Mas passed away in the afternoon on Friday 30 June, 2023 at Burnaby Hospital.
Uncle Mas was born in Prince Rupert, BC on 19 February, 1933 to Sakaye and Frank Sadao Suga. In the early 1940’s, Mas, with his older sister Sadako, were in Nagasaki, Japan with their grandparents and due to World War II, he was unable to return to Canada until 1954.
He was a shipwright and worked at Matsumoto Shipyards in North Vancouver for many years and made many friends through his work. He also had many acquaintances of the equine variety.
In 2002, Mas was the first Canadian beneficiary to be awarded the hibakusha aid to overseas victims of the atomic bomb that was dropped on Nagasaki on 9 August, 1945. He rarely spoke of this event, and then only in vague terms.
He leaves behind family and friends to remember him. Sisters Sadako (in Nagasaki), Marion, Kazuko (Jim), Grace (Tony), niece and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, close family friends Mari and Toshio, and many caring relatives and friends in the lower mainland and Japan.
Grateful thanks to Burnaby Hospital staff in ER and 4C and Nikoniko Home Care for making his final days comfortable and dignified.
2 Comments
susan torvik
Sending my love and condolensces to the entire family….Mas was an amazing gentleman and I always enjoyed visiting with him when we would go to Kazuko’s (Auntie Betty’s) home. I’m sorry for your loss and wish I could attend his service if there is one.
Love Always
Susan TORVIK (and Lisa)
Lillian Giusti
I am very sorry to hear of Mas’s passing. If I can recall I think I called him Nissan.
I was close to the family in my growing up years as Grace and I were good friends.
I remember your brother’s shy, kind smile. He was always so good to me. A lovely man.
My sincere condolences to Grace, Marion, Betty and all your families.
Lillian xo