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Karyn YAMAGISHI
Karyn YAMAGISHI
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Karyn YAMAGISHI Obituary
August 1, 1983 - November 29, 2012
Karyn Yamagishi was born on August 1, 1983 in Lethbridge, Alberta. She suffered from chronic pain for over ten years, with medical complications leading to her unexpected death on Thursday, November 29, 2012, at the age of 29. Karyn will be sadly missed by her parents, Lloyd and Rochelle; her siblings, Steve Rohr, Kristin (Chris) Yarish, and Kyle (Valerie Tom-Kun) Yamagishi, their children Jaxson and Juliette; as well as aunts, Marjory (Kaz) Tomomitsu of Lethbridge, Irene (Paul) Rohrer of Aldergrove, BC, Bev (Dave) Foy of Calgary, Robin (Tom) Tamura of Victoria; uncles, Bill Nishijima (Jane) of Toronto, Kiyo Nishijima (Toki) of Lethbridge, Don Yamagishi (Maureen) of Red Deer, Rick Yamagishi (Terri) of Lethbridge, Brent Sato (Carla) of Calgary, Trevor Sato (Rhonda) of Canmore and Ryan Sato (Sandy) of Edmonton; twenty cousins and nine second cousins. She was predeceased by her grandfather, Yajiro Yamagishi; grandparents, Frank and Faith Sato; uncle Richard Nishijima; cousin Naomi Nishijima; and aunt Mary Fujii. Karyn attended the French Immersion program at Agnes Davidson Elementary School, Gilbert Paterson Junior High, Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, and the University of Lethbridge. Her first public vocal solo with a family group at church at age three, led to vocal lessons and numerous solos at the Kiwanis Musical Festival. She sang in choirs at First Baptist Church and all of the schools she attended. With the LCI Chamber Choir, she travelled to Europe and Japan and, with the U of L Singers, to Ireland. In the summer of 2010, she and her mother took an Arctic cruise and photography workshop. Unable to pursue a career in singing due to chronic pain, Karyn moved to Calgary in 2007, along with Chico, her special pet and constant companion, whom she trained well, and who gave unconditional love and support. They moved to a condo near her parents, and the Chronic Pain Clinic. Special thanks to Dr. Ian Clarke, Dr. James Currie, Dr. John Jarrell, and Dr. Anne Mahoney. Despite many health concerns, Karyn took a special interest in the plight of the homeless, especially after serving on a church youth ministry team. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mustard Seed, 102 - 11 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB, T2G 0X8 (Telephone 403-269-1319). Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects at LEYDEN'S Chapel of Remembrance (corner of 17 Avenue and 2 Street S.W.) on Thursday, December 6, 2012 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A celebration of Karyn's life will be held at Martin Brothers Funeral Chapel (610 - 4 Street South, Lethbridge) on Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.leydens.com. Arrangements entrusted to LEYDEN'S FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORIUM (304 - 18 Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB). Telephone: 403-228-4422.
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31 Entries
James Currie
December 2, 2013
So, so sorry about Karyn's passing. She bore her suffering with chronic pain very bravely
December 9, 2012
Dearest entire Yamagishi family,
I am truly sorry for your loss. The family is in our thoughts and prayers. Love Dawn and Gavin
Jessica Waddell
December 8, 2012
Karyn was a great friend and always upbeat. She sang so beautifully at our graduation from high school and one of my favourite memories of her is a sleep over we had in grade 9 or 10. She will be missed and always remembered.
Lise-Anne Michel (Wilson)
December 6, 2012
I remember Karyn always having a way of making others laugh, and she was such fun to be around. I remember her beautiful voice, her great smile and her positive outlook. I will miss you Karyn, but know that this is not the end for you and that your smile is still touching others even now! So sad that I won't be able to be there on Saturday to celebrate your wonderful life...Love you!
Lise-Anne
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December 6, 2012
Lloyd, Rochelle & family - Karyn will always be remembered for how she managed to make people laugh, to be happy. She always was concerned when others were sad. She was a bright light, and we know that is how she will be remembered. She had an amazing voice when she sang. We always enjoyed being around Karyn. Our hearts are heavy for you and your family. Karyn will be dearly missed, hold onto the memories. She is precious. In Sympathy - Brian and Kathy Harbidge
Margaret Erickson
December 5, 2012
Rochelle and Lloyd,
Stewart and I offer you our deepest sympathy. We know that this journey of losing your child will be very difficult but we want you to know that it is not a journey that you have to do alone. I remember your compassion, Rochelle, when we lost our son Steven and how you listened to me talk about my pain. We are only a phone call away. Both Stewart and I know how other bereaved parents helped us and we would love to be a support to both of you - when and if the time feels right for you.
I,so remember Karyn's smile and inquisitiveness in kindergarten. We will be at her celebration on Saturday in Lethbridge to remember her life. A special hug to all of your family.
Norine Dodge
December 5, 2012
I remember Karyn as the most gentle of souls- the most positive and accepting light. She was indeed special and it is no doubt, she touched all who knew her. Her quiet, unassuming ways always echoed great acceptance and tolerance of others- a true kindness and innate love of all.
My son, Mat, shared her date and time of birth. They used to laugh about it. They also shared games of soccer and many laughs- a friendship of many, many years.
We are praying for you all. Please know that if there is ANYTHING we can do to assist you at this time, you only need to ask.
