Hiroshi Yamazaki

Hiroshi Yamazaki went peacefully to be with his Lord at the age of 94. Predeceased by his beloved wife Toshiko, his parents Kouki and Tomoko, and his older brother Akira. Loving father of Christine (Dave), Ken (Evonne), and Amy (Tim), and dear grandfather of Lisa (Patrick), Alison, Miriam, Hannah; Julia (Paul), Samuel; Meghan, Bethany, Noah, Isabel, Abigail, and Emma.

Hiroshi was born in Hokkaido, Japan with a heart for adventure. In 1960 after earning a PhD in biochemistry in Wisconsin, USA, he agreed with his mother that it would be a good time to get married. He and Toshiko began corresponding by letter. In 1961, he returned to Japan to meet and marry Toshiko. Four weeks later, he brought her back to Wisconsin to start their new adventure together.

In 1967, the family moved to Ottawa, Canada where he became a professor at Carleton University and where he and a colleague later established the Institute of Biochemistry. In 1996, he won the Ottawa Life Science Council’s Career Achievement Award for his research in biotechnology and for his dedication to the training of numerous graduate students.

In his retirement, he and Toshiko hosted delicious meals for their growing clan. They enjoyed spoiling their grandkids as well as their cat fur-babies. He also took up acrylic painting and produced a large number of lovely paintings. When Toshiko became ill, he put his paintbrush aside and became her devoted caregiver until she passed away.

In subsequent years, he found solace in listening to songs and keeping time with his hands since it reminded him of Toshiko and her lifelong passion for music.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to Arlington Woods Church for their loving support of his family since 1970 and to Ravines Retirement Residence, his home since 2023.

Friends may join the family for an informal visitation at

Arlington Woods Free Methodist Church

225 McClellan Road, Ottawa

On Thursday, May 7 from 3 to 5 pm

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arlington Woods Church (Benevolent Fund).