in Port Credit, ON and made the long journey home to Canada. Four years later, he was hired as a clerk at Christie Biscuits in Mimico where he went on to become a member of the leadership team for more than 39 years, including two years on assignment in Winnipeg, MB. George retired in 1996 and he and Tosh enjoyed many years of travel, karaoke, evenings at the Japanese Cultural Centre and daily walks with their friends at Sherway Gardens.

In 2003, George was recognized by the Ontario Government for his voluntarism, in particular for his many years working to secure redress from the Government of Canada to Japanese Canadians for the loss of property and freedom during internment.

His last 10 years were made very happy by the arrival of Claire who was a bright light in his life. He was a patient, loving, doting Grandpa and his determination, grit, twinkly smile and love of ice cream will live on in her.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation, Diabetes Canada or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. The family respectfully requests that there is no koden.

Due to COVID restrictions a private family service will be held. Arrangements are in the care of Turner and Porter Yorke Chapel.