Takehiro “Andy” Ozawa passed away peacefully on the morning of October 28, 2024 from complications with Parkinson’s disease. Beloved husband of 57 years to Sumiko Ozawa, loving father of Kyoko Hong (Richard), Shotaro Ozawa (Mariko), Masako Chu (Timothy), and Seishiro Ozawa (Ryoko). Wonderful grandfather of Marcus, Nicholas, Tyler, Jaimeson, Erika, Mika, Emma, Justin, and Connor. Younger brother of Hideyuki Ozawa (Misako).

He was born on March 21, 1943 in Shizuoka, Japan and attended high school in Tokyo. He later was admitted into the prestigious Kyoto University where he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering. Seeking greater opportunity, he and Sumiko immigrated to Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1974. He secured his first job at the Toronto Plastics Company. From there he was recruited to Mitsui & Co., Ltd, Canada where he was able to gain valuable trade experience and business relationships.

Ultimately, he and Sumiko ventured out on their own in 1985 and established both Canadian Thermal Paper Inc. & Ozawa Canada Inc. As a result of gaining valuable knowledge and understanding of the nascent thermal paper technology, he was able to secure the newly formed company to become one of the earliest entrants of the thermal packaging label industry. Capitalizing on the success of Canadian Thermal Paper Inc., he was able to support Ozawa Canada Inc. which had humble beginnings of importing Japanese green tea from his hometown of Shizuoka. This was a prescient decision which allowed the company to blossom beyond the offering of green tea only. Today Ozawa Canada Inc. has evolved into a premier Foodservice company specializing in Japanese food, beverage and restaurant supply in the greater Toronto and Montreal area. It was always Takehiro’s dream to be able to offer and supply premium Japanese foods and beverages to both the Japanese community and native Toronto residents as there was a distinct scarcity of Japanese food offerings at the time. His dream and legacy are continued today by the management of his son and
daughter, Shotaro and Masako, who now actively manage the operations of the company.

Takehiro made his home in Aurora, Ontario. Away from the demands of work, he was an avid golfer. He made Beacon Hall his home golf club and enjoyed many rounds of golf with family and friends for many years at this establishment. Additionally, he enjoyed other sports and the outdoors by playing tennis, skiing, hiking, fishing, and camping. His love of travelling with his family, would usually be planned around golf courses that were coincident with the travel destinations.

Alongside his passion for sports and outdoor activities, he was equally passionate about enjoying food and dining with those around him- especially his family. He adored and looked forward to time spent together annually during the traditional holidays and New Year’s Day celebration which was always a memorable and joyous culinary spectacle.

He was a dedicated member of the local Japanese community where he enjoyed many wonderful connections and friendships. He was a long-time member of the Shinki-kai (Association of Japanese Canadian Businesses and Professionals), Toronto Shokokai, and Japanese Restaurants Association of Canada (JRAC). Takehiro was always looking to address, serve, and fulfill many of the voids and needs of the local Japanese people. He was well respected and admired and was always willing to give a helping hand to people within the community.

Above all, Takehiro was a man who cherished and dearly loved his family. He was always a constant source of
encouragement, stability, and love to all members of his family. No sacrifice was too great for him, and he always honoured the needs of his family with loving grace. He will be greatly missed by many and his vibrant, joyful spirit will always be remembered.