TAKASHI "TAK" TONOGAI

Takashi “Tak” Tonogai was born on February 9, 1937 to Seiichiro and Hisako Tonogai in Vancouver, British Columbia. Affectionally known as “Tuk” to his family, Tak was the middle of seven children and had a very close relationship with his mother from childhood.

Shortly after Tak’s 5th birthday, the Tonogai family were forced to leave Vancouver due to the forced displacement of Canadians of Japanese descent during WWII. The family was sent to Tashme Internment Camp in the BC interior. The family was then displaced to the lumber mills in Dryden, Ontario via New Denver Internment Camp as Tak’s father was a carpenter by trade. The family had one more move to Whitemouth, Manitoba before finally settling in West Kildonan in an old schoolhouse converted into tenement housing with four other Canadian families of Japanese descent.

The many government-imposed moves did not hold Tak back academically as he graduated from West Kildonan Collegiate in 1954. He then went on to earn his Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at the University of Manitoba and his Certified Industrial Manager designation from the Canadian Institute of Management. For the past two years, Tak was thrilled to live across the street from his high school alma mater, West Kildonan Collegiate, and even walked over to the new building to introduce himself to the principal.

Tak spent his working career as the head chemist in the lab for the development of industrial paint for Winnipeg Phillips Paint Company. He was a trusted employee and often spoke about being given the keys to the building as the main contact person for any emergencies outside of business hours.

Tak was a valued member of the Japanese-Canadian community in Manitoba throughout his adult years. He was a member of the Nisei Bowling League and the Horizon Club, worked on the community newsletter, The Outlook, and upon the opening of the cultural centre, he became one of the hard-working volunteers at JCAM. Even though he served many years as Treasurer on the Board of Directors, Tak preferred to work behind the scenes at JCAM. He would often be in the kitchen prepping for the next Donburi Lunch, preparing tea for guests, or washing dishes after an event. In 2010, Tak was awarded the JCAM Community Service Award for his dedication to the community.

In 1982, Tak participated in an introductory workshop for taiko drumming. From that day, Tak became an active taiko drummer and was a founding member of Winnipeg’s Hinode Taiko. While his performing days were short, his expertise in drum making enabled the group to build a full set of performance drums. His house became the centre of all drum making and, with his paint expertise, Tak developed the unique signature colour for Hinode Taiko drums which is still used today. In 2012, Hinode Taiko bestowed the title of Emeritus Member on Tak in recognition of his dedication to the group.

Tak passed away peacefully on Friday, June 5, 2026. He was predeceased by his parents, Seiichiro and Hisako, siblings Larry, Sam, and Emilie. He is survived by his siblings Arthur (Helen), Harry, and Kathy. Tak had many nephews and nieces and was close with his nephew, Ron Tonogai. He will be especially missed by his special friend and companion Alice Kinoshita.

Tak had many good friends over the years who supported him, including David Nishimura, Christine Kaita, and Pamela Okano. He was extremely grateful to Tom, Lucy, and Caroline Yamashita for keeping him on the straight and narrow and he was very appreciative of all the care shown to him by the members of the JCAM Coffee Club.

In 2024, Tak moved to River Ridge II Retirement Residence. While he was quite reluctant to move from his house, Tak was warmly embraced by all the staff and it soon became his home. Many thanks to Chassity and all the River Ridge II staff for making Tak a part of this wonderful community.

As per Tak’s request, there will be no formal service. Donations may be made to the Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba, 180 McPhillips Street, R3E 2J9.

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