A Timeless Legacy: Tetsuo (Ted) and Frances Itani Endowment Fund
Established in loving memory of Major Tetsuo (Ted) Itani, the Endowment Fund honours his lifetime contributions to peace and humanitarian work, and his deep commitment to the Japanese Canadian community.
The Tetsuo (Ted) and Frances Itani Endowment Fund
Established in loving memory of Major Tetsuo (Ted) Itani, the Endowment Fund honours his lifetime contributions to peace and humanitarian work, and his deep commitment to the Japanese Canadian community. Through this endowment, Ted’s legacy lives on, supporting long-term preservation of objects stored in the Nikkei National Museum Collections & Archives.
Below is the story of Ted’s extraordinary life, written by his wife Frances, along with his tributes by various organizations.
About Major Tetsuo (Ted) Itani, C.M., O.M.M., C.D., (Ret’d) (1939-2021)
Ted’s journey began (born Sansei) in Ucluelet, B.C., son of Takeo Itani (commercial fisherman) and Sumako Oye. Shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Ted’s family was forcibly removed from their home, taking only the possessions they could carry. They were confined in primitive stables in Hastings Park, Vancouver, until months later when they were moved north by train, and incarcerated in a camp in East Lillooet on the Fraser River, 1942. Having lost their civil rights – though all were Canadian citizens – they remained in BC’s interior until after the end of the war. By then, their confiscated possessions had been sold off.
Post-war, the family eventually moved to Westbank, B.C. As a young man, Ted began a 37-year career with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). He served with NATO in Europe, and held command, staff and instructional posts in Canada and abroad. He graduated from the Canadian Army Staff College, NATO Defense College in Rome and the International Institute of Humanitarian Law, San Remo, Italy. He pursued language studies in French, Russian, Japanese, Arabic, Spanish, Italian and German. He also attended the Romeo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative at Dalhousie University. Ted served as Commanding Officer of the 1st Airborne Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery, of the Canadian Airborne Regiment (Edmonton 1972-74). UN missions included long periods in the Horn of Africa, Pakistan, Iran/Iraq and the former Yugoslavia during the Bosnian War. He held various jobs as Faculty Member, Peacekeeper and UN Monitor. He was awarded the Order of Military Merit in 1991, and in 2015 was appointed to the Order of Canada.
Ted made an early decision to commit himself to justice, peace and gender equality. He overcame adversity and prejudice, and with wisdom and humour, worked selflessly to help others. He had enormous inner strength and no fear of making tough decisions. After retirement from the CAF in 1994, he began a 26-year career in humanitarian aid work with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies, and Canadian Red Cross (CRC). For 17 years he took on various roles with the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre, teaching, helping to design and deliver training courses conducted around the world. In 1995 he supported efforts to negotiate a mine-ban convention, which came to fruition in the 1997 Ottawa Treaty. He worked for the ICRC until 2004, including a 2 ½-year mission in Central Asia, based in Tashkent, his territory covering Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan. In Geneva he worked for several years on the Missing People Project, and as advisor on International Humanitarian Law and diplomacy. With the Canadian Red Cross, he led responses to natural disasters including Sri Lanka and Indonesia following the 2004 tsunami; 2005-06 earthquake relief in Pakistan; Operations Coordinator with Pakistan Red Crescent Society in Baluchistan (2008 earthquake); and Pakistan during the 2010 floods. He worked for the US State Department Global Peace Operations Initiative as Subject Matter Expert and threw his energy into his work, whether it was classroom or field. He left his mark in many places, including Haiti after a major earthquake, Bangladesh, Nepal, the Philippines, Indonesia and Mongolia. In his last years he was a committed Red Cross mentor and Volunteer. To quote a colleague: “He was dignified, respectful of people and honourable.”
Ted and Frances eloped in Montreal in 1967 and moved about Canada and the world together, including 3 years in Heidelberg, Germany, while working and raising son, Russell, and daughter, Sam. Ted was a steady and gentle guiding presence for his children and three grandchildren: Frances Michiko Itani, Campbell Itani Smith and Tate Itani Smith. He was a fly fisherman, during any brief time off. And loved to visit Prince Edward Island with family any chance he had during summer weeks.
Ted was a lifetime runner and completed many marathons, including the original in Greece, and the Boston Marathon. He was a victim of a tragic accident sustained while out running, the evening of January 12, 2021. He survived 10 weeks in hospital but died from multiple traumatic injuries on March 22, 2021.
