Victoria, BC - 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 grandnieces/nephews.

As a Japanese Canadian child during the WWII he and his family were interned. They endured hardship and displacement before the family resettled in Winnipeg, Manitoba. At Sir Isaac Newton High School, he excelled at basketball and lead his team to provincial championships. He followed his brother Dave's footsteps, joining the Army Cadets.

In 1955, Ken entered the Royal Military College in Kingston. Having played side drum in the Army Cadets, he joined the Pipe Band at RMC. He graduated in 1961.

Ken's first posting was with Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in Victoria. It was there that he met Jean Kitagawa and they were married in 1963. Ken served Canada proudly for 35 years through both military and public service.

A passionate golfer, he enjoyed playing at his beloved Royal Colwood Golf Club in retirement. Ken returned to drumming through taiko, performing with Uminari Taiko. Ken was a man of integrity, loyalty, and quiet strength. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.