With love, Norine Dodge ( Grainger) and Mat
Karina Mak
December 5, 2012
Dear Karyn,
Your beautiful smile and singing are always in my mind, especially the song , " Time to say good-bye " ! Now, you sing with the angels before God and Jesus !!
December 5, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. Karyn was and still is a beautiful person. I am also sorry to hear that she suffered so much pain in this life. I know that she is free from the pain and still very aware of her loved ones. I was just thinking of her a few days ago and the beautiful song, Time To Say Goodbye, she sang at high school graduation. She had an incredible voice. This now song touches my heart even more.
Justine Scott (Osmond)
James Currie
December 5, 2012
I am very upset to hear of the passing of Karyn. She was such a lovely person, and she maintained her cheerful spirit in spite of the enormous burden of chronic pain.
It was a pleasure to have tried to help her at the Chronic Pain Centre. All of the staff are saddened to hear of her passing.
Emily Boutland
December 5, 2012
When I think of Karyn, I can't help but think of her warm smile and her infectious laugh at school. It was pleasure to know her and to hear her sing. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Lisa Statt Foy
December 5, 2012
I am so sorry that this beautiful young woman is no longer with us. May it give some comfort to know that she is now singing with choirs of angels, free from pain. I pray that the Holy Spirit will bring you peace until you are reunited this your much-loved daughter, sister and aunt.
Bergis
December 5, 2012
Kristin, my heart goes out to you and your family. You have my deepest condolences. If you need anything, please let me know.
Felicia Mak
December 5, 2012
Karyn, you will be missed be many. You are a beautiful person inside and out.
Karlee Christensen
December 5, 2012
What a pleasure it was to know Karyn. She was a wonderful friend in school and always made me laugh. She will be missed.
December 5, 2012
Lloyd, Rochelle and family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this darkest hour. We were greatly saddened to hear of Karyn's passing. We remember this cute, bouncy shy little girl back in Lethbridge.
Rick, Dyann, Steve and Jeff
Lindsey Osmond Barrows
December 5, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Karyn's passing and of her struggle with chronic pain. I enjoyed getting to know her through choir and always appreciated her sense of humor and the personality she brought to the group. She was a wonderful Soprano and fun to sing with. I am thinking of your family, including her special Chico, and pray that the Lord will provide for you all during this difficult time.
Gretchen Rohr
December 4, 2012
To the Family,
I have seen how much joy Karyn's spirit brought to her brother Steve. I regret I was never able to meet her but I trust I too benefit from the beautiful influence she has had on the lives of so many.
Wishing you hold this moment with ease and hold each other with compassion-- with love
candice duda
December 4, 2012
I am so sad to hear this news. She was an amazing person and I will never forget the time we shared as friends. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
Amy Wilde-Stevenson
December 4, 2012
So so sorry, Karyn was the biggest sweetheart! I particularly remember her on our trip to Japan for choir, and she was just so fun, funny, and kind! She will be so missed!
Rod Adachi
December 4, 2012
Rochelle and Lloyd - We are so sad to learn of Karyn's passing. Our thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow.
A bridge away untill the next time we meet again Karyn!
Rino Villeneuve
December 4, 2012
C'est avec grande tristesse que j'apprend le décès de Karyn. Elle a été une élève remarquable et je n'ai que d'excellents souvenirs d'elle. J'ai été également chanceux de renouer contact avec elle dernièrement via l'internet. Elle va certainement laisser un grand vide derrière elle. Wishing my sincere condolences to her familly and friends.
Allison Goettel
December 4, 2012
So sad to hear about Karyn. A few of my best memories were her science project in elementary school where she tested us for writing tests on different colours of paper, we had some good laughs. Another was when she sang at our grade 12 graduation. Such an amazing singer. You will be missed dearly Karyn.
Joan Beauchesne
December 4, 2012
Rollie and I along with our kids, Alanna, Danielle and Adam are so very sad for your loss. So many special memories of times shared , especially with Danielle and Karyn being friends from such an early age. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Joan and Rollie
December 4, 2012
Dear Lloyd, Rochelle and family, How sad to hear of Karyn`s passing. She is fondly remembered in my memory of choral students. I remember so clearly her voice, her smile and her gentle nature that blessed all who knew her. We are so sorry for your loss.
The Gnandt Family(Frank, Melody, Mike and Kevin)
Sheryl Dyck
December 4, 2012
I was deeply saddened to hear of Karyn's passing. Karyn had such a beautiful voice and the memories we shared together traveling the world in Chamber Choir will keep her always in my heart. Much sympathy to her loved ones as you grieve her passing.
Jeannie Walton
December 4, 2012
How very sad to learn of Karyn's passing. Such an amazing talent and a true spirit. With fondness we will remember Karyn and her friendship with Robyn. Deepest sympathies to you, Rochelle, Lloyd and the family.
Sincerely;
Jeannie Walton (Lethbridge)
Brynn MacLennan Snyder
December 4, 2012
Karyn was great at brightening a room with her laughter and smile. She will be missed.
December 4, 2012
Sharon and I are deeply saddened by Karyn's passing. We have such fond memories of the family growing up with ours. God bless you all. Sharon and Brian
Jean Kensit
December 4, 2012
Dear Rochelle, my deepest sympathies go out to you at this time,With Love Jean
Berh Cook
December 4, 2012
Sending love and prayers to the family.
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