Mr. Frank Kazuo Fukui

Frank Fukui, a renowned teacher, coach and rugby player, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2020 at Parkview Hospital in Vancouver due to pneumonia. 

Frank is survived by his wife of 54 years, Vickie (Iwase), and daughter Leanne McColl, son-in-law Matt and grandsons, Jack and Bryn. Frank was born on December 5, 1938 in Vancouver to John Yaichi and Chiyoko Fukui, the second of four children, including Dorothy Kinoshita, Lee Jefferson, and June Kawaguchi. 

Frank’s life was centred upon sport, teaching, and his family. He was an avid sportsman, discovering his lifelong passion for the sport of rugby at Britannia High School, from where he graduated in 1957. As an Ex-Brit, he was also known as Louie Fukui, and played in Division 1 until 48 years of age, proudly receiving the honour of Player of the Year for three years. As a teacher at Gladstone (1965-1974) and Killarney High School (1974-1999), he was known for his crazy physics experiments including his bed of nails and elephant gun, his meticulous marking and comments, and his relationships with his students. Through his teaching career, he was a dedicated coach of many sports, especially rugby. He always had an incredible memory of all his alumni, recognizing and naming their accomplishments many years after graduation. Frank married Vickie in 1966, and they had Leanne in 1972. In their Richmond home, Frank was a talented gardener, known for his immaculate lawn, beautiful Japanese garden, and plentiful vegetable garden. Throughout his life, Frank enjoyed running, skiing, music, eating out, puzzles and nature shows. As a retiree, he spent much time taking care of his parents, and volunteering at the Japanese Language School. When Frank became a grandfather, there was nothing he enjoyed more than watching his grandsons play sports, and he always had suggestions as to how they could be better. Sadly, Frank began to struggle with dementia in 2014, which eventually led to hospitalization in 2018. 

The family would like to thank the staffs at Willow 5, and Parkview for their excellent care. Also, thank you to all the friends who continued to visit Frank in hospital, as you made his days much brighter. As a person, Frank was known his optimism, generosity and kindness. He had an iron will, and showed unwavering tenacity as a person and as an athlete. He had a physical strength that was matched only by his strength in character. Frank will be missed. A celebration of life will be held at a future date.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/vancouver-bc/frank-fukui-9127231