YAMAOKA, Gerry
March 12, 1948 — July 18, 2022
Gerry Yamaoka, much-beloved husband, father, and grandfather, slipped away peacefully on July 18, 2022, at the age of 74 after a valiant battle with lung cancer.
Predeceased by his parents, Toshio and Mitsuko (Shirley), Gerry is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Vicky; his children Shaun (Keri) and Kristy; his grandchildren Jayden, Kyleigh, and Alexis; and his many family members and friends.
Gerry was born on March 12, 1948, in Kelowna, B.C., into an orchardist family where he planted strong roots working alongside his father. He eventually took over the family business and proudly managed it for twenty successful years, retiring in 2007. A lover of the great outdoors, Gerry’s passions included Matsutake mushroom hunting, steelhead fishing, and golfing with friends.
Gerry battled many significant health challenges throughout his life and faced them stoically with grace and courage and without complaint. “Peachy” was the standard word that he used to describe how he was feeling when asked.
Thanks to the care, support, and empathy of the Kelowna General Hospital transplant team, Dr. Graham, and many other doctors, nurses, and staff at the Community Health & Services Centre including Drs. Rao, Rolf, and Shaw, Palliative Care, and Hospice House Kelowna, Gerry was afforded more time with his loved ones, for which we are extremely grateful.
There will be a Memorial Service on Monday, August 8, 2022, at 10:00 AM at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
In lieu of flowers or Koden, donations may be made to the Kelowna Transplant Clinic (Kelowna General Hospital, 2268 Pandosy Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 1T2) or to the Central Okanagan Hospice House Association.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM:
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of YAMAOKA Gerry March 12 1948 — July 18 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Kelowna, Province: Colombie britanique