
Neil Okumura

NEIL HOWARD OKUMURA
May 11, 1957 – December 27, 2024
Neil Howard Okumura, age 67, of Winnipeg Manitoba, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024 after a courageous battle with Leukemia.
Neil was born on May 11, 1957, to Fumiko (née Toyama) and Shigeharu Okumura, and has one brother Ron (Mary).
He attended Rockwood Elementary School and Grant Park High School before graduating from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor’s of Science and a Commerce degree.
In 1989, Neil married Irene (née Wigorski) in Honolulu, Hawaii. Together, they were blessed with two wonderful children, Chad (Pia) born in 1992, and Ciara, born in 1998.
Neil was passionate about sports throughout his life. In high school, he was part of the Manitoba Golf team and also engaged in curling, football, and softball.
He continued to be an avid golfer and curler. In golf, he earned the title of Club Champion at Southwood Golf and Country Club. In curling, he was thrilled to win his first Buffalo in the Masters and proudly represented Manitoba in the Canadian Curling Championships. He served on the Executive at the Pembina Curling Club for many years where he also served as Club President and Curling Club Manager. He was honoured to be awarded Lifetime Club Member.
He regularly volunteered his time to numerous community events, including the Manitoba Japanese Cultural Center and Folklorama. He devoted much of his time to coaching both of his children in soccer, hockey, and football.
Neil loved his yearly winter holidays they took as a family. He had so many wonderful memories of their trips to Disneyland, Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican, and Cuba.
Neil is survived by his loving wife, Irene; children, Chad and Ciara; brother Ron; and many cherished friends and extended family members.
A celebration of Neil's life will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the Pembina Curling Club located at 1341 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests considering becoming a regular blood donor in his honour.
Neil’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.
ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Cremation & Life Celebrations
530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg
204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com
Memories, Stories and Condolences
Please share a story, photo, memory or condolence for the family by completing the form below and clicking "Post Comment"
Thank you for your comment!
39 Comments
↑ Both fields are required ↓
Alan Grant
February 16, 2025 at 2:59 PM
I fuirst met Neil at CWB. Very friendly and approachable. Later curled with him at Pembina. Although I haven't seen Neil in some years he has left a lasting impression on me as a kind and gentle man. Rest peacefully Neil. My condolences to your family.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Curtis thiessen
February 16, 2025 at 2:47 PM
In High School he was an inspiration for his athletics and scolastic achievements. Curtis Thiessen I will miss him

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Ingrid & Terry Desmond
February 11, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Sending our sincere and heartfelt condolences to you Irene, Chad and Ciara. We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Neil's untimely passing and know it's left a huge void in your lives. It sounds like Neil really enjoyed life to the fullest! Hang onto those memories and cherish them forever! ❤️

