<div itemprop="description">We are deeply saddened to share that Donald Hisayuki Niiya, 88, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026, with his loved ones by his side. <br> <br>Don was born in 1937 in Paldi, BC, a little sawmill village on Vancouver Island. His journey through life was defined by many passions, the first of which was judo. After starting at the age of 15, he dedicated nearly 40 years to the sport through competing, refereeing, and teaching, which allowed him to build self-confidence and form lifelong friendships. He had a natural passion for teaching, as evidenced by a 33-year career where his curriculum famously included woodworking, growing tomatoes, and cooking tempura for his students. In his later years, he admitted that teaching never really felt like work. <br> <br>Don also had a passion for sports, particularly baseball, golf, and hockey (and, of course, his beloved Canadiens). When he wasn't playing himself, he was coaching or volunteering, and he took immense joy in experiencing sports through his children and grandchildren. An avid gardener, he shared his passion for the earth by growing and giving away countless plants, including tomatoes, geraniums, and Christmas cacti. Most of all, even if expressed more through actions than words, his greatest passion was his family. <br> <br>Among quiet reflections Don wrote over the years, one thought stood out: "Having the family that I had and have, and the life I’ve had, I consider myself so very fortunate. The value in my life is not money. I feel wealthy in so many ways." <br> <br>Don was predeceased by Ruth (née Amano), his first wife and the cherished mother of his children, and later by his loving wife, Donalda Shimotakahara (née Tsuyuki). He was also predeceased by his parents, Yukio and Hisaye (née Yonemura). <br> <br>He was the devoted father of Allison (Ken), Patrick (Yumiko), and Kyle (Diana); and the treasured grandfather of Tyller, Kiefer, and Lucas. He was also a dear brother to Tina (Henry) and Debbie. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. <br> <br>A memorial visitation will be held at Rideau Funeral Home (4275 Boul. des Sources, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, QC) on Saturday, October 10, 2026, where family and friends are welcome to drop in between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Amyloidosis Support Network.</div>
