Obituary of Michael Mitsuru Nagata

Michael, 94 of Toronto, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2022.

He joins his parents, father Justin Shichitaro Nagata and mother Ruth Naka Nagata, brothers Mark and David, brother-in-law William and sisters Mary, Ruth and Martha.

He is survived by his loving sister Elizabeth, brother-in-law Les, nephews Seiji, Alexander (Carolyn) and Richard (Christine), nieces Christine and Diana, great-nephews Max, Alexander, Nicholas (Abigail) and Raiden, and great-nieces Ruby, Katrina, Zoe and Sakura.

Michael was born on October 9, 1927 in Vancouver, BC. In 1941 during WWII, his father was suddenly taken away from home and interned. His mother decided to leave BC with her children and settle in Edmonton, Alta. before settling in Toronto.

Michael’s mother was adamant that all her children receive a university education, so he worked for Ontario Hydro in northern Ontario to pay for his tuition, eventually receiving his degrees, a B.Sc. and P.Eng. from the University of Toronto in 1952. He was promptly hired at CSA (Canadian Standards Association), rising to the level of Director with responsibility for the lab where all product testing was done. Travelling extensively for his job, and eventually retiring in 1999 after 47 years, he continued to work as a consultant for SCC (The Standards Council of Canada) as a national and international electric product safety and performance certification affairs advisor well into his ‘80s. His contract with the SCC stipulated that he wouldn’t work in the summer since he prioritized time at his cottage with family instead. He is remembered by his colleagues as “a great guy and a gentleman,” wonderful to work and talk with.

Michael enjoyed many sports, especially curling, participating in several bonspiels. He was an accomplished fisherman who enjoyed the outdoors, spending many happy years at the family cottage and The Lodge, passing on his expertise and knowledge to nephews and nieces. He enjoyed the company of many dogs through the years, constant companions awaiting treats that he always carried in his pockets. However, most important was family, as Uncle Mike made sure everyone was looked after. He organized many gatherings at his home, cottage, farm and countless restaurants. He seemed ageless, with limitless reserves of energy, mobile and still driving his Toyota SUV to the end. He lived a long and rich life, experiencing both hardship and happiness, respected and loved by family and friends.

Heartfelt thanks are extended to the doctors and nursing staff at North York General Hospital. Donations to the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre in lieu of flowers will be appreciated.

A private family service will be held on Saturday February 5, 2022 at the Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel Humphrey Funeral Home. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.

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