Sept. 7, 1923-July 5, 2009
George T. Tanaka was born in Vancouver Sept. 7, 1923 and passed away peacefully at home on July 5, 2009. George was raised in the islands east of Campbell River in logging camps, was interned with his family during WWII in Alberta, and educated in Washington State where he met his wife of 54 years, Ardys. It was there that they raised their four children, Karen Tanaka of Port Hardy, Don (Laura) Tanaka of Nanaimo, Rick (Kathy) Tanaka, and Nancy (Wade) Roberts of Port Hardy.
George and Ardys moved to Port Hardy in 1978, where he worked in carpentry and commercial fishing for many years. George was well-known and well-liked in Port Hardy and will be sadly missed by 11 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren , 2 sisters and numerous nieces and nephews. He retained his sense of humour and sharp wit to the end.
A celebration of George’s life will be held at the Civic Centre in Port Hardy on Sept. 6 at 3:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be given in Tanya McCreery Bradford’s name to help with her cancer treatments. Go to www.paypal.com and apply donations to wbradford@vandercook.edu account.