December 9, 1925 - February 5, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
Born in Steveston BC, Sus was one of nearly 22,000 Japanese Canadians who were forcibly uprooted and displaced from their coastal BC homes. Interned in Kaslo BC, then Midway, he was the first internee to return to the University of British Columbia in 1947, 2 years before Japanese Canadians were freedom of movement in BC. He was an advocate of Civil Liberties.
Sus became an oceanographer working at the Pacific Oceanographic Group in Nanaimo BC in the late 50s, and then earning his PhD at Tokyo University (Todai). Sus helped found the Institute of Ocean Sciences in Sidney BC. Among other research he is credited for creating ocean measurements at Ocean Station Papa (50°N and 145°W) and pioneering the Line-P program, the single best system created anywhere in the world for observing climate change in the oceans.
Predeceased by Barbara, his wife of 61 years, he is survived by daughters Susanne and Renee, son Ken, grandchildren Jesse (Kirsten), Jared (Cara); and Sara. He is predeceased by parents Hyozo and Shizu Tabata, and is survived by 5 of 10 siblings - Mariko (Maggie), Sachi, Tak, Kumi, and Kazy, their families, and the families of predeceased siblings Sho, Sharon (Sumiko), Emi, Shig, and Mako; a large extended family of Atagis, Matsushitas, Nishis, Hamaguchis, Ozawas; many friends & colleagues around the world, including the geo sciences community, the Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society, old neighbors, and his beloved Gabriolans.
Sus died peacefully on Gabriola Island in the home he built on the ocean he studied.
Funeral Service will be held at Steveston Buddhist Temple presided by Reverend Grant Ikuta, 4360 Garry St, Richmond, BC, February 24th. 930-11am viewing; 11am-12noon funeral service.
Condolence messages may be left for the family @ https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/11659259
Service Details
11:00 AM