Aug. 3, 1937 — Sept. 22, 2025
Hideki (Peter) Tomiyama, beloved husband of Sylvia (Ann) Lauzon Tomiyama of Calgary, passed away on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, at the age of 88 years.
Peter was born in Fort Macleod on Aug. 3, 1937, as the fifth child of Giichi and Haruko. He spent his childhood helping with chores on the family farm and attended school in Fort Macleod. At the age of 18, Peter joined the Reserve Force in Fort Macleod and proudly became a member of the Royal Canadian Legion. Following his time in the Reserve Force, he relocated to British Columbia.
Peter and Ann were married on June 27, 2015, after many years of living together. Their story began in 1979 when they met at the Ogden Legion. They enjoyed dancing, camping, and sharing good times together.
Achieving many things in his lifetime, Peter was especially proud of his expertise in meat cutting. After staying on the farm helping his father, he began his career as a part-time meat cutter in a small shop before being hired by Safeway. Starting there as a journeyman, he eventually advanced to the position of senior meat cutter, a role he held for 15 years. Following his time at Safeway, Peter continued his profession at Calgary Co-op, where he worked for another 15 years.
Peter had a deep love and passion for pool, golf, gardening, and fishing. He also took great pride in collecting beer can tabs — enough to help provide a wheelchair for someone in need.
Some of Peter’s most cherished vacations included visiting his children and grandchildren on Vancouver Island and Lower Mainland, fishing in B.C. with his close friends, and traveling to Fiji, Mexico, Hawaii and Las Vegas. One of his most unforgettable trips was journeying to Japan with his mother and siblings.
Peter was well known for his favourite sayings, including, “Keep a stiff upper lip,” “Would you like a beer?” and the cheeky, “Fork you too.”
Peter will be fondly remembered for his warm smile, infectious laughter, signature goatee, and the nicknames “The Nip,” “Nipper,” “Japarainian,” and “Lil Nipper.” Known for his generosity, he often shared produce from his garden and meat with friends and family. Always willing to lend a hand, he would help anyone in need — he truly was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back.
Besides his loving wife, Peter is survived by his three children and their families, Kaz (Joanne) of Nanaimo, B.C., and his sons, Jayden and Nolen; Kim (Bethany) of Chilliwack, B.C., and her children, Kiyoshi, Jazmyn, Jayden, Kaito, Makoto, Akira, and Kyona; and Kamiko of Nanaimo, B.C., and her daughter Azure; granddaughter Sara of Calgary and her son, Declan, and stepson, Dan of Fort Erie, Ont.
Peter is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Kaye (Sunao), Joe (Sumi), Tom (Betty), Jim (Marion), Mary (Joe), Alvin (Anna), and Chris; sister-in-law Florence, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Peter was predeceased by his parents, Giichi and Haruko; sister, Jean (Ted); brothers, Kazuo (Shige), Harold, and Bill; and stepsons Bobby, Paul, John, and Dale.
Memorial services were held at McInnis and Holloway, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Dr. N.E., Calgary, on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. Reception followed at the Border Crossing Pub, 1814 36th St. S.E., Calgary.
If friends so desire memorial tributes may be made directly to the Prostate Cancer Centre, Southern Alberta Institute of Urology, Rockyview General Hospital, 6500, 7007 14th St. S.W., Calgary, T2V 1P9, or www.prostatecancercentre.ca.
In living memory of Hideki (Peter) Tomiyama, a tree will be planted in the Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive N.E., Calgary, T2A 3V9. Phone 403-248-8585.