He is very much missed by his family and his community.
Tributes
B. Stewart: It's a great honour to rise today in this House and remember the life of an incredible Canadian with deep roots in West Kelowna:
Tetsuo Itani was born in Ucluelet, B.C. in 1939. His father, Takeo, was a successful commercial fisherman, a second-generation Canadian and homeowner. Unfortunately, this did not stop the Canadian government from labelling Ted's family and all the other Japanese Canadians as enemy aliens, following the attacks on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Much of Ted's childhood was spent in internment camps at Hastings Park and East Lillooet and then, when they were allowed to, the Itani family decided to move to Westbank on Dobbin Road, just down from my constituency office. Takeo grew vegetables and his mother, Sumako, worked for the Reece family at the family packing house. Ted always looked for ways to get involved in his community, and he decided to.... One of the few groups that would allow him to be a member was the Cadets. He spoke of the program as giving him a sense of belonging in a place and at a time when it was difficult for him to find one. This decision ended up shaping the rest of Ted's life. After the Cadets, he went on with 37 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces. He served with NATO, was involved in UN peacekeeping and humanitarian missions across the world and was awarded the Order of Military Merit in 1994.
He then retired from the military and went on to a successful 26-year humanitarian career with the Red Cross and a few years ago was inducted into the Order of Canada.
The headline in the local newspaper: "Once Shunned by Canada, Ted Itani Now Among Canada's Honoured Elite." I just want to read a clip from the Governor General.
"Ted Itani is a role model of service to people in crisis around the world. Following a distinguished military career, he became an adviser to the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre, where he drew on his own experiences to help design peacekeeping training courses conducted by the centre around the world. A committed humanitarian, he led responses to... natural disasters, including the earthquakes and floods that ravaged Pakistan in the last decade. He was a senior volunteer in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement."
Ted's life is a story that looks like somebody that dedicates oneself to service, despite having every reason to bear resentment towards Canada. He chose to spend his life serving his country and working to improve the lives of people around the world.
His life and legacy is remembered by his community; his wife and author, Frances; Bing of 100 Mile; Nancy of 108 Mile; and sister-in-law Beryl Itani in Kelowna West - an example of dedication, resilience and commitment from which we can all learn.
In Memory of Ian Miki
Ian was a dedicated Board Director and pillar of the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre.
Ian Noboru Miki
A dedicated Board Director and pillar of the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, Ian Miki, passed away in May 2024. His family’s internment during WWII in Greenwood, BC, inspired his dedication to preserving Japanese Canadian history and heritage for future generations. Serving since 2012, Ian volunteered his time and expertise to Nikkei Place, playing a key role in fundraising, development, and caring for the Nikkei Centre facility and Nikkei Garden. His kindness and positive spirit were truly remarkable, and he is dearly missed by everyone who was touched by his life.
A celebration of life was held on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre.
In the Nikkei Garden, a bench has been dedicated in memory of Ian, facing the pine tree he gave to Nikkei Centre on their 20th anniversary. This lasting tribute will forever celebrate his leadership, compassion, and commitment to the community.
Ian Miki Obituary ~ From His Loving Family
12 AUGUST, 1971 – 11 MAY, 2024
Ian Noboru Miki, born August 12, 1971, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on May 11, 2024.
Ian will be remembered with love by his wife Chieko, son Brian and daughters, Emily and Sophia. He will be deeply missed by his mother, Tsuneko, sister, Evy (Albert) and niece, Christina, as well as his in-laws and many extended family members, including uncles, aunts and cousins. Ian was pre-deceased by his father Robert Toru Miki.
Ian was born and raised in Surrey, BC. He went on to study civil engineering at UBC and started his career at the BC Ministry of Transportation, working in Prince George and Victoria before moving back to the Lower Mainland. After 8 years with the ministry, Ian moved to the private sector, working in various roles at FortisBC for 22 years. Ian had a very rewarding career and cherished the relationships he built with his co-workers.
As an adult, Ian settled in Burnaby and made many good neighbourhood friends. He wished to thank all the families on McKee Street and the surrounding areas for being great, supportive neighbours for over 20 years.
