Doctor Edward Masatomo Takahashi passed away after a brief illness on December 29, 2010 at 80 years of age.
In his professional life, he graduated from Kamloops Senior Secondary and attended the University of British Columbia. Following that, he obtained his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Toronto in 1953 at the age of 23. He practiced Optometry in Kamloops for 53 years until 2006 and was a member of the British Columbia Association of Optometrists and American Optometric Association. He served on the Board of Examiners in Optometry in British Columbia and was a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.
He was active in many service clubs throughout his life. He was a member of the Shriners in his early years, and was involved heavily in Rotary. He was a member of the Kamloops Downtown Rotary Club, Charter President of the Kamloops West Rotary Club, and was a Paul Harris Fellow.
He enjoyed curling and golfing, and really took pleasure in hunting, fishing, camping, and the outdoors. He would spend much of his free time at the family cottage on Shuswap Lake or fishing and hunting with his brother Doug. He exemplified this love of nature by being involved in the many organizations he was a member of, including the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the Fish and Game Society, and a Lifetime member of Ducks Unlimited. He shared his love of outdoors with his three sons by being a Cub and Scout leader in Kamloops.
After retirement, Ed and Meri enjoyed going on cruises, especially to Hawaii, where they made many friends. He was also very fond of his vegetable garden, Edward's dog Major, and his grandchildren. He was very proud of his outdoor fishpond where passersby would take pleasure in its beauty. He had a special way with children and animals.
He was an unselfish and conscientious man, always having time to mentor and encourage many people to pursue their goals in life. He genuinely cared about everyone who he came into contact with and, even at the end of his life, was more concerned about those around him than himself.
He always guided and supported his sons in their lives and families, and whatever activities they pursued, whether in music, academics, athletics, or careers. He will be deeply missed.