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Colleen Bonner
February 4, 2025 at 4:54 PM
I am heartbroken about Neil's battle with leukemia and that he passed so suddenly and far too soon.
I met Neil around 1979, through Irene, and immediately knew that he was a warm, kind, and genuine person. Over the years I appreciated him as a loyal, loving husband to my treasured Gourmet friend as well as an amazing, hands on Dad whose children meant the world to him. I always enjoyed my conversations with Neil and his smile and positivity are enduring memories. Another highlighted memory is the fun we had at Gourmet couples events and especially his skill at a game we played called bum darts.
Sending heartfelt condolences to Irene, Ciara, Chad and Pia and all of his family.
His legacy will live on through your love and memories and the values that he instilled in you.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Brenda and Kerilynn Maclennan
February 3, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Dear Irene, Chad and Ciara, So sorry to hear of the Loss of Neil. I had just heard. Hadn't see Neil since last last year, but enjoyed catching up with Chad and Ciara a while back. We did spend many hours with you drinking wine, curling and eating together.
Take care my dear. Our thoughts are with you.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Dan Joanisse
January 21, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Please accept my sincere condolences on behalf of his former colleagues at Spinal Cord Injury Manitoba, where Neil worked from April 2022 until November 2023. In those 19 months, Neil was always happy to propose ideas and explore options for better and more efficient bookkeeping and accounting processes. He was always sharing stories about the other parts of his life - family, golf, curling, and more. I recall that when I interviewed him for the part time job, Neil was careful to make sure he would be able to craft his work schedule around early morning rounds of golf in the summer. No problem, I said, and he got the job. I can see from the other comments that family, gold, and curling were even more prominent in his life than I knew! He is missed.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Laird Hickaway
January 10, 2025 at 2:59 PM
The first time I met Neil was at the old Southwood Golf Course around 2008. We played together one fine Saturday morning. I think it was 7th hole, a par 5 which most golfers would not dare, or have the ability, to take a chance on getting on the green in two as there was plenty of water in front of the green. A safe lay up was the option for most. Not Neil. I watched him take an old beat up (wooden) 4 wood out of his bag and proceed to nuke his ball onto the green. All carry, probably 200 yards. I knew right then that this guy could hit a good ball. What a good natural athlete. Neil encouraged me and a group of guys from Southwood Golf Course a few years back to take up curling at Pembina. Always providing positive encouragement even though I was a terrible curler.
Neil was agreat guy. Always friendly with a warm smile, laughter and of course enjoyed having a good time. I'll miss you my friend.
My condolences to Irene, Chad and Ciara.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Matt Thiessen
January 9, 2025 at 1:24 AM
I had met Neil as a kid curling briefly, and then again as an adult when I entered a team at the Pembina Curling club.
Neil was someone you'd cut a mold of as the ambassador for curling, or any sport. A friendly, accommodating guy, willing to offer advice, approachable, and as a new member to the club, you'd swear Neil knew everyone there. I realised a Few years later, I think Neil, did infact know everyone there.
Always a competitor, I'm happy to have not met him on the ice or the golf course often. When we did he so calmly lay a beating to me, always politely and with a smile. . I was however always happy to have a conversation with him in the bar after, a soft spoken guy, but more than happy to have his shots at me. I'll miss seeing him around at the club, and try my best to donate blood often in his memory.
As tough as the times ahead may be for the family, just embrace all the good times you were able to share with him.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Darryl & Janice Boch
January 7, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Our deepest sympathies to Irene, Chad and Ciara. Neil will be greatly missed. He was truly one of a kind. Always happy and a great friend. Lots of great memories of New Years Eve, beach days, and just sitting around one of our houses chatting. It was great having our families living so close and the friendship.