Ian was an active volunteer in the Nikkei community. As a result of his father and his family being interned during the second world war in Greenwood, BC, he was interested in his family history and supporting the preservation of Japanese Canadian history. Ian volunteered his time at the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Center and was a volunteer director for over 10 years.
Ian’s life-long hobby was kendo. He started kendo at the age of seven and continued until his illness. He cherished the many friendships he made through kendo and is also proud that his son, Brian, continues this tradition.
Ian was diagnosed with lymphoma in September, 2023. He fought a long battle and passed away peacefully at St Michael’s Centre, surrounded by his loving family.
Ian accomplished much in his 52 years and appreciated the many friendships he developed through his work, hobbies and volunteering.
In accordance with Ian’s wishes, in lieu of flowers and koden, please consider a donation to the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre Maintenance Fund in Ian’s memory.
Celebrating Yoshi Hashimoto, Former Chair of the Nikkei Auxiliary Committee!
Celebrating Yoshi Hashimoto's 20 years of community service.
Celebrating Yoshi Hashimoto's 20 years of community service
Former Chair of the Nikkei Auxiliary Committee
Since its formation in December 2001, the NNMCC Auxiliary has become an integral part of the activities at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (NNMCC). Yoshi Hashimoto was appointed Chair at the first Auxiliary meeting in 2001. He was re-appointed Auxiliary Chair every year for 20 consecutive years, until he handed over the gavel in 2022.
Over the years, Yoshi has guided the Auxiliary to success, raising almost $300,000 for the NNMCC through fundraising events. Funds raised have gone toward a variety of projects, including Museum education programs, computer upgrades, kitchen renovations, building and garden maintenance, as well as contributions to both the Resilience and Inspiration fundraising campaigns. One of the Auxiliary’s most significant projects was building the NNMCC Community Kitchen. Yoshi was one of the driving forces to initiate and spearhead fundraising to build the Kitchen. Since its completion in 2005, the Kitchen has more than proven its value - the Auxiliary has produced countless food items for sale at many events, including the annual Spring Bazaar, Craft Market and year end Mochitsuki, as well as for NNMCC events such as Matsuri.
During his tenure as Chair of the Auxiliary, Yoshi traveled numerous times between Abbotsford and the NNMCC. In addition to chairing the Auxiliary meetings, Yoshi could be found in the kitchen helping out wherever he could, whether it was peeling apples for pies or manning the scales to weigh mochi.
Yoshi is a keen gardener and enthusiastic cook. With his easygoing manner and good humour, Yoshi has made many friends and forged good relationships within the Nikkei community. We thank him for his many years of dedicated service, and look forward to working with him at future events.
Thank you for serving as the Chair of the Nikkei Auxiliary for the past 20 consecutive years! Please join in making a donation to Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre in honour of Yoshi Hashimoto!
In Memory of Mitsuo & Emmie Hayashi
Mr. and Mrs. Hayashi were longtime community leaders who tirelessly devoted their time, energies, and generous financial support to building and advocating for Nikkei Place, and the larger community, for over 20 years.
Mitsuo & Emmie Hayashi
Nikkei Place is saddened to share the news that Mitsuo (Mits) Hayashi, one of the founders of Nikkei Place, passed away on January 29, 2021. He was predeceased by his wife Emmie Hayashi, who passed away in August of 2019 after they retired and moved to Japan.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Hayashi were longtime community leaders who tirelessly devoted their time, energies, and generous financial support to building and advocating for Nikkei Place, and the larger community, for over 20 years.
“Mits Hayashi had a huge heart; he was an exceptionally caring and thoughtful person. This was most evident in the way he initiated concerts and other events and anonymously donated items that enhanced Nikkei Centre. He was the Society’s bridge to Japan and the Japanese immigrant community, with examples ranging from building relations with the Japanese Consulate to championing the Japanese immigrants on the Centre staff. We were so blessed that he and Emmie chose Vancouver as home in their retirement.”
Craig Natsuhara, NNMCC Director
Mr. Hayashi served as the Vice-President of the National Nikkei Heritage Centre Society, Chair/Director of the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, a Board member of the Nikkei Place Foundation and the Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society. He contributed his time to the Canada-Japan Society of British Columbia, Nikka Health Care Society, Urasenke Tankokai Vancouver Association, Nikkei Community Shinnenkai, Vancouver Hakumon-kai, and the Vancouver Japanese United Church. For his contributions to the Japanese Canadian community, Mr. Hayashi was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, in 2012 and a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013. In 2015, Nikkei Place awarded him the Japanese Culture Award.
