Momiji Foundation unveils a plaque dedicated to Fred Sasaki. Fred Sasaki’s children and their partners attended the small ceremony unveiling a dedicated plaque. Left to right: Karen Sasaki, Joan Sasaki, Paul Sasaki and Rick Grant. Photo credits: Cary Rothbart.
SCARBOROUGH — On May 23, a special bronze plaque was unveiled in the boardroom at the Momiji Health Care Society in Scarborough.
The plaque is meant to be a special way to both remember and thank Fred Sasaki for his extraordinary contributions to the creation of both the Momiji Health Care Society and the Momiji Foundation.
Fred was a beloved and iconic member of the Japanese Canadian community who was well known for his kindness, generosity and his humility. His work still influences the lives of Japanese Canadian seniors today and because of his foresight, seniors of the future as well. Fred played an integral role in the planning, fundraising and construction of the Momiji. But Fred also wanted to make sure there was a foundation created to could help financially support Momiji for generations to come.
“It was strictly Fred’s vision and expertise that resulted in the creation of the Momiji Foundation,” said Kaz Shikaze; past chairman of the foundation, current Momiji board member and long time friend of Fred.
The foundation has helped provide financial support to Momiji, since the landmark building was constructed in 1992 to this day.
Attending the special unveiling of the plaque were members of the Sasaki family, including Fred’s son, Paul Sasaki and his wife, Karen, and Fred’s daughter, Joan Sasaki and her partner, Rick Grant. Also on hand for the dedication were the foundation’s board of directors and Eric Hong, executive director of Momiji.
Personal anecdotes were shared by members of the foundation board with the Sasaki family, highlighting what a remarkable man Fred was. At the closing of the ceremony Kaz Shikaze fondly remembered Fred as, “someone who had a very sharp analytical mind, but who would always check his heart as well, before making a final decision that would effect others. He always wanted what was best for the people who were residents of Momiji.”
It was the consensus of the foundation board that Fred has left an indelible mark on the Momiji residence and foundation and that his efforts have helped the lives of so many people in the Japanese Canadian community.
It is only right that a plaque honouring Fred has prominence in the boardroom where decisions continue to be made to help ensure Momiji Health Care Society can provides extraordinary care and support for all of it’s residents.
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1 Comment
I worked with Mr. Sasaki and his daughter Joan at Canadian Tire in the mid seventies. He was the treasurer there and his signature was on the CTC money. He worked many years before I got there. Lovely family. I’m glad he is being recognized for all his efforts.