It was always very evident how much Neil loved his family and how proud he was of all of you.
We will never forget the late night video games with Neil and Chad.
He is gone WAY to soon.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Brian Rogowsky
January 7, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Sending my deepest condolences to Irene, Chad, Ciara and to all of those impacted by the loss of Neil. I met Neil through Irene as we worked together and became good friends. What stands out the most to me about Neil was his love for his family. I saw such a beautiful relationship with Neil and his family. They would constantly joke with each other and reminisce about past family vacations and other good times that they shared, often on the curling rink or golf course. Reading all of the beautiful testimonies, it's evident Neil touched many people. Neil will be tremendously missed.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Don Hunt
January 7, 2025 at 10:58 AM
My deepest sympathies, Irene, Chad and Ciara. I met Neil far too long ago through curling. One on my earliest recolections of Neil was attending a house party on I want to say Lorette St. (please forgive my old brain if that isn't right), upon entering the home I found Neil on the floor playing caps. Neil always found a way to make things a game. As the evening progressed, a few of us came up with the idea of playing tackle nerf football in the basement. To be clear, Neil had no idea this was going on as he was still defending his "caps" title upstairs. The game ended with a perfect form tackle (Chad you would have been impressed). Neil, I know you are seeing this, I speak for everyone involved we are truly sorry about the coffee table. I still have no idea how Neil explained that to his father.
Despite this start Neil and I become good friends. It was was my good fortune and priviledge to both compete with Neil and compete with Neil over the years. Be it caps, boat races, fantasy baseball or hockey, or with a broom, bat or club in his hand, Neil was a fierce competitor but far beyond that he was a kind, generous and compasionate friend. He knew that when the game was over it was time for fellowship and laughs, there was alway room and time for one more at the post game table. He was quick with a joke and even quicker with a smile.
Although we hadn't seen each other in years, I will always consider Neil a close friend. Again my deepest condolences to Irene and family, Neil will be missed by all that knew him.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Arnel Pagtakhan
January 6, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Irene and family, Aggie & I send our deepest sympathies for Neil's passing. He is gone far too soon.
I met Neil at work in the late 80's, and we remained connected for over 45 years. I learned a lot from Neil as an accountant, especially in setting up GL chart of accounts. The journal entry form he designed decades ago were still being used when I retired over 30 years later. Neil was also naturally a social convenor, arranging many events including our first and only office olympics. Held over a weekend, Neil planned the teams, events and points system where the top two point getters would enjoy a free steak dinner. After a grueling regimen of basketball, volleyball, golf, bowling, floor hockey, 100 meter dash and 1600 meter run, Neil naturally won the top prize! It was my honor to finish second to him and have the other free meal.
Neil and Irene had their first child in 1992, the same year Aggie and I had our first child. Neil and I joined forces and busy schedules in naming our team Baby Blues Brothers for a fantasy hockey pool. We collaborated for a few years, and then life got really busy.
Neil was such a happy person, and the epitome of the 4 C's: cool, calm, collected AND competitive. It was always a joy to be around Neil, and I will miss him always.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Reid and Darcy Robertson and family
January 6, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Irene,Chad,and Ciara,
It is hard to find words to express our deepest sympathy.
We have so many memories of Neil and you guys.
We'll never forget taking the kids out for Halloween and ending up back at our place. Something crazy always seemed to happen. We recall at least one fire and one flood!
We always had a lot of laughs and a lot of fun when we were together.
Our heart felt love to your family.
Darcy, Reid and family

