Tributes

Koki Ariga, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and respectfully known as Ariga sensei, passed away on February 9, 2024 at the age of 79. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his mental strength in facing life challenges with courage and determination. There is no doubt that his over 60 years of kendo training, as well as his 53 years of devoted love in marriage, defined the road in which he walked with belief, bold intention, and kindness. Koki was introduced to Kendo by his parents in Hokkaido, Japan at the age of 9, where he grew up with his 4 brothers and 1 sister. He spent his summers on Hachijo Island, spearfishing and swimming in the ocean that he loved so much. He studied industrial engineering and was on the Chuo University Kendo team, and upon graduation, was appointed to go to Canada to develop kendo outside of Japan. He immigrated to Canada in 1967 at the age of 23, to bring his knowledge of Kendo to North America. He taught Kendo at the Japanese Canadian Culture Center in Toronto, and he was the co-founder of Etobicoke Kendo Club. He represented Canada multiple times at the World Kendo Championships, leading Canada to two silver medals in 1973 and 1976. He met the love of his life, Maria, while working in a camera store in Toronto where their love story began. In 1983, Koki and Maria moved to Redondo Beach, California with their 2 daughters, Adriana and Tracey. Here, he was licensed in real estate, continued teaching at Gardena Kendo Dojo, served as AUSKF Vice-President, and officiated at multiple World Kendo Championships. They then moved to Troy, Ohio where Koki helped establish F&P America, an automotive manufacturing plant where he became a Senior Purchasing Manager, while teaching Kendo at Miami Valley Kendo Club. He was president of ECUSKF, and Kendo Kyoshi 7th Dan. Together, Koki and Maria retired to Surfside Beach, South Carolina where they took time to settle down, travel, become grandparents and enjoy their family and the life they created. Visitation and viewing will be held on Wednesday, February 14th 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Goldfinch Funeral Home (11528 Highway 17 Bypass, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576). A service follows at 3:00 PM at the same location. Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel is assisting the family.

Tributes

Koki Ariga

July 9, 1944 - February 9, 2024