YAMAGISHI Karyn

August 1, 1983 – November 29, 2012
Karyn Yamagishi was born on August 1, 1983 in Lethbridge, Alberta.
She suffered from chronic pain for over ten years, with medical complications leading to her unexpected death on Thursday, November 29, 2012, at the age of 29.
Karyn will be sadly missed by her parents, Lloyd and Rochelle; her siblings, Steve Rohr, Kristin (Chris) Yarish, and Kyle (Valerie Tom-Kun) Yamagishi, their children Jaxson and Juliette; as well as aunts, Marjory (Kaz) Tomomitsu of Lethbridge, Irene (Paul) Rohrer of Aldergrove, BC, Bev (Dave) Foy of Calgary, Robin (Tom) Tamura of Victoria; uncles, Bill Nishijima (Jane) of Toronto, Kiyo Nishijima (Toki) of Lethbridge, Don Yamagishi (Maureen) of Red Deer, Rick Yamagishi (Terri) of Lethbridge, Brent Sato (Carla) of Calgary, Trevor Sato (Rhonda) of Canmore and Ryan Sato (Sandy) of Edmonton; twenty cousins and nine second cousins. She was predeceased by her grandfather, Yajiro Yamagishi; grandparents, Frank and Faith Sato; uncle Richard Nishijima; cousin Naomi Nishijima; and aunt Mary Fujii.
Karyn attended the French Immersion program at Agnes Davidson Elementary School, Gilbert Paterson Junior High, Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, and the University of Lethbridge. Her first public vocal solo with a family group at church at age 3, led to vocal lessons and numerous solos at the Kiwanis Musical Festival. She sang in choirs at First Baptist Church and all of the schools she attended. With the LCI Chamber Choir, she travelled to Europe and Japan and, with the U of L Singers, to Ireland. In the summer of 2010, she and her mother took an Arctic cruise and photography workshop.
Unable to pursue a career in singing due to chronic pain, Karyn moved to Calgary in 2007, along with Chico, her special pet and constant companion, whom she trained well, and who gave unconditional love and support. They moved to a condo near her parents, and the Chronic Pain Clinic. Special thanks to Dr. Ian Clarke, Dr. James Currie, Dr. John Jarrell, and Dr. Anne Mahoney.
Despite many health concerns, Karyn took a special interest in the plight of the homeless, especially after serving on a church youth ministry team. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mustard Seed, 102-11 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 0X8 Tel: 403-269-1319.
Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects at LEYDEN’S CHAPEL OF REMEMBRANCE (corner of 17th Avenue & 2nd Street SW, Calgary) on Thursday, December 6, 2012 from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. and 5:00 to 7:00 P.M.
A celebration of Karyn’s life will be held at Martin Brothers Funeral Chapel (610 – 4 St. S) on Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 2:00 P.M.
Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.leydens.com. Arrangements entrusted to LEYDEN’S FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM (304 – 18th Avenue S.W., Calgary AB T2S 0C3), 1-800-883-7702.