Yumi loved to laugh. She was a special person who brought a positive light to everyone in her life.
In 1992, Yumi met Greg while visiting from Japan – her Vancouver vacation turned out to be the beginning of a beautiful adventure together. With humour, tenacity and determination, Yumi built an exceptional career in design, winning over the Vancouver advertising community with English as a second language and zero formal training. Her work ethic was second-to-none, and she truly strived for excellence in everything she did. She was a skilled and joyful addition to her teams.
Yumi’s smile and laugh were the absolute best. She had an endearing way of effortlessly winning over everyone she met, and we all felt lucky to have her in our world. Though she loved her people, it was animals that really stole her heart. When she wasn’t watching online videos of puppies and kittens, Yumi was lovingly raising 3 cats and a beautiful California rescue dog or shamelessly showering stranger’s dogs with hugs.
Nobody could have guessed that Yumi was living with cancer. For 21 years, she determined not to let it define her or get in her way. Living a healthy lifestyle filled with exercise and joy, she avoided chemotherapy and thrived. Yumi was happiest surrounded by friends – turning Cancer fundraising walks and dragon boating into one big party.
Yumi passed away on Monday May 4th in the North Shore Hospice after a well-fought battle with challenging complications. Until the end, she was strong and determined and an inspiration to family and friends.
She is incredibly loved and missed.
We will be holding a small, private celebration of life for very close family and friends. In lieu of gifts or flowers, please consider a donation in Yumi’s name to one of the following charities:
0 Comments
Kirk White
Hi Greg that was a beautiful tribute. I remember her laughing with me and at me. She was a great balance for you at times pushing you and at times supporting you. She was very loved by my family and we feel her loss. My favourite memories are when we were out visiting you or hanging out at the cottage.
Andy and Ann
What a beauty tribute to Yumi. Greg you have many memories to celebrate. Andy and I have made a donation in memory of Yumi to Our Lady of the Highways church building fund. We are with you in spirit. Sending big hugs. XXXX. Andy and Ann
Sandy and Art MacDonald
Hello Greg, So sorry to hear about Yumi. She was a true warrior.
Enjoy your good memories.
Keep strong and be safe.
Mona Bassett
Dear Greg and family, We were so sorry to hear about Yumi and she did so well fighting her disease. Whenever I met Yumi she was always laughing. She and Anita went through lots together and were a good support to each other I am sure. We just want to send our condolences and wish you comfort in your grief. Mona and Ted
Andrea Mongilardi
So precise. Every time we talked together, Yumi remembered me since how many years we were friends. I’m not the same precise, but for sure it’s more than 30.
We met in London and formed from the very first moment a crazy trio (an italian, a japanese and a swedish, sounds like a joke): a longlasting friendship with deep heart connection despite few occasions to meet again and few contacts. It’s a matter of souls, you know.
She was much better than me in keeping in touch, in nourishing our friendship, and in so many other things. A great, inspiring, pocket great woman.
Her genuine, deep and joyful affection has always been a model for me; her somehow childish curiosity a source of energy: I found it so funny but also so lovely.
Her smile and her laughs brightened at least three continents. I’ll keep both in my heart.
Yumi, I’m sure you are bringing your bright light where you are now, a place I love to call Paradise. With you there, you’ll all be happier.
I hope that guarding your smile in our souls will help each and all of us to add some joy in our lives.
Please, help us to be as contagious as you.
Rest in peace.
Ps Thank you for coming to Milan with Greg. We added a great, lovely new friend to our life.
Lucinda
Greg, I’m so sorry for your loss. When I think of Yumi, I hear laughter. She was full of laughter that often had us hooting at her candid responses, stories and re-enactments. Even when going through immense physical and spiritual pain, she still embraced humour and loved to laugh.
I’m so grateful for knowing Yumi. Her unique worldview added enormously to my life, offering a joyous approach to life and living.
Nicole
Sooo many great moments occurred over the years that created beautiful memories to be cherished forever. xoxo
Love always, Nicole
Rod and Brenda Johnson
Yumi was indeed a courageous and tenacious woman and we are honoured to have known and spent time with her – she truly inspired us. She had a great spirit and a kind, gentle nature. Our last visit with Yumi in February was a typical Yumi and Greg visit – buoyant, joyous and full of laughter.
Rod and Brenda
Jean Buckley
Yumi and I met early on in her/our journey with breast cancer. We dragon boat paddled together under the banner of Abreast In A Boat (AIAB). We shared a love of healthy outdoor exercise, laughter and FUN !! She/we had no time for self pity. In recent years we touched base infrequently but she was/is always close in my heart. Yumi your big smile and kind spirit lives on in each of us special enough to be called your friend. XX
Melanie
This is a beautiful tribute to Yumi, Greg.
I feel so grateful to have known Yumi and enjoy her company all these years during many lunches, coffees, hikes, our love of dogs and our recent shared passion, BC Ballet.
I miss her terribly. When I think of her, it’s always her contagious laugh and huge, bright smile that first come to mind. She was loved. My deepest condolences to you, Greg.