William “Bill” Hasegawa passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at the age of 87 years.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Fiona; children, Derek (Sandra) Hasegawa of Calgary, Michele (Brian) Rasmussen of Okotoks, James (Julie) Hasegawa of Chestermere, and Ian (Michelle) Hasegawa of Glendale, AZ; 10 grandchildren, Chad (Kelsey) Hasegawa of Halifax, NS, Kent Hasegawa of Calgary, Trent (Audrey) Rasmussen of Queens, NY, Rachel Rasmussen (Reed) of Savannah, GA, Victoria (Mitchell) Pope, Salt Lake City, UT, Eric (Halley) Rasmussen of Calgary, Matthew Hasegawa of Calgary, Daniel (Kristin) Hasegawa of Chestermere, AB, Brandon (Kiara) Hasegawa of Calgary and Noah Hasegawa (Kayci Kleven) of Glendale, AZ; five great-grandchildren, William Rasmussen, Henry Parsons, Grayson & Nathan Hasegawa, Odette Hasegawa and a great-grandson on the way! He will also be mourned by his sisters, Carol Wong, Gloria Lemmon & Mary Hasegawa; sister-in-laws, Tami Hasegawa, & Marlann Hasegawa & brother -in-law Jim Wong; along with many nephews, nieces and extended family.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Itoyo & Otogoro Hasegawa; son, Lawrence Hasegawa; siblings, June (Johnny) Yamamoto, Henry Hasegawa & George Hasegawa.
Bill was born in Vancouver, BC on February 8, 1936. When he was child, the Hasegawa family faced forced relocation when they were transported to a Japanese Canadian Internment Camp for several years during World War II. Then, when he was still very young, Bill’s father passed away. Despite these obstacles and growing up with very little, he was raised in a family of seven that supported and inspired each other – a family that was wealthy in character and in the Christian values that matter. Family mottos were “Look forward, not back”, “Give before receiving”. He was taught to sacrifice and work hard, and to provide for the family..
When Bill was a young adult, he met Fiona (nee Seeley) and they were married on July 18, 1959 in the Cardston Temple. In the same year, he graduated from the University of Alberta with a Civil Engineering Degree. He established Hasegawa Engineering and Associates (1971- 2023) and held the position of President of the Alberta Professional Engineer Society in 1977. Bill dedicated himself to this profession for over 60 years. His hand is on the design of thousands of structures and projects throughout North America.
Bill was very involved in the Calgary Japanese Community Association where he was instrumental in fundraising for the association’s building. His efforts earned him a National Merit Award for Volunteering for Calgary Japanese Community Association (CJCA) and the position of President of the CJCA.
Bill also held many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and continually served those in his ward and community. He embodied “actions speak louder than words” as a consummate example of quietly performing acts of compassion and service without motives of recognition. Bill will be remembered for his efforts on behalf of others. Yet perhaps his greater legacy lies in all the kindnesses of which we are not aware. Bill’s generosity to his family, friends, employees, associates, and community, was molded by a childhood of loss and poverty.
Bill possessed so many admirable traits – honesty, generosity, kindness, patience, thoughtfulness. He was sociable and likeable – a true man of integrity. His favourite things were golf at the Silver Springs Country Club, engineering, Hawaii, friends and family. He loved and was most proud of his 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
These words from his surviving sisters:
“I’m privileged to have shared memories with him at this stage of his life and wish to join those in writing his eulogy to my fine brother, family man, businessman, and compassionate contributor to humankind.” – Carol Wong.
“Those we love are never too far away. Bill’s here in our hearts every day. His laugh, smile, warmth, and caring helpful nature accompanied his gift of sharing. Our memories to cherish are always part of us like breathing in and breathing out. You are special and there will never be another. God Bless you, Bill, so proud to call you brother.” Carol, Gloria, & Mary.
The Hasegawa family extend their deepest gratitude to Janine Castro for her many years of devotion, dedication, and loving care of their father. Much appreciation as well to the staff at the Carewest Dr. Vernon Fanning Centre for their diligent care.
If friends so desire, donations may be made in Bill’s name to the
Kidney Foundation of Canada
.
A Funeral Service will be held for Bill at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Bow Valley Chapel (2526 – 24 Avenue NW , Calgary) on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at 10:00 am. Livestream of Bill’s service can be accessed at the following
link
: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83452689555
There will be luncheon immediately following the service.
Graveside Service is to take place at Rockyview Garden of Peace Cemetery (243208 Garden Rd, Calgary) at 2:00pm