The University of Alberta banner is flying at half-mast from January 26-28, 2022 in remembrance of Dr. Chuji Hiruki, Professor Emeritus, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Science, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences.
With profound sadness, we mourn the passing of Dr. Chuji Hiruki, Professor Emeritus, of Edmonton, on November 15, 2021, at the age of 90 years. He will be remembered by his wife of 60 years, Yasuko; his son Tadaaki (Kayoko) and grandson Tadahiro; his daughter Lisa (Nate), grandson Alec, and granddaughter Mika; siblings Tomiko, Sachiko, Toshinobu (Michiko), Takeo (Mitsuko) and Mihoko (Hisayoshi) and their children. He was predeceased by his parents, Chuichi and Mitsu Hiruki.
Chuji was born and raised in Fukue, Japan. He received a B.Sc. and Ph.D from Kyushu University, and came to Edmonton in 1966 to join the University of Alberta as a plant pathology professor. Over the course of his long research and teaching career, he became a worldwide authority on plant diseases caused by viruses and mycoplasmas, and an international consultant on biotechnological and agricultural issues. He was recognized with many awards and honours for his work in plant pathology, including the McCalla Professorship, American Phytopathology Fellow, Royal Society of Canada Fellowship, University of Alberta Distinguished University Professor, Canadian Phytopathological Society Fellow, J. Gordin Kaplan Award for Excellence in Research, and Canadian Phytopathological Society Outstanding Research Award. He retired in 1996, but remained active in plant pathology research. In 2018, Chuji was conferred the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette, an award of appreciation from the Emperor of Japan to those who have made distinguished contributions to their field.
Chuji loved flowers and gardening, photography, and traveling. He especially enjoyed cultivating and studying camellias. After his retirement, he researched the history of his hometown of Fukue and continued his involvement with flowers as the vice-president of the International Camellia Society. He was also recognized by the city of Fukue with a Distinguished Citizen Award. He enjoyed visits from his grandchildren and watching them grow up.
A private service will be held. The family wishes to thank the staff of the West Edmonton Kidney Care dialysis clinic for their care over the past years, and to the University of Alberta Hospital Unit 5F4 during his final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Chuji Hiruki's name may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada or 880-5160 Decarie Blvd., Montreal, QC H3X 2H9.
The original obituary can be found here.
For information about lowering the University of Alberta banner, visit the In Memoriam webpage.