After more than 20 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, MWO G.R. Izawa, CD, (00339) retired on 11 February 2025. Anecdotes and well wishes may be sent to Capt K.S.C. Ho at: kyle.ho@forces.gc.ca

MWO (Ret’d) Gary Izawa was born in Hope, BC in 1965 to parents who were second-generation Japanese immigrants and survivors of the Japanese internment camps in Canada during World War II. The resilience from those early times was passed down to Gary, instilling in him a strong desire to serve the community and help others. After graduating from high school in 1983, Gary began his journey in first aid and volunteers search and rescue in 1984 while pursuing multiple disciplines including Physics, Math, Law Enforcement, Geography, and Archaeology. He became a ski patroller at Whistler Mountain in 1989 until he discovered his passion for serving as a paramedic.
In 1997, Gary began working part-time as a paramedic with the British Columbia Ambulance Service,
eventually transitioning to a full-time role. He earned certifications as an avalanche technician, first aid instructor, volunteer search and rescue member, ski instructor, professional ski patroller, and emergency management expert, making him a valuable member of the emergency services
In 2004, Gary's commitment to community service intensified. Inspired by a coworker who was
a member of the Army Reserve, Gary decided to join the Army Reserve as a Combat Engineer
with the 39 Combat Engineer Regiment in North Vancouver. He chose this trade because it
encompassed many skills and values he had acquired in his civilian life. Gary employed his
military explosive skills in avalanche control as a Professional Ski Patroller on Whistler
Mountain for the next 18 years until 2008. The military leadership training enabled him to take
on roles such as Occupational Safety/Health Officer, Field Instructor/Preceptor, Acting Unit
Chief, and Violence in the Workplace Prevention Instructor.
Gary considers earning the title of Sapper one of his proudest accomplishments. The perceived
hardships and shared suffering evolved into humorous stories that few would understand. He
found an extended family during a difficult time in his life, teaching him to overcome obstacles
with integrity, honor, and courage learned from the military.
In addition to his 28-year career as a paramedic, Gary decided to step away from his career as a
paramedic and be a part of pre-deployment for MTTF Afghanistan in 2011. Many positions were
cancelled as the deployment was downscaled. Gary decided to take the training that preparing
him for Afghanistan in the Indian Ocean in a partnership for anti-piracy armed maritime security
as team leader medic. He gained the qualification of Urban Operations Instructor from the
infantry school. He shared his military skillset with the local community by becoming an RCMP
Canadian Firearms Safety Program Instructor/Examiner, teaching people how to safely handle
firearms. He was involved in Beaver Scouts with his three boys to build bonds with his children
through fun outdoor activities.

Gary reached CRA 60 in February 2025 as a Master Warrant Officer and Squadron Sergeant
Major, only to move into the next phase the very next day: becoming a Canadian Ranger,
proudly wearing the Red Hoody.
Gary hopes to continue gaining knowledge and skills in his new trade and give back some of the
training and experiences both life and the CAF have given him. He summarized his thoughts,
saying, "I am motivated by those who came before me, whom I serve with now, and those who
will come after. I have a silent promise to them, my family, my friends, and my country to never
give up 'fighting the good fight' and always move forward. I believe in good versus evil, where
the few must take an unwavering stand of good, to set the example of never giving in to self-
defeat and always taking the higher path."
Gary's parents, having survived the concentration camps during World War II, were fearful and
denied Gary any connection to his Japanese heritage, including the right to learn his mother
tongue. They raised him as a “white” man to prevent the same fate from befalling him. Growing
up, Gary wished he was white. The abuse and harassment he faced made him angry throughout
his life, but he continued to fight. Gary did the same with his first three children, hoping they
would integrate and avoid the hardships he endured. However, with his last child, he chose a
different path, naming him "Takeo," which means warrior in Japanese. Gary no longer needs to
pretend to be someone he is not. The Izawa family is no longer afraid.
Gary has four sons, two grandsons, and one granddaughter. He lives on Vancouver Island, BC, in
Nanoose Bay with his wife, Jen who is also a paramedic, where he enjoys skiing, mountain
biking, fishing, and hunting in his spare time.
Gary was selected as a panelist to speak about his experiences during the Defence Team
Canadian Asian Network (DTCAN) during the Asian Heritage Month National Event in the end
of May 2025.