Tamoto

Lily Yuriko Tamoto, age 96, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026, surrounded by the love of family and friends. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend, Lily lived a long life marked by resilience, kindness, and quiet strength.

Lily was born on February 11, 1929, in Portland, Oregon to parents Kensuke and Jun Taniguchi. At age three, she and her sister Midori, nine months old, were sent to Japan, where they were raised by their Uncle Sennojo and Aunt Yasu Taniguchi in Matsusaka. There, the sisters enjoyed a happy upbringing before enduring the hardships of World War II. Following the war, Lily met Yutaka Tamoto, a Canadian-born man with whom she shared many interests. Their bond quickly grew and they were married on October 15, 1948, and welcomed their first daughter, Florence, in 1949.

In 1953, the young family moved to Canada, settling in Winnipeg, where many of Yutaka’s siblings had made their homes.  In 1954, they welcomed their second daughter, Linda. Hoping to build a life closer to Lily’s roots, the family briefly returned to Portland, Oregon, where Lily’s family was involved in farming and the hotel business. Lily and Yutaka chose to return to Winnipeg, where their third and final child, Kenley, was born in 1960. In 1964, the family moved to Vancouver, where they raised their children. The family later relocated to Richmond, and in 1992 Lily and Yutaka moved in with their son and his family and settled in Coquitlam.

Yutaka worked as a skilled finishing carpenter and briefly as a fisherman. Lily lovingly maintained a warm, welcoming home while working as an award-winning Home Care worker as well as in the cannery. She also loved to make Japanese dolls.

Lily is survived by her children, Florence, Linda (Steve) Gelley, and Kenley (Teresa) Tamoto; grandchildren Lisa (Josh) Martin, Drew (Erin) Gelley, Spencer (Karen) Tamoto, Maxine (Igor) Vranjes, and Cole Gelley; and great grandchildren Loa, Noemi, Mila, Madison, and Roscoe She is also fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Yutaka; siblings Helen (Kazuma) Tamura, Mabel (George) Tsugawa, Midori Taniguchi, Susume Taniguchi, son-in-law Steve Gelley; and great-granddaughter Savvy.

Affectionately known as “Bachan”, Lily will be remembered for her sharp sense of humor, gentle nature, and deep love for her family. Her presence brought comfort and laughter to all who knew her, and she will be dearly missed.

A celebration of Lily’s life will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at Vancouver Golf Club, 771 Austin Ave, Coquitlam, British Columbia.  With thanks and appreciation, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Powell Street Festival Society.