K. Kojimoto, the pioneer Japanese resident of Whitehorse, died last Friday afternoon after a brief illness although the complaint, Bright's disease, had been preying upon his system for more thana year. Six weeks prior to his death he was taken to the hospital and for sometime hopes for his recovery were entertained, his intention being to go to Japan where his wife and two children went from this place seven years ago. But a change for the worse set in and carried him off quite suddenly.
“Henry" as he was generally called, had been a resident of Whitehorse for
twelve years. He was proprietor of the Golden Eagle hotel, which property he continued to own, for several years and later of the Central and Commercial cafes, being in charge of the latter when his final sickness overtook him. He was an exce!lent business man and was remarkable for his liberality. He had probably fed more moneyless men than any other restaurant man in Whitehorse. He was the acknowledged leader of the local Japanese and was highly respected by everybody. His brother George died here of the same disease seven years ago.
The funeral was held from Christ church Sunday afternoon, the deceased having embraced the Christian religion several years ago. Rev. W. G. Blackwell conducted the exercises. Later the body was taken to the cemetery where, over the grave of his brother, the final rites were conducted, but instead of committing the body to the ground, it was taken to a secluded spot about a mile north of town where a temporary crematory had been constructed and where it was reduced to ashes, about six hours being required to complete the process. The ashes will be sent to his wife and children in Japan where,
according to the custom of that country, they will be strewn to the winds of heaven. Kojimoto was 46 years of age.
