Rev. Hisayoshi Isayama

Reverend Hisayoshi Isayama, 84, peacefully passed away on Sunday, December 31st, 2017 at the Canmore General Hospital. Hisayoshi was born on February 4th, 1933 in Nagano, Japan and was educated in theology and screenwriting.

After working as a Christian minister for many years in Japan, Hisayoshi immigrated with his wife and children to Canada in 1980 and continued to work as a minister in Calgary. In 1987, he and his family moved to Banff and then finally settled in Canmore in 1989. He will be remembered by his friends and family as a very thoughtful, reflective, passionate and proud man who was deeply devoted to both his faith and his family.

Hisayoshi spent much of his life studying, reading and writing and was very fond of the arts, especially film and music. Hisayoshi adored the mountains and loved his six grandchildren dearly. Known to their grandchildren as "Jichan" and "Bachan", he and his wife devoted their later years making sure all their grandchildren had blissful childhoods that were filled with love and rich in imagination.

Hisayoshi leaves his best friend and wife of 55 years, Eiko Isayama, to cherish his memory. He is also survived by his three children, Isaac, Ikuko and Michiko, who have all resided with or near him since they immigrated in 1980. He will be remembered warmly by his two son-in-laws, Dan and Gani and his daughter-in-law, Emi. Hisayoshi's greatest pride was always his grandchildren and his kindness and deep love will live on through Marika, Jeremiah, Noah, Naoto, Yoshiya and Nathan.

A special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at the Canmore General Hospital, Banff Mineral Springs Hospital and Foothills Medical Centre for their care and compassion during Hisayoshi's last days.

Funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday, January 4, 2018 in Our Lady of the Rockies Parish, Canmore.

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.