Kyoko "Kay" Aoyama was a pioneering force at Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University), dedicating more than 30 years to the school's fencing club as a coach, supervisor, and instructor. She passed away peacefully on October 30, 2024, at the age of 93, in Toronto, Ontario.

Kay began her teaching career at the school in 1965, joining a small team to launch Canada's first community-based college nursing program. A dedicated educator, her passion for teaching extended beyond the realm of nursing as she also taught courses for the Theatre School and Home Economics. However, while her contributions to the institution's academics were groundbreaking, it was her storied career with the fencing club which truly defined her tenure at the university.

For over three decades, Kay served as the club's instructor, coach and supervisor. She was instrumental in making the Ryerson Fencing Club the longest active fencing club in Ontario. The first woman coach in the Ontario Women's Intercollegiate Athletic Association, she produced world-class champions and was herself a Canadian fencing champion, a Commonwealth Games bronze medalist and a competitor in the Pan American Games. 

In recognition of Kay's achievements, the OUA Women's Fencing Trophy is named in her honour. An enthusiastic advocate of TMU sports and recreation programs, she raised more than $50,000 over the years in support of the Recreation and Athletics Centre. She was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame in 2001 and continued coaching fencers until 2013.

Predeceased by her father, Kyozo; mother, Tomiko Deshima Aoyama Spain; brothers, Ray (Yuki) and Takeshi (Lorraine). She is survived by sisters, Amy (Tosh) Suzuki and May (Norm) McFarland; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.