Fred Kaita

  • Fred Kaita
  • Date of Passing: May 10, 2021
  • Born: July 31, 1924

Obituary

Our family is saddened to announce the passing of Fred (Futo) Kaita on May 10, 2021 at Heritage Life PCH in Niverville, MB at the age of 96.

He was predeceased by his first wife Kathy, his second wife Edna, his father Sukeichi, mother Kameyo, his sisters Sonoye and Mary, and his brother Reiki.

Fred leaves sons Percy (Betty), Perry (Melanie) and daughters Cheryl (Scott), and Karen (Norman) to celebrate his life. Grandchildren Melissa (Mike), Matthew (Lauren), Braeden, Bryson, Madison (Graeme), Michael (Lindsey), Katrina and Daniel will miss their grandfather.

Fred was born in Pitt Meadows, BC on July 31, 1924, the third of four children. His childhood involved helping his family establish a successful berry farm. By 1942, World War II changed this as all people of Japanese origin were stripped of their rights and possessions and moved inland. The Kaitas took the option of moving all possessions that they could carry and moved to the sugar beet farms of Manitoba. They moved to a farm near Dufrost, and for the rest of the war they hoed/thinned sugar beets in summer and Fred worked in the logging camps in winter.

After the war, they decided to stay in Manitoba and set up a berry farm near Headingly, MB. It was in the 50s that Fred got into the hatchery business with Oakland Hatchery. It was through the hatchery industry that he came to Niverville to work at Dyck’s Hatchery and later established Keystone Hatchery. Living in Niverville fostered his love of horticulture and his community. He was involved with numerous committees including the Niverville Fair, Historical Society, Lions Club and Niverville Town Council. He established Horticulture Clubs in Niverville and Steinbach and served as president of each of these clubs for years. His Thanksgiving displays in church were eagerly awaited each year but took the whole family and two or three vehicles to haul and set up. In 1986, he led the way to preserving Niverville’s heritage in a book entitled Niverville: A History (1879-1986).

Through his 2nd wife, Edna, he trusted God as his Lord and Savior. This decision made a big impact on his life and how he lived. He was a modest man and often downplayed his numerous awards and accolades, but they were symbols of his acts of charity and community involvement that still resonate in the community to this day. There are far too many to list, but one of his last awards that he received was the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, which is awarded by the Governor-General of Canada to those who have made significant contributions to their communities or to Canada.

In his later years, he coped with dementia; but even this was dealt with a smile and a joke.

We would like to express our appreciation and gratitude for all the people who served with our father/grandfather for so many years in Niverville and Steinbach. He had so much joy working with people to create a better and more beautiful community. Our family also wishes to thank the Heritage Life PCH in Niverville for their fantastic care and love that they gave him right to the end.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the Niverville Health and Community Foundation, PCH Dimentia Gardens.

A livestreamed private family service will be held Monday, May 17, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel.