Obituary
Bob died peacefully at home in Toronto on August 9, 2025, at the age of 92. He lived with kidney disease for his last 6 years, but was independent nearly until the end.
Born in 1933 in Toronto, Bob was a gifted artist, accomplished pianist and avid tennis player. A Research Scientist by profession, he earned degrees in physiognomy, microbiology and biochemistry from the University of Toronto, and was the first-ever Japanese Canadian to earn a PhD from that institution, with a Doctorate in Virology under the mentorship of Louis Siminovitch. Fellowships at Brandeis University in Massachusetts and in Lausanne, Switzerland followed, after which he applied his broad knowledge and keen mind to his decades of research for the Public Health Laboratory at the Ontario Ministry of Health. As a Japanese-Canadian scientist with a moustache, Bob was often mistaken for Environmentalist and Science broadcaster David Suzuki, which error was invariably met with the protest, “But I’m much better looking!”
In 1964, he married Sigrún Torfadóttir, who emigrated from Iceland to be with him. Together they had two daughters, Rosemary and Kathleen. The love between them was deep and enduring. Her untimely passing in 1991 was the greatest sorrow of his life, though he said that loving Sigrún was worth the price of his despair.
From 1975 Falcon’s Lair Resort in Golden Valley became the family’s beloved summer retreat. Weeks in advance of departure, their house on Alcina Avenue slowly filled with library books of every variety, which were hauled up North in the Volvo. Every day, one or more of those books would accompany Bob as he rowed out into the serenity of Jack’s Lake to fish, returning hours later with prize catches.
Bob’s artistic passions flourished through regular attendance at drawing classes at the Toronto School of Art, and at the Heliconian Club. He leaves a stunning collection of drawings and paintings. His love of music resonated through his occasional play-through of Debussy’s “Claire de Lune” on the family piano, and through his daughters, whose musical endeavours he ardently supported, and whose performances he was proud to attend.
Meaningful conversation was important to Bob. Toronto is filled with people who crossed his path, who were treated to his charm and playful humour, thoughtful questions and insight, strong opinions and perfectionism. His green thumb was rewarded every Spring with armfuls of apple blossoms from the tree in his yard, and he eagerly awaited the abundant lilac and mock orange blooms every spring.
Above all, Bob loved to eat well. A novice in the kitchen when they married, Sigrún quickly revealed an extraordinary gift for cooking. No cuisine was too daunting for her, including Bob’s favourites: old-time Japanese Classics and Chinese food. After she died, Bob applied his analytical mind to preparing the feasts for family holidays. His Saturday Sukiyaki dinners and Manhattan cocktails remain unrivalled.
Bob is predeceased by his father Toraichi, mother Teruko (née Mukai), brother Norman, sister Keiko, and wife Sigrún. He is survived by his brother John, daughters Rosemary, Kathleen (Hélène), step-daughter Halla Thorlacius (Sveinbjörn), and granddaughter Stella Michiko Sigrún Delli-Zuani.
In the spirit of Bob’s guidance to “follow your passion,” in lieu flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choosing.
Visitation
Service
Date
October 11, 2025
October 11, 2025
Location
The Helicon Club, 35 Hazelton Ave, Toronto
The Helicon Club, 35 Hazelton Ave, Toronto
Time
02:00 PM
02:00 PM
Burial / Entombment / Cremation
February 26, 2026
As Mr.Kajioka's healthcare provider, I hadn't heard from him in months and he uncharacteristically no-showed an appointment. Nervously, I decided to search for an obituary. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing, he was the sweetest person and I loved my conversations with him. He always said he was too young for the folks at the retirement home, who were always speaking about death haha and that he much preferred being around those with energy. The beautiful obituary here only highlights this aspect of his personality. I hope his family is doing well and has all the support they need during this time. He will be missed.
September 20, 2025
Dear Uncle Bob, I'm grateful that you were so fully a part of our lives. I will remember fondly, your Saturday afternoon Art Shows followed by delicious Japanese food, and the many family gatherings when we celebrated holidays and events with yes, more tasty food. I didn't see the scientist side of you until I was going through a few things some years back. I am grateful for the time you spent with me, asking questions and providing your thoughts and care. Thank you.
I always hoped there would be a sukiyaki cook-off that we could all cheer on. I suppose now there can be. With you, mom and now Uncle John together with Norman. That will be some special gathering enjoyed by grandma and grandpa and other dear loved ones.
Sending love and gratitude.
September 11, 2025
hi Uncle Bob, I know, I know. What took me so long for me to write something here? Well, of course I had so many other better things to do - Ha! I can see you tilting your head back and scowling. Yeah, and now you'll raise your fists like your favourite 'Big Bobby Clobber' and bop me over the head and let me have it!
Honestly though, I've been putting this off because I don't want to think that I'll never again be able to exchange banter with you about - everything. Sure we talked about some serious things( Leafs vs Habs), but I'll forever remember exchanges like when we'd approach a pot luck dinner table - and, while looking at all the wonderful dishes and you asking: oh, did you make something here? And I would proudly point to one dish, and you would nod solemnly and say oh that's great, thanks for telling me, I'll be sure to avoid that one! Then it'd be my turn to scowl and become Big Bobby Clobber! ha...ha...ha! So funny, Uncle Bob!! (Of course you would always be very complimentary after you had tried it!).
It never mattered how often or infrequent we saw each other, our relationship never changed. We were always able to joke with each other. I know that you were such a brilliant and serious man, but to me, you were the funniest. I will miss those moments together, but I will never forget them. And every time I cook a dish whether for myself or others, I will have your voice in my head and it will make me smile! Until we banter again - watch out for Big Bobby Clobber!!
August 19, 2025
Eric and I are saddened to hear about Bob’s passing. We have such fond memories of spending Thanksgiving and Easter dinners at his home. His generosity and humor made those gatherings truly special.
Our condolences to his family and friends.
August 18, 2025
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a fine person Bob was. My husband painted with him, many times, both at the Heliconian Club and with the OCA alumnae artists. Many happy memories of Bob.
August 16, 2025
I remember Bob playing tennis with my uncle Keith in Wychwood Park followed by beer. They had so much fun!
