KAWAGUCHI, Kameo - It is with great sadness that the family of Kameo Kawaguchi announces his sudden passing on August 12, 2018 at the age of 96 years.
Beloved husband of Mariko for 68 years.
Loving father of Glen, Gary (Gayle) and Kevin (Dorothy).
Cherished grandfather of Sarah (Paul), Scott and Emily.
Kameo was born in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1921. He was fondly remembered as a Japanese language and judo sensei before the war. As Japanese Canadians were being rounded up for internment in 1942, an attempt to buy cigarettes after curfew landed him in the CFB Petawawa and Angler Prisoner of War Camp in Northern Ontario.
Eventually, opportunity brought Kameo to Toronto where he worked as a machinist for Massey Ferguson. He married Mariko on June 10, 1950 and together they opened a neighbourhood grocery store in East York.
Kameo and Mariko enjoyed a close relationship with their families and traveled the world together. Kameo is remembered for his quick-witted sense of humour and his talents as a ballroom and odori dancer and singer, leading his grandchildren in the "Tanko Bushi" at church picnics.
In 2003 Judo Ontario inducted Kameo into the judo hall of fame for his lifetime teaching and leadership.
A visitation will be held at the Toronto Buddhist Church (1011 Sheppard Ave. W.) on Saturday, September 8th, at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m.
Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be sent to the Toronto Buddhist Church or the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre.
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