TOM SHIMOJI

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TOM SHIMOJI At the age of 73, Tom Shimoji passed away at the St. Boniface Hospital on Thursday, January 26, 2006. His last days, spent with friends and family members, were ones of acceptance, and of gratefulness for a full life. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Joyce, his children Tamara (Boyd), Joel (Dena), and Leanne (Dean), his stepsons Bert (Paula), and Mark; his grandchildren Jenna, Amanda, Sara, Kirsten, Hannah, Kiera, Sam, and Jonah; his siblings Kim, Sally (George), Rose, Ed (Gail), and Lily (Wes); and his sisters-in-law Clarice (Jack), and Sylvia. He was predeceased by his father Shigeto, mother Miyuki, first wife Yumi, brother-in-law Bob, brother-in-law John, and sister Louise. Tom was born February 28, 1932 in Haney, BC. where he spent his early years. His family was relocated to Manitoba in 1946 (after the confiscation of their property and their internment in a camp in the interior of British Columbia) and he left school at the age of 14 to support his family. Tom started a carpentry business renovating basements in Winnipeg. He then expanded his business to building stores across Canada. After years of hard work and innovation, he achieved success as a contractor and earned the respect of his peers and clients. Tom had many joys in life that he pursued with great passion. They included tennis, travel, fishing, and having breakfast with the gang at Sal's. One of our fondest memories as a family is a cruise we all took to Alaska in 2003. Tom spent his winters in Palm Springs and enjoyed his beloved cottage at Falcon Lake in the summers. In all his life experiences, he made a wealth of close, lasting friendships. Tom was a man of remarkable qualities. He had the drive to be successful as a professional, and yet his humility was striking. In the competitive world of business, he maintained that the values of integrity, honour and loyalty were paramount. And he never let his competitiveness interfere with his roles as a compassionate father, husband, friend, and grandfather. It was this love for his family and friends that fueled his courageous struggle against cancer. Honourary pallbearers are George Kalaitzakis, Harry Hummelshoj, Harvey Secter, David Davidner, Mickey Kojima, and Joe Gladstone. The family would like to thank Dr. Yaffe, Dr. Daeninck, Dr. Kredenser, and the excellent staff of 7A West of the St. Boniface hospital for their superb care. We also appreciate the warm words of support and concern from family, friends, and associates. Condolences can be sent to joelshimoji@hotmail.com. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Cancer Care Manitoba, St. Boniface Unit, O Block, 409 Tache, 204-237-2559. A celebration of Tom's life will be held at Thomson Funeral Home, 699 Broadway, Tuesday, January 31 at 2:30 p.m. Gone Fishin' Tom

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 29, 2006