Kay Aoyama, a true pioneer of our sport, passed away peacefully in Toronto on October 30, 2024, at age 93.
Kay’s 30-year contribution to the world of fencing began shortly after she joined an evening fencing class sponsored by the YMCA in 1964. A driving force behind the Ryerson Fencing Club, where she was coach, supervisor, and instructor until 2013, Kay was instrumental in making the Ryerson Fencing Club the longest active fencing club in Ontario. In addition, Kay was the first woman coach in the Ontario Women’s Intercollegiate Athletic Association. The Ontario University Athletics Association recognized her accomplishments by naming the OUA Women’s Team Trophy in her honour in 2001.
As an athlete, Kay was a Canadian champion, a Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, and a competitor in the Pan Am Games and the Canada Games in Scotland.
Kay produced several world-class fencers during her illustrious coaching career. An early supporter of the OFA and a passionate supporter of fencing in Ontario, Kay is fondly remembered by many of our active coaches, club owners, and athletes.
