Iwaasa – Mr. Mitsuo “Mits” Iwaasa passed away in Calgary on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at the age 87 years. Mits was born in Cumberland, B.C. on June 2, 1929. From the ages 2-6, Mits was fostered to the Matsutaro Iwasa home in an all Japanese village outside of Cumberland. In September 1935, he moved back with his father and siblings, Kazuo, Chiyo and Mariko (Mary) in the sawmill town of Royston, where he started school. Mits and his family lived there until February 1942, when they moved to his uncle’s farm outside of Raymond, AB. They settled in their own home in Raymond, where they lived until 1950. In 1950, Mits and his father, Tadao and sister, Mary, moved to Brooks. He worked for Hugh Bevan Chartered Accountants articling and later did bookkeeping at the School Board Office, Brooks Hospital, and County of Newell while also sign painting. Mits married Clara Stratton in Plamondon, AB on September 5, 1959. They settled in Brooks, where they raised their 4 children; Stuart, Lorraine, Mitchell, and Carol. Mits opened his printing and sign painting business, Iwaasa Industries in 1965. He ran the business with his sons Stuart and Mitchell, as they worked together to adapt and evolve with changing technology. Mits only recently retired in the last couple of years. A talented artist, Mits also enjoyed reading, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and going for a beer or coffee with friends. A local businessman, Mits was always involved in the community of Brooks, being a member of the Kinsmen, K-40s and Kiwanis for many years. Clara and Mits were also involved in the local recreation clubs and went bowling and played badminton. Mits will be best remembered for his kind, generous spirit and warm smile. He was always patient and willing to listen to others’ stories and concerns. With his excellent memory Mits also liked telling stories. Mits was predeceased by his parents; Tadao and Kimiko Iwaasa, siblings; Kazuo, Akiko, Chiyo, Kazuyuki, and most recently, his youngest sister, Mary Tamura. Mits is survived by his wife, Clara; children – Stuart Iwaasa, Lorraine (Kevin) Spence, Mitchell (Michelle) Iwaasa, and Carol Iwaasa; grandchildren – Justin (Alexandria), Iain, Noah Iwaasa and Kimiko, Rebecca, and Alexander Spence. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, October 14 at 2:00 PM from St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Rev. Raul Hernandez Celebrant. Interment followed at Brooks Cemetery. In memory of Mits, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to STARS, Suite 100, 1519 – 35th Avenue East, Edmonton International Airport T9E 0V6.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM, BROOKS, ALBERTA
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