It is with deep sadness that the family of Dennis Hiroshi Yokota announces his passing on March 23, 2026, in Toronto, Ontario, at the age of 79.
Dennis was born on June 24, 1946, in Montreal, Quebec, to Togo and Tatsue Yokota (née Oike), and was raised alongside his siblings Noreen, Sandy, Archie, and Rumi. He grew up in the vibrant Mile End neighbourhood of Montreal, where he was an active member of the Montreal Buddhist Church and discovered an early passion for sports. A natural athlete, Dennis played football and hockey with great enthusiasm — a highlight being the provincial football championship he won alongside his Montreal High teammates.
Dennis built a career in management and sales that eventually brought him to Toronto and into the tire industry. From 1983 until his retirement, he worked with various tire retailers and brands, earning a reputation for warmth, integrity, and genuine connection. Along the way, he built a wide network of colleagues, contacts, and lifelong friendships that remained a cornerstone of his life.
In 1968, Dennis met the love of his life, Debbie (née Wallace), at work. They married in 1972 and remained lovingly and devotedly together for the rest of his life. Together they raised three children: Michael Masao (b. 1979), Sarah Sumiko (b. 1982), and Matthew Makoto (b. 1988). Dennis was a proud and deeply involved father-in-law to Spardha and Mikey, and a deeply devoted grandfather to Alfie, Isabella, and Felix — a role he embraced with tremendous joy and pride.
Outside of work, Dennis poured his energy into the things he loved most. He was an avid golfer and hockey player, and coached youth hockey for over 30 years — a contribution to his community recognized by his induction into the Thornhill Hockey Hall of Fame. He was a passionate and lifelong Montreal Canadiens supporter, and there was nothing he enjoyed more than watching sports at any level — particularly when the players were the children of his family, friends, and neighbours.
Dennis had a genuine curiosity about the world. He loved experiencing new cultures, whether trying new cuisines across Canada and the United States or travelling abroad to Japan, the United Kingdom, and the Caribbean. His social life was equally rich — he maintained several close-knit friend groups he gathered with regularly throughout the week, sharing coffee, a round of golf, and no shortage of conversation about current events, family, and sports.
Dennis is survived by his beloved wife Debbie; his children Michael (Spardha), Sarah (Mikey), and Matthew; his grandchildren Alfie, Isabella, and Felix; and his siblings Archie and Rumi. He was predeceased by his parents Togo and Tatsue, and his sister Noreen and brother Sandy.
Dennis Hiroshi Yokota lived a life defined by love, loyalty, community, and an infectious enthusiasm for the game — whatever game happened to be on. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service for Dennis will be held at the Toronto Buddhist Church, 1011 Sheppard Avenue W. Toronto, on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by a reception at the church immediately afterward. All are warmly welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dennis may be made to the Daily Bread Food Bank (https://www.dailybread.ca/) or to the Toronto Buddhist Church on the day of the service.