"Mits and Emmie were a dignified couple who unselfishly dedicated their time and resources to the development of Nikkei Place. They supported many organizations in the Japanese Canadian community, but Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society seemed to occupy a special place in their lives. Always a gentleman, with an awareness of social propriety, Mits served as a vital link between the Ijushya community and Nikkei Place. We will be forever grateful for their involvement and support."
Ruth Coles, NSHCHS President
Mitsuo and Emmie will be remembered for their many contributions to community building at Nikkei Place and beyond, and their dedication to promoting closer relations between Canada and Japan. Their volunteer spirit and generosity will be greatly missed. They leave behind a lasting legacy.
"Mits was a gentleman, and facilitated the relationship between Nikkei Place and the Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver. He greatly supported community projects in spirit and financially. We will surely miss him."
Fred Yada, NPF Director, NNMCC Director
Honour Mitsuo & Emmie’s Legacy
Post a message of condolence, memory, or story below, or donate in their memory.
林光夫さん・恵美子さんへの記帳をどうぞ。
お悔やみ、ご夫妻との思い出など、お気軽に（日本語でも英語でも）ご記入ください。
Remembering Shoji Nishihata (1933-2020)
Shoji was one of the Nikkei National Museum's most dedicated and beloved volunteers for over 24 years.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Jon Chiang
Shoji Nishihata
Shoji was one of the Nikkei National Museum's most dedicated and beloved volunteers for over 24 years. His easy-going nature brought a lot of comfort and joy to those of us who worked with him, and rain or shine he came to help every week. His contributions to the museum were many, including drawing the Powell Street map and providing his family photographs for our Powell Street Monogatari exhibit and publication (2011).
Join us in paying tribute to Shoji by watching the documentary "Shoji" by Jon Chiang www.jonchiang.com/shoji. Our sincere condolences to Shoji's children James, Paul, and David, to his grandchildren, and to the Nishihata family and friends.
Remembering Robert Banno
Robert Tadashi Banno was the founding President of both the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre and the Nikkei Place Foundation.
Biography
Robert Tadashi Banno, the founding President of both the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre and the Nikkei Place Foundation, passed away on Tuesday, June 16th.
A Sansei, Robert was born on March 9, 1943 at the Tashme Internment Camp during the Second World War. He graduated from Kamloops High School and attended the University of British Columbia, majoring in Economics and Political Science. He graduated from the University of British Columbia’s School of Law. Robert began practicing law in 1969 and had a long and distinguished career. He served as a senior partner at DLA Piper (formerly Davis LLP) , with expertise in Canada-Japan business and trade and aboriginal law. Robert was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2013 and in the same year, was also awarded the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions towards the Japanese-Canadian community. In 2016, Robert was honoured with Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun.
“Bob, we will sorely miss you, but will never forget your contribution to the Community.”
— HENRY WAKABAYASHI
Robert’s contribution to Nikkei Place was far reaching, including identifying the land Nikkei Place is situated on and serving as the Founding President of the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (NNMCC). He also led the merger of the National Nikkei Heritage Centre Society and the Japanese Canadian National Museum, forming the NNMHC. In 2002, Robert helped to establish the Nikkei Place Foundation to support the fundraising efforts of both the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (NNMCC) and the Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society (NSHCHS) and served as the Foundation’s Board President until his death.
“We have lost one of our last community builders and he will be deeply missed, however with his leadership we have realized his vision of a unique Nikkei Place that we all enjoy today and for future generations.”
— FRANK KAMIYA
Robert was a beloved and respected member of the Japanese Canadian community. He was a kind, thoughtful and generous leader. The Nikkei Place offer our deepest condolences to his wife Cathy Makihara, his son Kevin, his granddaughter, his brothers Victor & Dale, his extended family, and to his many friends. Robert will be greatly missed.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
On July 11, a small Celebration of Life was held in honor of Robert Tadashi Banno. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a large gathering was not possible. This video was made for everyone to be part of Robert's Celebration of Life.
A memorial table has also been set up at Nikkei Centre for community members to visit, and sign a guestbook to share messages with the family.
Honour Robert’s Legacy
Share a memory, story, or message about Robert Banno, or donate in his memory.