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Darren and Marianne Thorgilsson
January 6, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Our deepest condolences to Irene, Chad and Ciara. Spent many winter nights coaching hockey with Neil for a number of years and created a lifelong memory with many friends when our kids won a city championship together! Many many great parent parties and road tournaments! More than a few curling games togther as well. Rest easy my friend!

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Sofia Costantini
January 6, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Dearest Irene and family,
I send my deepest condolences for the loss of such an incredible human. After reading Neil's biography, it is clear he loved life and spread positivity to everyone around him. A beautiful human inside and out ♥️

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Lori Loran
January 6, 2025 at 5:45 PM
My deepest condolences to the family for your loss. I had the pleasure of meeting Neil at the Pembina Curling Club roughly 10 years ago. He is the reason that our curling league continued and we still enjoy curling at the Pembina to this day. I can never forget Neil's warmth, smile, sincerity, and willingness to help. I always enjoyed our conversations and admired how proud he was of his children. I will truly miss him. Rest in peace my friend.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Lisa Birchard
January 6, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Neil was always a very special person to be around - you couldn't help but feed off his smile and laugh at whatever joke he was making in the moment. He was club manager when my women's team wanted to play in a men's league, which was the catalyst to more women's teams joining the now renamed "Night Leagues" at PCC. I got to know him better when I started playing with his daughter Ciara. It was an honour to have him as a cheerleader in Edmonton where we represented MB for the Curling Club Championships.
We will miss you at PCC Neil, rest easy.
Condolences Ciara, Irene, Chad & Pia.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Duane Ransome
January 6, 2025 at 3:06 PM
So sorry to hear about Neil. I always looked forward to a visit before or after curling and loved chatting about sports, family, & life in general. Will miss his friendship. My condolences to Irene, Chad, & Ciara.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Ryan Lowdon
January 6, 2025 at 3:04 PM
My sincerest condolences to Neil's family on his passing.
I met Neil many years ago when I curled with my father and brother at the Pembina CC. I enjoyed curling against him because as gifted a player as he was, he was an even nicer guy on and off the ice. He'd ask how my competitive Men's team was doing on the local curling tour, always offering words of encouragement. We curled against each other many times, and I enjoyed his company sharing laughs in a lounge upstairs afterwards.
RIP Neil. You were one of the good ones and will be missed by everyone who got the chance to meet you.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Jamie Hay
January 6, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Sorry for your loss, my condolences to Irene, Ciara and Chad.
Neil and I curled few hundred games together at Pembina back in the 80's and competed against eachother in the decades that followed. I'll never forget the Bemidji and Kenora bonspiels, where we had plenty of good times. Rest easy my friend.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Ross Hadaller
January 6, 2025 at 2:10 PM
I am fortunate to have met Neil in the late 80's. One of the things that i admired most about him was his passion to meet people and then to associate with them. He enjoyed organizing teams and having gatherings at his home. Actually, if it weren't for Neil and Irene, I wouldn't have met my wife. Another admiration I had was his high level of competitiveness. Neil had an opinion about any issue, which let to challenge him by making some pretty stupid bets. Yes, I ended up losing most of them. One of my fondest memories was when Neil organized a baseball team. He asked me to bring my glove to work and let me know that we were going around town to look for an appropriate baseball diamond. So, he being my boss at the time, I brought my glove and found myself outfitted in a suit and tie in the middle of the outfield while Neil hit some balls to me. I will never forget that. After about five diamonds, he found one that he liked. I will miss getting together with him. Take care Irene and family.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Gary Goodbrandson
January 5, 2025 at 7:43 PM
I golfed with Neil for close to 17 enjoyable years. Good person, good golfer and fun to play with. Neil was always there to organize the Wagan group and calculate the winnings. For the most part, it was easy for him as he was always taking our money. Neil was a terrible putter, but always a pleasure to play with. Last summer Neil, Ciara and I had a putting contest on the practice green and yes Ciara beat the both of us.
Neil, Wayne McLeod and I had the distinction of being the first group to play the new Southwood Golf Course. For many years, we were the first group to kick off a new season. Neil and I won the first Men’s Night at the new course. During COVID we had to play in onesomes. I had to follow Neil. I played as fast as I could, but at the end of the game I was always 3 to 4 holes behind him. Nobody played the game as fast as Neil. I had a Birds Eye view of Neil’s hole in one on the 11th hole at Southwood. I jumped with joy. I also played with Neil on his last golf game. We played in the Pembina Curling Club scramble at Scottswood, Elm Creek. Neil hit a lot of good shots and we enjoyed ourselves immensely.
Neil was a great curler. As I was a member of Pembina Curling for a number of years and I would often follow Neil in the playdowns, provincials and MCA. I had the pleasure of watching Neil win his first Manitoba Provincial Seniors. It was great to see and well deserved. Farewell Neil. You will be missed by many.
My sincere condolences to Irene, Chad and Ciara.



Dave Olafson
January 5, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Neil was a longtime friend. We met in first year university, spending too much time playing pinball and pool. We got to enjoy our time together over many years playing golf and baseball, going for lunch, and sometimes he even let me curl with him. Many years, but he's gone way too soon. I'm so sorry Irene, Chad and Ciara.



Craig Krantz
January 5, 2025 at 11:15 AM
I unfortunately have only known Neil for about 10 years. Through curling at the Pembina curling club. Wishing I could have met him sooner. Great Curler, great friend, ambassador for the club, the game, and having a good time. Met a lot of good people just being around Neil. Was lucky enough to curl in a couple bonspiels With him. One at the Pembina, the other in St.Paul Minnesota. Probably the best time I've had was in St.Paul. A lot of that was due to Neil. We walked in, and he immediately began talking to people he knew. He had friends everywhere he went. And it was amazing how quickly he would make a friend during a game, and then after up in the lounge as well. (Quicker in the lounge. Haha). You could learn so much just by watching him. I have the utmost respect for Neil. And I know that wherever he is now, it's a better place for having Neil there now. I am lucky to call Ciara a friend, have met his wife Irene a few times, and Chad on one occasion. It is easy to see a piece of Neil in you all. He was so proud of you all. And rightfully so. My deepest condolences to you all.
Neil, one thing I never got to say to you was "THANK YOU". You touched and helped mould so many people, even if you didn't realize it. Cheers my friend. You will be dearly missed, but remembered always.🍻🍻

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Sherri Corder
January 5, 2025 at 11:07 AM
So sorry for your loss Irene, Chad and Ciara. Wishing you strength and peace. RIP Neil

