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Mickey Kojima

Image by Nick Andréka

MASAYOSHI "MICKEY" KOJIMA

1926 - 2023

Les and Sharon are profoundly saddened to announce the death of their father, Mickey Kojima, on May 2, 2023. His passing leaves a void in their hearts and in the lives of all who knew him. As we reflect on his long and amazing life story, we remember a man of resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit.

 

Mickey's journey began in Vancouver, B.C. where he was born. His early years were spent in Royston, Vancouver Island, where his father worked in the logging industry. The outbreak of the Second World War dramatically altered the course of his life. At the age of 15, Mickey, his parents and three younger sisters (Kaz, Dorothy and Kay) were uprooted with only two days' notice and relocated to the Hastings Park Detention Center in Vancouver. After enduring six months there, the family was transferred to the Tashme Japanese Internment Camp, east of Hope, B.C., where they would remain until the war's end and where a fourth sibling (Henry) would be born.

 

Following the war, the Canadian government encouraged all Japanese Canadians to “repatriate” to Japan. However, Mickey's family made the decision to remain in Canada. They first moved to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, before finding a home in Manitoba, briefly in Sanford before settling permanently in Winnipeg.

 

In the face of post-war racism and limited job opportunities, Mickey sought to improve his prospects. In 1949, he moved to Chicago to complete a course in electrical engineering. Working nights to support himself and attending classes during the day, he displayed an unwavering commitment to self-improvement.

 

Returning to Winnipeg, Mickey joined Sargent Electric and Radio, where he worked until 1960. It was then that he and Art Goodman joined forces to establish Goodman and Kojima Electric (G&K). Known for their exceptional workmanship and dedication to quality, G&K’s reputation spread not only among Winnipeg's growing community of Japanese builders and designers but throughout the broader Winnipeg community as well.

 

In 1951, Mickey married Thelma Koga, who became his loving wife, steadfast partner, and invaluable source of support for almost 53 years. Together, they raised three children: Les, Lindsay, and Sharon. Thelma’s younger brother married one of Mickey’s sisters, so the children had very close cousins to play with growing up. Child-rearing was Thelma’s job. As the eldest son and patriarch of the Kojima family, Mickey needed to work to provide for the family—a job made more challenging because the 7-year internment left the family with zero savings and parents too old to start over. It was a fantastic partnership that grew even stronger after Mickey retired in 1986.

 

They travelled together, and Mickey redirected his legendary energies towards his new passions of downhill skiing and golf. The skiing did not last too long. Mickey lost an eye during a skiing accident in Lake Tahoe in 1987. But neither that nor a diagnosis of stage 4 bladder cancer in 1997 could slow the man down. He played close to 100 rounds of golf when he was 92, took a solo trip to Hawaii when he was 93, was climbing ladders when he was 94, and was still driving at the age of 95. He died at 96 while working out at the gym.

 

Mickey was also active in the Japanese Canadian community. He voluntarily applied his electrical contracting expertise to at least 40 Japanese Folklorama pavilions over the years, and did most of the wiring at the Manitoba Buddhist Temple and at the original and current Japanese Cultural Centres. His name is at the top of the donor boards at the Japanese Cultural Centre, and for many years he volunteered at the Japan Public Schools Program and at Donburi Lunches.  He enjoyed attending the Horizon Club lunches and all of the major events, where he loved to tell stories and chat with friends.

 

Mickey now joins his beloved wife, his parents, his sister Kay, and his son Lindsay. His legacy lives on through his surviving siblings, Dorothy Koga, Kaz Nakashima, and Henry Kojima; his children Les and Sharon (Jamey Graham); his grandchildren, Stephen, Nicolas (Sarah Paradis) and Sachi, Megan and Joel (Alina Lopez), and Isabeaux and Jacobi; and his great-grandchildren, Ayina, Hana and Charlie. 

 

A celebration of Mickey’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 22 at the Japanese Cultural Centre (180 McPhillips Street).

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of the endowment funds maintained by the Winnipeg Foundation in the name of the Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba. All such donations will result in a tax receipt, a matching grant by the Winnipeg Foundation, and investment income to the Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba every year in perpetuity. A fitting way to show that we shall forever remember a truly outstanding individual.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Kazumi Taniguchi

July 16, 2023 at 5:52 PM

My condolences to the Kojima Family.  I met Mickey after moving to Winnipeg from BC.  I remember the gatherings with Mikey and the guys. Fond memories of going to the YMCA for dances.  Our family were neighbors with Thelma's family in Haney (Maple Ridge) BC.

Walter Scheuer

July 11, 2023 at 1:37 AM

Sorry to hear of Mickeys passing. I started to work for Art and Mickey as an apprentice in 1961 when their office was in Arts basement on Dominion St. Mickey was a master electrician and a very good employer. He showed me many tricks of the trade and was very supportive to me as I gained experience. He often told of his experiences during the war years and of hardships and injustices that he and his family endured.  I remember the Christmas  invitations to his Mcalman home where Thelma had prepared the most wonderful meals. I remember his young family that he was so proud of. In those days there were still many houses with knob and tube wiring. Art and Mickey  would take these jobs on when few others would as they required a lot of problem solving. They really took pride in their workmanship and passed those qualities unto us. In those times we had two experienced helpers and one apprentice (me).  I remember Mickey fondly as a wonderful and kindly person. When I moved to the coast and became more aware of the Government expropriation of their properties and relocation, I always thought of Mickey and his experiences. Sorry for rambling on a bit but  Mickey was a person that you don't easily forget. I regret not meeting  with him and talking over old times before his passing. Maybe he will be reading this wherever and saying " I taught you right" Walter Scheuer

Rick Little

July 9, 2023 at 7:25 PM

I starting working for B.A.Robinson Electrical in 1968, and over the years, I met Mickey. He always treated me as a person, and we had a few laughs over time. I respected him, and a s customer he was one of B.A.'s best. Condolences to the family.

