Tommy Tanemura passed away peacefully in Bastion Place, Salmon Arm, BC in the early hours of Monday, February 10, 2014 at the age of 79 years.
Following his wishes there will be no formal service, cremation with interment to follow later in the newly planned Cemetery next to his old homestead on Auto Road, Salmon Arm
Born in Salmon Arm on February 24, 1934. Tom was a lifetime resident of Salmon Arm except for 10 years when he lived in Kelowna for apprenticeship and working as mechanic. He left home at 15 years of age to follow his passion to be a mechanic, of which he gained much respect for his dedication and workmanship. The local Ford Dealership was his second home, working for Ferguson Ford, which sold to Chuck Jacobson and became Jacobson Ford. Health issues brought early retirement in 1991. He is well remembered for his quest to keep active and was often seen out walking, regardless of the weather or his lack of balance. In January of 2010 he was admitted to Bastion Place, which became a visiting spot for his close and dedicated friends and family. A special thanks to Dick and Lorraine Hume.
He was predeceased by his parents, Archie and Take Tanemura, sisters, Gertie Dot, Molly and Ada, and brother Ken.
Tom leaves his loving family; wife, Ann; three children, Brent of Toronto, Barry of Salmon Arm, Kari (Scott Freeman) of Coquitlam; 2 grandchildren, Palace Tanemura and his mother Stephanie Pete, and Tai Freeman; sisters, Hana (Glen) Larson of Salmon Arm, Mary (Yosh) Mochizuki of Kamloops, Yvonne (Tak) Terada of Ontario, brother Wayne (Kathy) of Prince George, and brother in law, Edward Fung.
Memorial donations in Tom’s memory may be sent to the Shuswap Hospital Foundation, Box 265, Salmon Arm, BC VIE 4N3
On line condolences may be sent to Tom’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com
The family extends thanks and appreciation to Bastion Place for all their care and support over the past 4 years, Doctor Levins for his care over the last 15 years, and a special thank you to Beth, from Bastion Place, “you are our Angel”
Arrangements are in the care of Bowers Funeral Home & Crematorium, Salmon Arm.