In Passing: Kon Uyeyama

Retired architect Kanau “Kon” Uyeyama passed away on September 20, 2013 at the age of 79. Born in Kelowna, Kon graduated from the University of British Columbia School of Architecture in 1957. He then worked for Arthur Erickson Architect and H.N. Semmens Architect before spending three years in Japan under architect Junzo Yoshimura. Upon returning to Canada, Kon worked for the Vancouver firms of McCarter Nairne & Partners Architects and Engineers  and Underwood McKinley Cameron Wilson Smith Architects. In 1972, he established his own firm, Architectron. An award-winning designer, Kon was proud to have contributed to such notable projects as the Granville Street Bridge, Filberg House, Grauer’s Cabana, The Salvation Army’s “Homestead”, UBC’s Osborne Centre, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Kon once chaired the AIBC’s Educational Facilities Design Committee, served on the City of Vancouver Design Panel, and was also a member of the Council for Educational Facilities Design Panel for Canada and the United States. First registered with the AIBC in 1964, in 2008 he was granted Life Member status with the institute, recognizing 30 years of continuous membership. He is survived by his wife Mary. Those wishing to make a donation in Kon’s name are invited to do so to the charity on one’s choice.