TADASHI (TAD) SHIMIZU

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TADASHI (TAD) SHIMIZU

January 21, 1932 - February 24, 2026

Tad, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the age of 94.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 68 years, Shirley; his children, Wayne (Louise) and Sandra (Dave); his grandchildren, Ryan, Kristen (Jordan), Courtney (Mitchell), and Brittany; and his great-grandchildren, Ella, Avery, and Easton. He was predeceased by his parents, Rishio and Kiyo Shimizu; his sister, Chieko; and his brothers, Art and Ken.

Tad was born in Mission, BC, where he lived until the Second World War. During the war, he and his family were interned at the Tashme Internment Camp. In 1946, the family moved to Winnipeg, where Tad would build his life and career.

Tad began working at Winnipeg Hydro in 1950 at the age of 18 as a Clerk A. Through dedication and hard work, he advanced to become Supervisor of Customer Accounts before retiring in 1987 after 37 years of service.

Tad met Shirley while they were both working at Winnipeg Hydro, and they were married in 1957. In 1963 they moved to Transcona, where they raised their family and spent 55 happy years in their home on Harold Avenue before moving to Devonshire House 2 in 2018.

Tad and Shirley enjoyed travelling and loved Hawaii, where they vacationed 22 times. Other destinations included Las Vegas, Laughlin, Seattle, a cruise through the Panama Canal and many road trips to Thief River Falls.

A devoted father and grandfather, Tad took great joy in supporting his grandchildren and was a familiar face at their activities, cheering at Ryan’s hockey games, watching Kristen’s soccer games and dance recitals, and attending Courtney and Brittany’s many dance competitions and performances.

Tad also enjoyed fishing, tending to his garden, and had earned a brown belt in judo. He was a fan of the Blue Bombers and enjoyed watching the Winnipeg Jets. Tad had a love of animals, especially cats. In his later years, he was rarely without the companionship of his beloved support cat, Neko.

The family would like to thank the caring staff on 3N at Oakview Personal Care Home for their compassionate care during the final month of Tad’s life. Special thanks as well to the staff and residents at Devonshire House 2 and the Irene Baron Eden Centre.

If friends so desire, donations may be made in Tad’s memory to the animal rescue of your choice.

In keeping with Tad’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

Tribute Link at: www.alternacremation.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 14, 2026