Shuhachi NAITO

NAITO, Shuhachi
It is with profound sadness that the Naito family announces the passing of their son, husband, father and friend, Shuhachi (Shu) Naito. Shu grew up in Japan with his loving parents Yoko and Hachiro and his brother Shige. After high school graduation, Shu's parents made the selfless decision to allow him to expand his education into the US. He attended Brigham Young University and Arizona State, where he played varsity football and completed his Master's in Business Administration specializing in International Finance. Later he completed the PAMI (Pacific Asian Management Institute) Post-Graduate Program at the University of Hawaii and the Advanced Management Program for the Hospitality Industry from the University of Guelph. Shu spent his entire career proudly representing the Okabe Corporation, moving first to Hawaii and then settling in his beloved Vancouver in 1990. As Senior Vice President of Coast Hotels, Shu was charged with expanding and diversifying Okabe's investment base. Shu was responsible for the acquisition, development and divestiture of hotel properties on behalf of Okabe North America Inc. He spearheaded the land acquisition, planning and construction of Coast Hotels' flagship 20-storey Coast Coal Harbour Hotel, which opened in downtown Vancouver in January 2010. He was truly dedicated to his vocation and loved his colleagues like family. Shu's enjoyment of golf was only eclipsed by his love of dining on oysters and Grey Goose at Joe Fortes. He appreciated good wine, Armani ties and fine suits. Shu was an intelligent, loyal son, honourable friend, proud father and wonderful husband. After a hard fought, heroic battle with ALS, he finally found peace on June 20, 2014. He is survived by his wife, Dawn and his children Brandt, Brooke (Jeff), Bryce, Stephen, Stephanie and Ryann, and his parents Yoko and Hachiro. Shu also leaves behind his extended family at Coast Hotels, good friends Tom (Yoshiko), Bruce (Mel), Mike (Deb), Peter, the mother of his children Chawna (John) and many others. We know that Shu is catching up with his much loved brother, Shige, who also recently passed, to pave the way and be a welcoming face to greet him. The Naito family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and caregivers at the North Shore Hospice, The ALS Society, Copeman Health Care and Saint Elizabeth for all of their kindness and care. We would like to also extend a very sincere thank you to Peter Lie for all of his advice, care and love over the past few years. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Coast Coal Harbour Hotel on Sunday, July 6, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the ALS Society would be greatly appreciated.