Michael Oike

July 8, 2023 at 3:37 PM

My deepest dympathy to the Kojima family on the passing of Mickey. Having known Uncle Mickey and Auntie Thelma and his family since I was a young boy, they were considered our extended family. We played at the McCalman house on the electric paper calculator upstairs, loved the udon machine, and enjoyed the Charleswood pool! Of course, golfing was always so much fun - “no problem for you young fella” or “NFG!” were standard sayings out there! Mickey was always so kind and considerate, devoted to his family and friends.  He was a huge pillar of the Japanese society, giving his time and energies to all events.   We will miss him dearly, but never forget the wonderful person he was.

Gord johnson

July 8, 2023 at 11:41 AM

The words spoken of Mickey are so true. one of the best to learn the electric trade with..Sargent electric

Gerry Murray

June 26, 2023 at 2:57 PM

Dear Les, Sharon & Family, I'm saddened to hear about the loss of your father. Please accept my deepest condolences during this difficult time. Losing someone we know, and love is never easy and can be incredibly challenging, therefore it's important to take the time to grieve and to remember the positive impact they had on our lives. I met Mickey for the first time on Friday, September 7, 1984, when I was seeking employment as an apprentice electrician and was out and about hand delivering resumes to various electrical contractors in Winnipeg. I dropped by the office of Goodman & Kojima located at 640 McGee St. that morning and recall Mickey greeting me at the front counter. He introduced himself and I nervously introduced myself as I handed him my resume. He glanced through it quickly and began quizzing me on a variety of electrical questions which I must have answered correctly as he asked me if I could start Monday morning. I responded with a "Yes" (without hesitation) and my apprenticeship in the electrical industry commenced that Monday September 10, 1984. Mickey was a tough employer to work for in the early days as he was demanding, critical and expected nothing but the best from his employee's as he had a reputation as one of the city's premier electrical contractors to uphold. Mickey was known as an honest, thoughtful, respectful businessman and person as I recall that I wanted to be just like him as he had a significant influence on me while I worked for him. I like to think that I learned & practice some of his business traits to this day now that G&K Electric Inc. is in its 3rd generation of ownership and 63 years of existence. We all regret things that we should have done over time, and one of my regrets was not taking the time to meet with Mickey for lunch or coffee prior to his passing as it would have been nice to have been able to catch up on things and to reminisce about our past. Mickey will not only be missed by myself but also missed by all of those who knew him over the years as he was definitely one of the kindest, strongest, thoughtful, amazing persons that I've ever been privileged to have known in my lifetime. Once again, please accept my deepest sympathies, and may you find comfort and strength in the memories you have about your father. Sincerely, Gerry Murray (Owner) G&K Electric Inc.

Agueros Family

June 9, 2023 at 7:46 PM

Sharon, Les and families,  This is such a beautiful life story of Mickey. What an incredible man, mom and extended family.  Thank you for telling us things we did not know. I never knew he was an electrical engineer! Though we only knew him briefly, he was always so energetic, friendly and so full of life.  His golfing was infamous! Our hearts and love go out to you two.  Just to have known him, makes us feel blessed.  He is with his loved ones and is smiling down on you both and your families.   Love, Mike, Kazuko, Hana, Kai 

Sandy Allen

June 8, 2023 at 10:34 PM

I’ve known the Kojima family all of my life. Great memories of McCalman Ave. Grandpa Koga downstairs, didn’t speak English but he had the sweetest smile. Making udon noodles that stretched the length of the kitchen. New memories made at the pool at Cambrian Cres. and of course many, many happy times at West Hawk Lake. The Oike siblings visited with Mickey shortly before his passing and as we were leaving he said, geez, I sure miss your dad! Mickey, we are going to miss you!

Rod &Doreen Brown

June 8, 2023 at 7:37 PM

Les and Sharon … what a beautiful tribute to your remarkable Dad. It was our privilege to be next door neighbours to Mickey and his dear Thelma for close  to fifty years and it is certainly an understatement to say that no kinder or more generous neighbours could we ever have found . At the mere mention of a household  or yard task to be done, Mickey was immediately ‘on the job site’ giving of his time and help , all the while humbly reminding us that we were doing the work and he was simply supervising ….. Not so !!!! We marvelled at his positive attitude and his amazing spirit even as Mickey moved into his mid 90s … and yes, we looked on with a mixture of  awe and trepidation as he mounted the  ladder these last few years  to check out the condition of the eaves and roof !!! We will miss him dearly, but know that he left this world surrounded by the love  of his wonderful family .  Our hearts are with you all. Rod and Doreen Brown

Pamela Okano

June 7, 2023 at 3:12 PM

It's hard to adequately express how much Mickey will be missed.  A respected elder of the JC community, Mickey was the connection to our personal family histories.  I absolutely adored him and loved to listen to all his stories.  He was always so generous with his time and his support.  We should all aspire to live our lives like Mickey.  Heartfelt sympathies to Les, Sharon, and all the Kojima family.
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