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Shawn Price
January 4, 2025 at 10:50 PM
My condolences to Neil's Family. As mentioned in many posts, Neil was a strong supporter of sports and community. Our son played hockey with Chad and when there was ever an opening or need for coaching, Neil stepped up. He posssesd a knowedge of many sports, well beyond my capacity for sports acuity, which I admired him for. He was always soft spoken with an affinty to comprimise and got along with everybody. One memory that stands out is that Neil and his fellow coaching volunteers trying to figure out how to motvate the players. in a playoff game. They did a one-on-one and suggested to some that "if we dont win this game, it coud be the golf course". Well for some some, that was music to their ears. I didn't hear about this until after the tournament but it was typicall of Neil trying his best to motivte players. When I heard this, I deeply respected Neil, even more for his dedication to the kids he coached which, was obvious from his family and friend interactions. Rest in peace Coach Neil.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Donnie and Lori
January 4, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Our deepest condolences Irene, Chad and Ciara. We had great memories together! You will be missed Neil. Rest in peace.





Judy Wolchuk and Ross Kennedy
January 4, 2025 at 6:04 PM
We are very sad to hear of Neil's passing. We will remember the good times curling in the Japanese Bonspiel.
Hugs to you Irene and your family.
RIP Neil.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Colin
January 4, 2025 at 6:04 PM
I will miss you my friend! On the grass on the ice.



Gary
January 4, 2025 at 6:02 PM
I knew Neil from Southwood. I only played with him a few times, but it was obvious he could move the ball out there a long way. As good a golfer as he was, he was an even better person. Neil was always smiling and friendly, and quick with a warm genuine greeting.
Neil was a fixture at Southwood, and will be missed by all that were lucky enough to know him. Sincere condolences to all his family and friends.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Howard Doerksen
January 4, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Neil - rest in peace.
We volunteered together in numerous events. Brier, Provincial mixed, and then the local club events. Golf tournaments too. Lots of Fun.
The Bulls ball team .We won C side in September 2024. Neil coached and batted.
Golf - nice smooth swing, hit the ball a ton, short putt weakness. Oh well that is golf.
Very competitive, and dedicated to the sport or task at hand and supportive of family and friends.
what?? Was my usual response to Neil.
We all know he was a soft talker.
My condolences to Irene Chad, Pia. Ciara.



Barb Bebee
January 4, 2025 at 4:29 PM
So sorry to hear about Neil's passing. My deepest sympathies to Irene and the family. I have many fond memories of playing slow pitch with Neil, and many fun times with Neil & Irene. R.i.P. Neil.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Georgina and Mike
January 4, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Our deepest condolences to Irene and family. We have great memories of Neil which we will always cherish. He will be missed.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Dave and Sharon Rubel
January 4, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Sending strength and our most sincere wishes to Irene, and Chad and Ciara. Neil was such a friendly person and always nice to visit with in the neighborhood. Thinking of you all

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Lori Jorgenson, Tony & Jillian
January 4, 2025 at 12:45 PM
We are so very sorry for your loss. I have so many wonderful memories of my Okamura neighbours/family. Irene please call if you so desire. Sincerely, Lori

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Joey Ciuro
January 3, 2025 at 6:43 PM
I will miss all the sport chats we had over the years, how passonite you were about your Habs and me and my Hawks, and how we both hoped the Jets would do well,I will miss watching your 280 drives, and yes I will miss watching you miss those short putts too, most of all, I will miss you Niel❤️and the caring thoughtful person you were of leading by example, I gonna root for the Habs in your honour now and always think of you when they turn it around, get ready pal I'll be pointing up to ya soon, we were blessed to know you my dear friend 💔

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Mississauga Mel
January 3, 2025 at 4:24 PM
If it wasn't for Neil I would have never met such an great group of friends on vacaction in Cuba in 2017/2018. He walked right up to me and started asking about the bluejays jersey I was wearing and like that we were all at the bar doing tequila boom booms and throwing the football together. Thank you for the great memories you will be missed .

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Harriet Rosenbaum
January 3, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Though Neil have been soft spoken. my fondest memory of him is sharing his opinion on sports and comedy . I get like I could always count on him if I had a question about anything , he would be able to share how to fix it . He will be deeply missed .

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Chris & Crystal Donnelly
January 3, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Great friend and true Gentleman



