Marg Moriyama (Friend)

Entered January 18, 2017 from Chatham

Thanks for this opportunity to remember Noby with you, her family.

I met Noby through Audrey and Roy and then again in Steveston many years ago. As the Sasaki clan, Fred, Audrey and Roy, Noby and Ken, we shared several happy times together over the years. She was a generous and gracious host.

I also remember when the CGIT girls from a Chatham church joined with girls from the Japanese UC. I remember they made a button showing a Japanese and hakujin CGIT girl together. . . a very nice memory and keepsake.

My prayers are with you in this sad time, but we give much thanks that your wife and mother were part of my life's journey.

Prayerfully, Marg Moriyama

Derek Ho (Friend)

Entered January 18, 2017 from Vancouver

I will remember "Bruce's Mom" as so welcoming and warm.

Frank, Kumi & Erika (Friend)

Entered January 18, 2017 from Maple Ridge

Our sincere condolences to all of you and your family.

Mancy So (Friend)

Entered January 18, 2017 from Vancouver

My heartfelt condolences to you and your family, Bruce. Your mom was such a warm, kind, & generous soul, she will be missed. I'm sure she is and always will be smiling down on you and your entire family.

Mancy

Winnie Lai-Fong (Friend)

Entered January 19, 2017 from Vancouver

I am very sorry for your sudden loss. I remember Bruce's mom's welcoming smile whenever we visited. May God provide healing, peace, and comfort during this difficult time.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

Noby Matsugu – historical notes by Sue Kai

Before the 1942 evacuation of Japanese Canadians from the west cost of British Columbia, the Sasaki family lived on the same street as the Matsugus on Cordova St. Later on, the Sasakis moved away from Japan town (referred to as Little Tokyo) to a more prosperous neighbourhood.
The Matsugu and Sasaki families were moved to an internment camp in Kaslo BC, where Ken and Noby met each other. They both 14 years old attending high school.
Their paths crossed again when Ken and Noby were students at the University of Toronto. They both graduated from the U of T; Ken with a Bachelor of Divinty degree; Noby graduated as a deaconess from the United Church Training School.
During this period, love flourished. Ken and Noby were married on October 27, 1962 by Rev Kasaburo Shimizu. Attendants – Victor Shimizu, Roy Fukuzawa, Dick Matsugu, Audrey Sasaki, and Shiz Tanouye. She was certainly a good mate for Ken; so gentle and kind.
After their wedding, Ken and Noby went to their first placement in the Northwest Interlake Pastoral Charge and Fisher River Indian Reserve. They lived in Steep Rock, Manitoba from 1965 to 1969. While in Manitoba, Ken and Noby welcomed Bruce (born Feb. 1965) and Dee-Ann (born Sept 1966) into the family.
In 1969, Ken was called to the Toronto Japanese United Church Nisei Congregation. They stayed in Toronto for approximately 10 years, then moved to the Steveston United Church near Vancouver, followed by the Montreal Japanese United Church. They retired in 19?? and lived in Oshawa and then to their present condo in Scarborough.
When I became very sick with breast cancer in 2004, Ken and Noby helped to look after me, making long trips from Oshawa to North York. I shall always remember their kindness and love to me and other friends as well.
Noby and Ken are two peas in the same pod. While other folks are trying to lose weight, they need to put on weight.
Noby and Ken both have a heart of gold. In the last few years, they lived in a condo close by to Yee Hong Centre where I lived. They have been my chauffeur with a big smile. We will all miss Noby; her big heart and big smile.

Aunt Noby was one of the nicest persons that I have ever known. However she did like to tease me.

I was born in and have only lived in Toronto. I am a Toronto sports teams' fan. I remember when she and Uncle Ken would visit here from Manitoba or Montreal. She would always ask me with a smile about how the Argonaut football team or hockey Maple Leafs were doing. I think she already knew the answer because the Argos and Leafs were usually not very good while the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Montreal Canadiens were winning Grey Cups.

Dear Uncle Ken, Bruce, Dee Ann and family,
Uncle Ken I am so sorry to hear about the sudden loss of dear Aunty Noby. Aunty Noby was always such a bright light in the family...she was always smiling and laughing and fun. I remember many years ago I made a last minute, on the spur of the moment visit to Vancouver and talked to Aunty Noby and she had me and the whole family tour Stanley Park by car on a crowded, busy afternoon showing me the sights...and the time Uncle Ken, Aunty Noby, Uncle Fred, Uncle Roy, Aunty Audrey and my mom and dad drove out to visit me and Lorn and saw where we lived and had a chilly, windy boat ride on Shuswap Lake. It was a great visit. Love to you always and depest sympathies.