Notice Board

The University of Lethbridge community is saddened to learn of the passing of Reverend Yasuo Izumi and offers its sincere condolences to his family and friends. Izumi passed away on Oct. 29, 2024, at the age of 80.

Izumi, a Buddhist minister who served for 54 years in temples across Canada, was the unofficial Buddhist chaplain for the ULethbridge community. He regularly participated in services on campus and was always available for the campus community in times of crisis.

Officially, Izumi held positions as head minister at temples such as Lethbridge Buddhist Temple, Vancouver Buddhist Temple, Steveston Buddhist Temple, Toronto Buddhist Church and the Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta. In April 2021, he was recognized by the Hongwanji in Kyoto for his 50 years of service as a minister. In October 2023, he retired from his formal work as a minister but continued to contribute to the community in many ways, including teaching Japanese calligraphy at Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden.

Born in Kawasaki City in Kanagawa prefecture, Japan, Izumi was regarded as a lifelong learner who sought to explore the world. He earned a degree in English literature from Taisho University in Tokyo, then spent a year travelling the world before beginning religious studies at the Tsukiji Academy in Tokyo, where he met his future wife, Sachi Takeda. He then continued studying religion at Ryokoku University in Kyoto and completed a six-month internship at the Jodo Shinshu Temple in Yamaguchi prefecture. Izumi was appointed by the mother temple, Hongwanji, in Kyoto, to serve as the ordained minister of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism at the Lethbridge Buddhist Temple and, in the fall of 1970, he and Sachi made the courageous decision to leave behind their family and friends in Japan and move to Canada to begin their new life.

Izumi and Sachi had five children, three daughters and two sons, as well as nine grandchildren.

Those wishing to express condolences and pay respects may sign a memorial book at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home (703 13 St. N.) through Nov. 14, 2024. The University will lower its flag in honour of Izumi on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

For a full obituary, please visit this notice.