Johnny Akira Yamamura
December 28, 1954 - April 25, 2016
We are sad to announce the passing of our beloved, loving, thoughtful, adventurous son, brother, teacher, karate instructor, and friend, Johnny Akira Yamamura.
Predeceased by his mother Takiko, March 24, 2016 and survived by his father Ben, and two brothers Anthony and Andrew. Johnny was born in Kumamoto, Japan, travelled to Canada at the age of 5 with his mother where he was raised in Greenwood BC, attended Greenwood Elementary School and then high school at Boundary Central Secondary School in Midway, BC. In his senior years at high school, he was the school president until he graduated and during the summers Johnny worked for the BC Forest Services in Kettle Valley BC, as a Suppression Crew Supervisor. Johnny continued to work for 6 more years prior to attending Okanagan College in Kelowna BC to pursue a career as a teacher and during that time, positioned as a scrum half on the rugby team, they won the Okanagan Rugby Championship. After finishing College, Johnny moved to Calgary Alberta to enroll at the University of Calgary, where he received his BA with a major in physical education and then his BEd.
Johnny moved to Nanaimo BC in 1993, where he taught at Dover Bay Secondary, Wellington Secondary and then at the Nanaimo District Secondary School until 2015. Johnny taught Japanese language, Physical Education and Social Studies and coached sports such as volleyball and rugby.
He enjoyed many activities: curling, hockey, tennis, baseball, traveling but his true passion was learning and teaching Karate, achieving a 3rd degree black belt (Sandan). Johnny instructed karate in Calgary for a number of years and then later in Nanaimo at the Renshikan Karate - Do.
Johnny will be truly missed by his family, his partner Suzanne and his many friends. Rest in peace Johnny with our mother. You will never be forgotten.
Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the Nanaimo Golf Club - 2800 Highland Blvd, Nanaimo BC from 12pm to 4pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the NRGH Palliative Care Unit or the Cancer Society