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Cresmount Funeral Home - Fennell Chapel

322 Fennell Ave East

Hamilton, Ontario

Koji Kawamoto Obituary

It is with a heavy heart, and an extreme amount of gratitude, we announce an end to the hall of fame career of our hero on August 10, 2022 in Hamilton, ON at the glorious age of 85. Koji, lovingly known as "Kelly", joins his mother (Masuyo), father (Koichi), sister Kay, and brothers Tom, Kirk, Henry, and Roy. His legacy lives on through his wife and best friend Joyce (nee Parker), who was by his side for over 50 years of life, love, and happiness. Loving and proud father of Kristin, Janis (Chris), and Richard (Crissy). Proud grandfather of Colby and Cara. He is also survived by his sister, Margaret and his countless nieces and nephews in the family. A teacher in Hamilton's Board of Education for 35 years, Kelly will be remembered for his unrelenting commitment to his students. His involvement as a volleyball referee, track and field marshall, and as "COACH K" to many championship teams will be etched in Hamilton's sports scene for eternity. But his unwavering efforts in the volunteer community is his proudest professional accomplishment. Many thanks to our support team over the years; Dr. Richard Zizzo, and the V.O.N. (Michelle). Most recently, our thanks to Dr. Gladstone, Dr. Guzman and the Emergency/Short Stay staff at the Hamilton General Hospital who cared for him during his final days. Cremation has taken place. His family will receive family and friends at the CRESMOUNT FUNERAL HOME, 322 Fennell Ave. E., on Thursday, August 18th from 2 - 8 p.m. We ask that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his honour and directed to the Neighbour to Neighbour Centre, a place near and dear to him for over 35 years (https://www.n2ncentre.com/). And if you are able, we ask that you be kind to a stranger, help a friend in need, and give your time to your community. It will be worth every penny.

Arigatō gozaimashita to our #1 guy.
Rest in Peace.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Hamilton Spectator on Aug. 13, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Koji Kawamoto

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22 Entries

Vera (Duvnjak) Markovic

August 18, 2022

Coach K - "Simply the Best"

I was very fortunate to be coached by Mr. Kawamoto at Sherwood Highschool back in the mid 90's. All 4 years we took home gold medals in volleyball! Coach K always exuded amazing energy! He taught us wonderful lessons to be used on and off the court. His lessons live in all of us - what an impact that is!

My condolences to the entire family. Wishing you peace to bring you comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts!

Brenda Blackwood (Budjak)

August 17, 2022

So sorry to hear of the passing of MR K as we at Highview affectionately knew him . It was such a great time having both him and Miss Parker as my Health and Gym teachers all of my years at Highview. He took us to the City Volleyball Championships 2 years in a row!! And due to his coaching, I won the 21 free shot competition!! Such wonderful teachers and people! Thanks for your giving.. Budge

Jeff Sonoda

August 16, 2022

Mr. K had such a positive impact on my formative years at Highview in the 60's. Fond memories of both he and Miss Parker.
My sincere condolences to the family.

Cam Boychuk

August 15, 2022

I met Kelly as an 'outside' baskeball coach when he was teaching at Hampton Heights and GL Armstrong. I had the privilege of coaching Richard for a couple of years at Inch Park. All I can say that is that he was a 'first class' person an outstanding contributor to the community and co-parent to three terrific children that contribute to the community. My condolences to Joyce and family.

Joanne Augustyn

August 15, 2022

Sending my condolences to Mr. K´s family and friends. I have such fond memories of both Mr. Kay and Miss Parker, from when I attended Highview for grades 6-8 in 1971-1974. They were both such a huge part of the Highview community. May he R.I.P.

Mike and Bobbye Hathaway

August 15, 2022

Just want to offer our sincere condolences to you Joyce, and your family. Kelly will be missed by so many people who have had their lives impacted by Kelly´s teaching, coaching and volunteering during his life. We are thinking of you all at this difficult time. Mike and I had both you and Kelly at Highview, and Tim and Troy had Kelly as their teacher and coach at Armstrong. Thanx for sharing Kelly with us all. RIP Mr K

Moira Walker (Nee Martin)

August 15, 2022

Deepest Sympathy's to the Kawamoto Family, at this time. I attended Highview School (1964 to 1971) along with many others. My fondest memories are having Gym and Health classes with then Miss Parker who would later became his wife and Mr. K. as he was affectionately known. That wasn't yesterday, but so many wonder memories. May you rest in peace Mr. K.
and know you were loved by us all.

