Ron (Mamo) Yoshida passed away on April 26, 2023 at the age of 85. He was born in Seattle, WA on Feb. 25, 1938, the eldest child of Herb (Minoru) and Eiko Yoshida. Ron is survived by his wife, Kathryn and sons David (Colleen) of Cold Lake and Doug (Amy) of Calgary as well as three grandchildren - Jaime, Ethan and Kieren. He is also survived by his brother Jim (Eileen) of Kirkland, WA and a large extended family in the Seattle area.
Ron graduated from Garfield High School in Seattle, served for three years in the U.S. Army and obtained degrees, including a PhD in philosophy, from the University of Washington. In 1968, Ron and Kathryn moved to Lethbridge where Ron became an associate professor in the Philosophy Department at the University of Lethbridge and where he was recognized for his teaching in Philosophy of Science, 20th Century Analytic Philosophy and Logic. He was passionate about the importance of a liberal arts education. Moving to Lethbridge was also when the Ichikawas became family. Ron was an avid swimmer, swimming coach, drummer, band leader, record collector, author, reader, researcher, modeller (not to be confused with being a model), Seahawks fan, painter (Guernica on the fence), diner and jazz aficionado. In describing his life, he wrote: philosophy takes care of the mind; music, the soul; and swimming, the body.
He is fondly remembered by many in the University community, including the Rev. Canon Erin Phillips, chaplain of the Ecumenical Campus Ministry.
“He and I shared an office when we were both sessionals and I would see him and Kathryn on occasion, but I knew him mostly through Jim Tagg,” says Phillips. “So many people have commented about what a kind man and wonderful teacher he was. That was my experience of him as well.”
“I knew Ron from my time in Recreation as Ron was an avid swimmer and used the facilities daily,” says Mike Whipple, executive director, President & Provost Offices. “He was such a kind and caring man who also loved his Seattle Seahawks.”
Others took to social media to express their feelings. They described him as a wonderful man, a kind and inspirational teacher, one of the best profs, a top-notch educator and someone with a strong analytical mind and a good heart.
The family is grateful for all of the support and kindness that they have received during this time. We wish to thank Dr. Mark Musk for his years of compassionate care and also all of the health care workers, including the team at the St. Michael's Palliative Care unit. In keeping with Ron's wishes, he will be privately remembered by his family. We will be supporting pancreatic cancer research through the Canadian Cancer Society and welcome donations in remembrance of him.
Sources:
Obituary for Ronald Mamoru Yoshida | Salmon and Sons Funeral Home
Condolence Notice — Professor Emeritus Ron (Mamo) Yoshida | Notice Board (ulethbridge.ca)