Mineko “Minnie” Park, age 87, passed away on May 14, 2026, in Maple Ridge, B.C. Minnie was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, on August 13, 1938. The second eldest of the family, Minnie was a great role model and support system for all her siblings and parents, Eiji and Emily Kamikawaji.

A proud Japanese-Canadian, Minnie was forced into an internment camp in Slocan City during World War II alongside her family. After their release, the family resettled in Invermere, B.C., where the children attended school. Minnie later left for Alberta to pursue post-secondary studies in Office Management, before returning to Invermere, where she met the love of her life, Brian George Park. Within a year of dating, they married on September 2, 1961, at Christ Church. Their eldest son, William, was born shortly after, followed by Larry, and their daughter, Kim.

A new job opportunity eventually led Minnie and Brian to settle in Ashcroft, B.C. Minnie continued working in Ashcroft just as she had in Invermere, starting at the doctor’s office, before retiring after years as the local court clerk. Minnie and Brian were happily married for nearly 40 years until Brian’s passing on February 14, 2001, from colon cancer. After his passing, Minnie found community and support in her friends. She volunteered at the hospital auxiliary thrift store and hosted many ladies’ nights. She also organized an annual golf tournament in Brian’s honour. In 2017, Minnie relocated to Langley, B.C., to live with her son, Larry. This gave her more opportunities to be around family, which was her greatest joy in life. Minnie cherished every opportunity to spend time with family.

Minnie and Brian created the tradition of the “Kamikawaji Kids” reunions, originating at their house in Ashcroft. Many family traditions followed that her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids will carry on, including competitive games of Rummoli, making jam every summer, and the newest tradition of an annual baking competition.

A lifelong dog owner, Minnie was faithfully devoted to many over the years, and was most fondly remembered for Lady, who lived until 21, Cuddles, who passed away after her 16th birthday, and Kami, who survives her and is being cared for by her grandson Larry Nigel.

Minnie was always excited to try new things; with encouragement from her grandson, she launched her modelling career at the age of 86. She starred in a campaign for the Vancouver clothing company, Plenty. Travel was another passion; her favourite destinations included Arizona to watch spring training baseball with her sister Nancy and brother-in-law Peter, as well as memorable trips to Japan, Scotland, and Ireland. She enjoyed anywhere the sun was hot and the wine was red.

A night owl at heart, Minnie loved to sneak out to the casino with her grandson Larry Nigel, after which they would spend their winnings on onion rings and teen burgers from A&W. She also loved to get the family together for dinner, always trying out a new recipe she found on Pinterest. She never turned down an opportunity to watch her grandson Brian play baseball. Minnie was a doting great-grandmother, offering support and care to both Emily and Kayla when each of their sons were born. She kept in close touch with family and friends who lived far away through regular phone calls and made a point of visiting whenever she could. Her family was her proudest accomplishment; she filled her home with photos of all her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids.

She was the pillar of her family; her infectious laughter and loving, generous nature will not soon be forgotten.

Minnie is survived by her eldest son, William (Bill) Brian Park wife, Elaine (Coquitlam); her second son, Larry Steven Park wife, Kimberly (Kim) (Langley); her daughter, Kim Arlene (Park) Shellborn husband, Grant Shellborn (Vancouver Island).

Her grandchildren are Emily Pascas, husband, Aaron Pascas; Brian Nicholas; Kayla Park partner, Chance Adams; Larry Nigel Park; Alex Shellborn; and Rachel Shellborn husband, Stephen Grippin.
Her great-grandchildren are Levi Pascas and Beau Adams.

Minnie is also survived by her siblings: Richard “Dick” Kamikawaji wife, Lucille (Vancouver Island); Sally Lawerence husband, Don (predeceased) (Surrey); Suzanne “Sue” Steel husband, Ed (predeceased) (Invermere); Nancy “Nan” Colbeck husband, Peter (Kelowna); and Harold Kamikawaji partner, Eric Harding (Vancouver Island).