ISHIDA, Kerry

Posted: October 1st, 2022

Kerry Ishida

1953 – 2022

Kerry Miles Ishida, passed away peacefully in Lethbridge, the evening of Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at the age of 69 years and has joyfully reunited with his mom and dad. Kerry is free of pain and zooming around the Heavens in his vintage Camaro, cranking his 70s tunes and shouting “Let’s go Oilers!”.

Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Monday, October 3, 2022 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.

Those who wish to pay their respects at the church on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, may do so prior to the funeral service between 9:30 A.M. and 10:45 A.M.

The Funeral Service will held at Knox United Church, 4929 – 50 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. A private burial service will be held at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at www.southlandfuneral.com.

Those who are unable to attend and wish to view the service online may do so by visiting Kerry’s obituary page on our website and clicking on the livestream link that will be available at 10:45 A.M. on Tuesday, October 4, 2022. The livestream will begin at 11:00 A.M.

Kerry is survived by cousins Kathy (Richard) Kaga, David (Brid) Saruwatari (their children Conor, Declan, Ronan), Emi Okamoto, Betty Honda, Diane Ishida, Del (Shelley) Ishida, Douglas (Erika) Okamoto, Bob (Debbie) Okamoto and their families.

He was predeceased by his mom Mitzi, his dad Kich and by numerous aunts and uncles.

Kerry was a proud Taberite, born on May 8, 1953.  He recently commented “When I had my accident forty six years ago, my twenty six specialists and therapists asked mom, dad and I where I planned on living when I was released. Without hesitation, we all said Taber of course, my hometown and my happy place, for without people like you, I definitely would not have lived so long.  It’s the greatest community in the world to live.  You’ve helped me do things for myself and for the residents of Linden View.”

Kerry was the President of the Linden View Resident and Family Council. He’s been fondly called the “Mayor of Linden View”.  He was a dedicated fundraiser, collecting contributions for their beautiful stained glass window, a pergola and many other things to enhance the lives of the residents.  During the pandemic he thought of creative ways to lift everyone’s spirits including drive by car shows, parking lot entertainers and cuddling baby goats. When family visitations were restricted, Kerry tried his best to keep people talking and engaged. He tried to add joy and laughter by welcoming the staff as they started their shifts.  He was very thankful for their care.

Kerry continues to inspire us every day. His love, courage and sense of humour from afar is giving us strength at this heartbreaking time. He was kind, compassionate and grateful for being blessed with amazing friends and a wonderful family.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Kerry’s name may be made directly to the Knox United Church Memorial Fund, 4929 – 50th Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1H7 or to The Linden View Resident and Family Council Fund, 4700 – 64 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 0C6.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Joyce and Jerry Fawns for their love, dedication and being by Kerry’s side when he needed them most.

The final words go to Taber’s 2021 Citizen of the Year. “I just want to say how humbled and honoured I am, that I received this fantastic recognition for just being me. I would like to thank everyone, who has made this honour possible and I know my Mom, would be so proud of me.”

We are all proud of you Kerry, thank you for just being you – take it easy Cuz!

Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.