Mac (Makoto) Tamura began a well-earned final rest on December 20, 2007. Born in Port Haney, B.C. on August 15, 1917 to Yazaemon and Yuri, Mac grew up on a strawberry and apple farm with his brothers, Mort and York, and his sisters, Kay, Mickey, and Nobby (all predeceased). In 1942, the evacuation landed Mac and his family in Lucky Strike, Alberta to work on sugar beet farms. He often called the area his “old stompin’ grounds.” Shortly after, in 1946, the Tamuras bought their land in Duchess. Never looking back, hard work and perseverance turned the mixed farm into a successful and rewarding way of life in which to raise his family and spend the rest of his ninety years. That family began in 1957 when he married Mary (Mariko) Iwaasa and raised four children: Ron (Joy), Greg (Barb), Karla (Neil Langevin), and Lorna (Cam Evans), and shared many smiles and laughs with his grandchildren: Mitchell, Jayme, Jade (deceased), Olivia, Kade, Carter, Dallas, and Rylee. Mac loved driving fast, starting on the streets of Vancouver at age nine, to his stock car days, to his black Cadillac with the BIG MAC license plate. He enjoyed watching game shows and old westerns, especially ones with John Wayne or songs he could yodel along with. He would always have time to visit and have a cold one with his friends and neighbors, no matter what the time of day. Mac’s generosity, sense of humor, and love of family will always be remembered. Funeral services were held on Friday, December 28th at 2:00 PM from the Trinity Lutheran Church, Brooks. Rev. John Theiss officiated. Honorary Pallbearers were Mac’s grandchildren. In memory of Mac, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Brooks and District Health Foundation, Bag 300, Brooks, Alberta T1R 1B3. Arrangements in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME. Telephone 362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652.
“ Happy trails to you, Mac, until we meet again. . . “