Moira Walker (Nee Martin)

Peter Swire, CPA

August 14, 2022

Many years ago, too many to count, I had the privilege to be one of Mr. K's students at Highview. I still remember the classroom where he taught and how he encouraged us to run faster! He had a great sense of humour which would inspire students. He made learning and doing fun. RIP.

Marni Oram

August 14, 2022

Dear Family

I was deeply saddened to read of Mr. K's passing. So sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of the two of you teaching at the school that I attended for Middle School (1966-68). Some of your lessons I carry on with today with much respect! May God Bless you, as you shine from above! Marni Williams-Oram

Judith + Paul Colley + family

August 13, 2022

Uncle Kelly was a kind and thoughtful man who made everyone feel special and loved. The Parker Christmas Parties were a highlight at his house. Uncle Kelly will be missed. You are in our prayers Joyce, Kristen, Janis, and Richard.

Ross & Debbie MacLeod

August 13, 2022

Our deepest sympathy Joyce & family, we will miss Kelly´s visits on our porch , his friendly smile our neighborhood will miss him deeply Ross & Debbie

Danielle Coffer

August 13, 2022

Mr. K was part of what I personally felt was the most caring staff at G.L. Armstrong during my time there as a student (1986-1988). My condolences to all who loved him and thank you for all the lives he made better.

John Pryke

August 13, 2022

Mr. K was a legend and loved by his students. Although it´s been over 35 years, our entire group of friends carry fond memories of Mr. K! Sending heart felt condolences to Joyce, Kristin, Janis and Richard! You guys were blessed to have such a great man in your life!!!

David Tudo

August 13, 2022

Good memories of such a great teacher and a kind man. Rest In Peace Mr. Kawamoto.

Ian Firth

August 13, 2022

Greatest teacher Hamilton ever saw....R.I.P. Mr. K!!!!

Andrzej Felinczak

August 13, 2022

Very sad news
Kelly was a wonderful human being, his smiley cheerful face will stay with me forever
My prayers will be with Joyce, Kristen, Rich and Janice
Rest in peace dear friend

Bruce Parker

August 13, 2022

My "Uncle Kelly" was a cheerful soul, except when you poked fun at his beloved Cleveland Indians. In my mind, he is associated with warm memories of Parker Christmas Parties that he and Joyce hosted for many years while I grew up. He always had a funny story and a kind word. My prayers go with Joyce, Kristen, Rich and Janice.

Mardie Panabaker

August 13, 2022

A wonderful human being has "gone home". Kelly was special, spreading his talents and zest for life with those lucky enough to meet him. He and my husband Neil had a special friendship through volleyball, including N2N tournaments. They are likely organizing a spiritual team.
Sincere condolences to Joyce and family. May your wonderful memories bring a degree of comfort.
Mardie Panabaker.

Jill Galoni (nee Dowling)

August 13, 2022

Coach K. I was literally talking about you this morning to my husband and daughter about entering high school and participating in sports. About the early morning volley ball practices at Sherwood. The dive and slides, and there is no such thing as a good try...
You were kind and patient. My heart goes out to Kristen, Rich and Janice as well as Mrs K.
Jill

Monica, Marc

August 13, 2022

Kelly - the definition of a great neighbour. He made such a positive presence in our community, always greeting you with a smile and wave while he was out soaking up the vitamin D in the driveway. Thank you for the years of memories shared between us and our children from the other side of the fence. May he rest peacefully.

Karen Monterroza (nee Newman)

August 13, 2022

I am sorry sad to hear about the passing of Mr K. My heart, prayers and sympathies Are with all of the family right now. Mr K was a wonderful loving friend and I was very blessed to have him and your family as neighbours growing up.

Rich Kawamoto

August 13, 2022

Thank you for the lessons, the laughs, and the love. Your patriarchal shoes can never be filled, but your teachings will live on forever.

Love you Dad.
r.

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results

Memorial Events
for Koji Kawamoto

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Cresmount Funeral Home - Fennell Chapel

322 Fennell Ave East, Hamilton, ON L9A1T2