Tsutomu (Tom) Hoshino

TSUTOMU HOSHINO, age 76, died of cancer at Banff Mineral Springs Hospital on Saturday, November 5, 2022.

Tom was born in Nikko, Japan, where he developed his lifelong love for winter sports and the outdoors. After completing his LLB at Nihon University, he worked as a ski instructor for several years. In 1972, he applied to an overseas instructor exchange program and arrived at Sunshine Village; he had found a place to call home. His wife, Noriko, soon joined him, and they began their new life in Banff.

During his years at Sunshine Ski School, Tom served as a coach with the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing and helped organize international tournaments in Japan and Canada. Later, Tom became a ski guide and tour operator, taking great joy in sharing the vistas of Banff National Park with visitors from his native country. In the late 1990s, he established a summer hockey school with Canadian coaches in his hometown of Nikko, again bridging his two nations through sport.

Tom devoted himself to family, introducing his two sons to hiking, fishing, skiing, skating, golf, and hockey, and took every opportunity to contribute as a coach or parent volunteer. He travelled to Japan with his family annually, determined to immerse his children in their cultural heritage. In his final years, he embraced the life of a loving, doting, joyful grandfather. All those who knew Tom will remember his warm smile and bright laugh. Regardless of the years between visits, he could quickly convince his friends that not a single moment had gone by.

Tom is survived by his wife of 49 years, Noriko; son Masa and daughter-in-law Aya Mitani of Toronto; son Taka of Tokyo; and grandchildren Otis and Ann. The Hoshinos extend heartfelt thanks to the selfless caregivers of Foothills Medical Center, Banff Mineral Springs Hospital Acute Care, and Banff Home Care.

Tom requested that his remains be cremated and interred in Banff and no memorial service be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to a youth sports program in your community.

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.