The Foundation acknowledges gifts we receive for Nikkei Place. Thank you to our recent donors from August 1, 2020 — August 31, 2020 inclusive!
Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre Turns 20
Monthly Donations Update (June 30 — July 31, 2020)
Robert Banno, Q.C., receives the Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division)
Monthly Donations Update (May 26 — June 29, 2020)
Remembering Robert Banno
Dear Friends of Nikkei Place,
The Nikkei Place Foundation is saddened to share the news that our founding Board President, Robert Tadashi Banno, passed away unexpectedly on June 16, 2020.
Robert was a Sansei, born in Tashme Internment Camp on March 9, 1943. He was the first baby to be born at Tashme. He graduated from Kamloops High School and attended the University of British Columbia, majoring in Economics and Political Science. He earned his law degree at the UBC School of Law. Robert began practicing law in 1969 and had a long and distinguished career. He served as a senior partner at DLA Piper (formerly Davis LLP) , with expertise in Canada-Japan business and trade and aboriginal law. He was also instrumental in helping to establish the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre and served as its founding President. He then later founded the Nikkei Place Foundation in 2002 to support both the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre and the Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society and led its fundraising efforts until his death.
As Board President of the Foundation, Robert led with integrity, humility, and with a clarity of vision. Above everything, he was an ethical, thoughtful, and honorable person. He was generous to Nikkei Place both as a philanthropist and with his time as a Board member and volunteer.
“Robert was a kind and generous person who was incredibly supportive of myself and the staff. I learned a lot about leadership through his mentorship. Robert’s contributions to Nikkei Place are immeasurable. We will miss him.”
— Naomi Kawamura, Executive Director
The Nikkei Place Foundation’s Board of Directors and staff offer our deepest condolences to his wife Cathy Makihara, his son Kevin, his granddaughter, his brothers Victor & Dale, his extended family, and to his many friends. Please keep them in your thoughts at this time.
If you would like to share some of your memories, stories, photographs, or condolences with the family, the Foundation has created an online memorial site to honour Robert Banno’s life and work at https://www.nikkeiplacefoundation.org/banno/.
Remembering Robert Banno
Biography
Robert Tadashi Banno, the founding President of both the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre and the Nikkei Place Foundation, passed away on Tuesday, June 16th.
A Sansei, Robert was born on March 9, 1943 at the Tashme Internment Camp during the Second World War. He graduated from Kamloops High School and attended the University of British Columbia, majoring in Economics and Political Science. He graduated from the University of British Columbia’s School of Law. Robert began practicing law in 1969 and had a long and distinguished career. He served as a senior partner at DLA Piper (formerly Davis LLP) , with expertise in Canada-Japan business and trade and aboriginal law. Robert was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2013 and in the same year, was also awarded the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions towards the Japanese-Canadian community. In 2016, Robert was honoured with Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun.
“Bob, we will sorely miss you, but will never forget your contribution to the Community.”
— HENRY WAKABAYASHI
Robert’s contribution to Nikkei Place was far reaching, including identifying the land Nikkei Place is situated on and serving as the Founding President of the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (NNMCC). He also led the merger of the National Nikkei Heritage Centre Society and the Japanese Canadian National Museum, forming the NNMHC. In 2002, Robert helped to establish the Nikkei Place Foundation to support the fundraising efforts of both the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (NNMCC) and the Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society (NSHCHS) and served as the Foundation’s Board President until his death.
“We have lost one of our last community builders and he will be deeply missed, however with his leadership we have realized his vision of a unique Nikkei Place that we all enjoy today and for future generations.”
— FRANK KAMIYA
Robert was a beloved and respected member of the Japanese Canadian community. He was a kind, thoughtful and generous leader. The Nikkei Place offer our deepest condolences to his wife Cathy Makihara, his son Kevin, his granddaughter, his brothers Victor & Dale, his extended family, and to his many friends. Robert will be greatly missed.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
On July 11, a small Celebration of Life was held in honor of Robert Tadashi Banno. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a large gathering was not possible. This video was made for everyone to be part of Robert's Celebration of Life.
A memorial table has also been set up at Nikkei Centre for community members to visit, and sign a guestbook to share messages with the family.
Honour Robert’s Legacy
Share a memory, story, or message about Robert Banno, or donate in his memory.
