At the age of 100, Toshio Murao, born at Steveston Fisherman’s Hospital, passed away on July 5.
Murao was well-known in the community for his volunteer work on behalf of the Japanese community.
Murao was born on Jun. 23, 1920 but, at the age of three, his mother took him to Japan to attend school because he wasn’t allowed in Canadian school. He returned to Canada when he was 16.
Murao started working in the booming fishing industry in Steveston, but after war broke out, tensions started mounting and the Japanese-Canadian were being interned in the Lower Mainland.
In 1942, Murao was arrested protesting the unjust treatment of the Japanese-Canadian population and was sent to prison in Angler, Ont., for the remainder of the war.
He was the last surviving prisoner-of-war from Angler still residing in Steveston.
After the war, Murao left Canada but he returned in 1952, followed by his wife and son in 1953.
Murao worked as a fisherman until his retirement in 1990 at the age of 70.
Murao was heavily involved in the community with the Steveston Buddhist Temple, the Japanese Language School and the Steveston Kendo Club.
He helped on many community projects including the Steveston Martial Arts Centre, Steveston Japanese-Canadian Cultural Centre, Nikkei Fisherman's Project and most recently as an advisor on the Steveston Nikkei Memorial project chaired by his son-in-law, Kelvin Higo.
He was also involved with the Steveston Gateball Association, the Steveston Buddhist Temple and the Kokufu Shigin Club and this year he was given the rank of “Soden So Shihan.”
Murao was predeceased by his wife of 72 years, Kimiyo, in 2019.
He leaves behind a large family including 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
A private family service was held on July 12.
