Kenny Kenji Murata

Lieutenant Colonel Kenny Kenji Murata (Ret’d) passed away quietly May 2nd, 2026, at the age of 89. Predeceased by his wife Jean, his parents Irene and Kaichi Asae, brother Dave, half-siblings Roy (Nancy), Hardy (Sue) and Nellie (George). Ken is survived by his daughter Lisa, her husband Dave, & grandson Alexander; his son Darren, wife Michelle, & grandson Ronan; his sister-in-law Judy (Denis) & Judy’s children Brian (Nicole), Dianne, & Janet, along with grand-nieces/nephews.

Ken’s life began with profound challenges. As a young Japanese Canadian child during the Second World War, he and his family—along with thousands of others—were interned. Alongside his mother Sueko and brother Dave, he endured hardship and displacement before the family eventually resettled in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to rebuild their lives from the ground up.

In Winnipeg, Ken attended Sir Isaac Newton High School, where he excelled in basketball, helping lead his team to several provincial championships. In his final year, he was also elected student president, a reflection of the leadership and respect he earned from those around him. During this time, following in his brother Dave’s footsteps, he joined the Army Cadets, beginning what would become a lifelong dedication to military service.

In 1955, Ken entered the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario. During infantry training he earned awards for Best Marksmanship and Best Physical Fitness, qualities that reflected the determination and discipline that defined him throughout his life.

Music also played an important role in Ken’s early years. Having played side drum in the Army Cadets Drum and Bugle Band, he eagerly joined the Pipe Band at RMC and eventually became lead snare drummer. He graduated in 1961.

Ken’s first posting was with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Victoria, British Columbia. It was there that he met Jean Kitagawa. The two quickly fell in love and were married in 1963, beginning a partnership that would last a lifetime. Military life took Ken and Jean around the world. They were posted to Iserlohn, Germany, where their daughter Lisa was born. Years later in Ottawa, they welcomed their son Darren and built a warm and stable family life together.

Ken served Canada proudly for 35 years through both military and public service. His distinguished career in the Canadian Armed Forces, included receiving a MSc in Engineering and peacekeeping in Egypt. Rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, he later became Base Commander at the Land Engineering Test Establishment (LETE) in Gloucester, Ontario.

Despite opportunities for advancement and fascinating postings abroad, Ken consistently placed his family first, choosing stability and togetherness over personal ambition. He was a steadfast provider, a quiet leader, and the unwavering rock of his family.

Outside of work, Ken embraced life fully. A passionate golfer since high school, he enjoyed time on the fairways of Hylands Golf Club in Ottawa and later, after retiring to Victoria, British Columbia, at his beloved Royal Colwood Golf Club. Retirement brought not rest, but new passions. In Victoria, Ken returned to drumming through taiko, performing for many years with Uminari Taiko, right up until his passing.

Friends and family were continually amazed by his vitality and energy. Even into his late 80s, he golfed three days a week, attended taiko practices and performances regularly, and pursued hobbies with enthusiasm and precision. He became highly skilled in origami, creating intricate crane mobiles and elegant swans from countless tiny folded pieces of paper.

Ken was a man of integrity, loyalty, and quiet strength. He believed deeply in doing the right thing—and doing it right. He was always willing to help others, always dependable, and always present for those he cared about. He loved an occasional trip to the casino, and above all, sharing good food with family and friends. Japanese cuisine remained a lifelong favourite. After Jean’s passing several years ago, Ken took on a new role in the kitchen, enthusiastically experimenting with recipes and becoming a talented home chef in his own right. Artistically he expressed himself in detailed pen and ink portraits of loved ones and people’s pets.

To know Ken was to know quiet confidence, generosity, discipline, and humour. He taught those around him by example and leaves behind a legacy of honour, resilience, and love.

He said that there was nothing more important than family, love and good health. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace, old soldier.

And when you see Jean again, give her a big hug from all of us.