Legacy through Giving
A memorial fund has been established in memory of Dr. Joshua Yoneda, who passed away on May 16, 2022, at the age of 27. Joshua's life journey exemplifies resilience, spiritual growth, community engagement, and an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of truth, knowledge and discovery in the face of boundless challenge. His compassion and understanding were shaped by his father, Dr. Ross Yoneda, whose passing left a powerful impact upon their family and 15 year old Joshua.
Joshua's legacy is reflected in his community service and generous spirit. From playing piano for seniors in long-term care and rehabilitation centres, teaching swimming, Tai Kwon Do and Aikido to children, volunteering with St. John's Ambulance, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada; contributing was integral to Joshua’s character and the consequence of his life upon others.
Joshua completed his Bachelor of Science at Thompson Rivers University; his academic journey led him to the University of Regina, where he completed his Master's in Microbial Genetics under the supervision of Dr. Cameron. During this time, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubliee Scholarship, which allowed him to conduct research at the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh. Joshua went on to pursue medicine, graduating from the MD program at the University of British Columbia.
When Joshua became ill, his sister, Marissa began a GoFundMe campaign that brought together family, friends and community in an outpouring of love and support. Those funds were dedicated to establishing this foundation, ensuring the kindness once shown to Joshua now continues to help others in his name. His deep commitment to learning and education lives on through this fund, which supports medical students and charities that reflect his vision.
Our goal is to keep Joshua's spirit alive by providing an annual award to UBC medical students who strive for excellence and embody his belief that medicine is as much about caring as it is about curing.
Beyond his education and service achievements, Joshua's life was rich with personal passions. He found peace and meaning in spirituality and meditation, practices that gave him strength and clarity. But it was the time he spent with his friends that truly filled him with happiness. Whether snowboarding, hiking, playing video games and chess, watching anime and attending conventions, exploring new places, enjoying cooking and favourite foods, these momement were when Joshua was the happiest, sorrounded with companionships of old and new friends, immersed in their joy and his amazing laughter.
Courage in Adversity
Joshua's strength, determination and spirit were evident during his final year of medical school when he was diagnosed with Grade 4 Spinal Cord Glioma. Undeterred, he faced his diagnosis with grace and incredible courage. Despite anguish of uncertainty and harrowing symptoms, Joshua continued his schooling at UBC amidst the pandemic, where he was chosen to be valedictorian by his UBC Okanagan Campus, 4th year Medicine cohort. He continued his clinical rotations in Neurology at VGH, GF Strong Rehabilitation Center, and Family Practice, seeking to understand the complexities of medical practice while ensuring empathy and kindness in his patient encounters. All the while, Joshua was fighting his own battles; his interactions with family, friends, peers, and every staff member assigned to his care, were personal and exemplary.
Beyond the realm of medicine, Joshua found meaning and purpose in his pursuit of spirituality. Joshua's exploration of a range of philosophies reflected profound introspection. His battle was not just with illness, but with the very essence of life and death. Before, during and after his cancer diagnosis, Joshua embraced spirituality and meditation - tools that gave him strength and clarity, and that he wanted to share with others. These practices were not only an escape but a way to engage more fully with life, seeking meaning and purpose in every moment.
Dr. Joshua Yoneda Memorial Fund is a tribute and a continuation of his quest. It supports medical students who share his empathetic spirit and aids charities that embody values he held dear. This foundation secures Joshua’s legacy of empathy, patience, humility, courage, and deep understanding of the human condition. Joshua's memory continues to be honoured by his mother, sister, extended family and many, many friends touched by the unique connection they shared with him.
"As his mother, I miss Joshua every minute of every day - his laughter, hugs and wisdom beyond his years. My heart aches for his presence endlessly. We remain deeply grateful to those who brought Joshua comfort, love and caring through his hardest days. Our heartfelt gratitude to every person who has supported Joshua and his vision through his life, hospitalization, and now these first years of his absence." (N. Sahota, October, 2025)
Recipients: Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columiba, Canuck Place-Children's Hospice, St. John's Ambulance, Canadian Red Cross, Thompson Rivers University, Big Brothers Big Sisters- Kamloops, The Art of Living Vancouver.