Kiyo Nonomura

Kiyo was born on October 20, 1932 in Vancouver. In 1942, his family was evacuated during the war and shipped to Coalhurst in southern Alberta. After the war, the family settled in Lethbridge. In 1954, he married Kimiye (Kim) and they had 2 sons, Kevin and Kent.

Kiyo spent his entire career in the automotive aftermarket industry.  Beginning as a Shipper/Receiver with Taylor, Pearson & Carson in Lethbridge, through many promotions, he worked his way up to Vice President of Purchasing for Acklands headquartered in Toronto. The promotions resulted in moving from Lethbridge to Burnaby, BC in 1966 and then to Etobicoke, ON in 1969.

He was well respected in the industry and known as a shrewd but fair negotiator. 

During the very formative years of the Bumper to Bumper auto parts program, Kiyo was an incredible resource for those in Western Canada.  He played important roles in a succession of acquisitions and changes at Acklands involving the McKerlie-Millen organization, Motorite, and Regent, as well as subsequent sales of those organizations to Grainger, CARQUEST, and Uni-Select respectively. He also assisted in the transition of McKerlie-Millen to CARQUEST.

Kiyo retired in 1997 and moved to Brampton two years later. Even after retirement, he was constantly interested in knowing what is happening in the aftermarket through Kent and industry friends.

His roles allowed him to travel to many places around the world and meet many in the automotive aftermarket. Kim was often able to accompany him which led to their passion to travel, particularly with family and long-time best friends.

A family man, Kiyo cherished time spent with Kent, Kevin (Denise) and his grandchildren Robert, David (Tracy) and Michael.  His love of the outdoors is carried on by his sons through interests they shared with their dad (photography, camping and fly fishing).

In addition, he was a passionate gardener, and Kim & Kiyo won the Etobicoke Garden Award three times. He also enjoyed doing stained glass and he was always busy helping neighbours in whatever way he could.

For 68 years, Kim and Kiyo were inseparable until Kiyo passed away on August 2, 2022, but were re-united shortly thereafter when Kim passed on February 9, 2023.

 Kiyo leaves a lasting legacy in both the automotive aftermarket and in the lives of the family, friends, and colleagues who knew and respected him.