Claudette SAKAMOTO

I have such wonderful memories of Claudette. James and I would always comment how she had the best sense of humour. We would often quote her and smile for the rest of the day. She brought much joy to those around her with her big bright smile. My prayers are with you Bud and your entire family. God bless, Nazanin

This Sunday at Cafe Allegria at 10:00 a.m. the Steveston Writers Group has their first meeting since Claudette's death. And for the first time in about eight years Claudette won't be there with her gentle guidance, wonderful short stories and encyclopedic knowledge of grammar. I think we'll re-read her beautiful short stories and cry. We miss her so much.

All my condolences to Claudette's family and friends. She was a ray of sunshine for the translators' community.

I met Claudette two years ago when I did some translations for her clients. The first time we met in a restaurant -with a friend who introduced us- I was pleased to see that she was so fun and easy going. We hit it off right away and saw each other few times after that evening. I'll miss her nice laugh and her special way to talk to you like she has known you forever. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.

Tante Claudette we will miss your laugh and your positive personality, you have a special place in our hearts.

I met your family through my aunt and uncle (Wayne & Sharon). We had a wonderful visit to your home. Claudette was a very warm and welcoming person. My deepest sympathies.

Claudette, I didn't know you long enough. I have only belonged to the Steveston Writers Group for a few years. Claudette was our den mother, reminded us of every meeting, was always there with the most fascinating stories, and supported our efforts with her eagle eye editing, creative suggestions and encouragement.

Dear Bud, my sincere condolences to you and your family. Claudette was a dear sweet person who will be greatly missed in this community. She always had a smile for everyone she met and that is how I will always remember her, our thoughts are with you.

Claudette was a special person , I first met her and Bud at UBC many years ago and although we didn't cross paths that often in the intervening years it was always a joy when we did. Our heartfelt condolences to Bud and family.

Brian and Pauline Hunt

To Dear Aunt Claudette who will be missed. You were special to me - you always knew what to say. You were a great comfort when I lost my Dad, your brother (René) and my Mom (Eveline). I will always have a special place in my heart for you and your beautiful family in BC. You made everyone smile.

Claudette was a joy and an inspiration. A friend for 42 years, she was always positive in the face of adversity. She loved her life with Bud, with her girls and grandchildren. We will miss her visits to Nova Scotia, her letters and her emails full of humour and news. We are better people because we had her as a friend and our lives are diminished by her passing. Wayne &Sharon Doggett

My sincere condolences to the family. I knew Claudette through the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society. May all the good memories of her sustain you at this sad time. Bernadette Bajo

I think of Claudette as someone who was very attentive to others. She loved life and didn't take it for granted. She appreciated the people around her and told them. I had the opportunity to work with her at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery from 1996 to 2004. She did the English to French translation for our texts. She never got mad or impatient with me when I tried to do the translation myself (which was always a bog mistake). We would chat in French and share a similar sense of humour on linguistic matters. We had fun together. Her love for her family was something that came so strongly. I am so glad I got to know her.
Viviane Gosselin

With fond, happy memories of a friendship that began before Bud and Claudette were married, we send our wishes of sympathy to Bud and the girls. They are in our hearts and prayers. We remember, and always will, a laughing, gentle Claudette. May she rest in peace.

I enjoyed Claudette's presence at the Steveston Writers Group for a number of years. My thoughts are with you.

Claudette was a very special person to all of us. She was like a sister to me, as we grew up together, living side by side. Her smile, her beautiful eyes and her warm laughter were things that described her way of life. Claudette, you will always be in our hearts. Our sympathies goes out to her husband Bud, her daughters Mariko and Emi and her two lovely grandchildren Adam & Elizabeth.

We will miss Claudette, we always enjoyed her stories on her many visits to Ottawa. She would show us pictures of her family, she was very proud of Mariko, Emi and her grand children. Our deepest sympathies for your loss.

For me, Claudette was sweet and cheerful and a treasured colleague in the Steveston Writers Group. I'm very glad to have known her. I'll remember her lively and sometimes quirky stories fondly.

We will never forget Claudette's smile, the sparkle in her eye or her wonderful laugh! She absolutely radiated love, generosity and peacefulness. Riho and I treasured our times with her and will keep our memories of her in our hearts.
Denise and Riho Kalda