Doreen Gay Takahara

Doreen Gay Takahara (nee Davis) March 2, 1956 - November 26, 2008 On November 26th, 2008 peacefully passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Doreen was born in Vancouver and lived her life here with family and friends. Graduating from Vancouver Technical High School 1974, then UBC 1980, she became a teacher of history and fine art. She was a passionate loving and caring, sister, daughter, mom, wife, aunt, cousin, niece, teacher and friend. Her creative and artistic nature found expression through her commitment to all that was beautiful in the world - flowers, nature, art, history, clothing, perfumes and antiques - a true renaissance person. Doreen found another "home" in Hawaii, where she loved to swim and play; the ocean, beaches and sun nurtured her. She gifted us with her ability to make each of us feel extraordinarily special. The generosity of her heart was shared with many, her smile and voice carried her love to each of us who knew her. What a delight to be on the receiving end of that love! She will forever be missed by her husband, Kaz, her son, Brandon, her mother, Dora, her mother and father in law Kazuko and Kenny, her sisters and brothers, Pat, Chris, Tony and Diane, her sisters and brothers-in-law, Graham, Joanne, Daintry, Garry, Irene, Mike and Glen, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, high school friends, colleagues at South Hill, and all the students over the years that were graced with her extraordinary teaching. Deep gratitude to all who visited and cared for Doreen, especially Cheryl and Karen Kaplan, the tireless effort and care of the nursing staff - Mali and Louise and the excellent medical attention from Dr Cheryl Ho at the BCCA. "Celebrate we will, for life is short but sweet for certain" dave matthews A celebration of Doreen's life will be held December 4th at 1:00 pm at Glenhaven Memorial Chapel, 1835 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, B.C. V5L 1T3. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Doreen Davis Takahara can be made to: The Canadian Cancer Society, Vancouver Chapter, Emergency Aid, Volunteer Drivers or Lodge Services, The Doreen Davis Takahara Memorial Art Scholarship, C/O South Hill Education Centre, 6010 Fraser Street, Vancouver, B.C. V5W 2Z7.