Roy Atsushi Shimamoto85, of Honolulu, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 27, 2023. He was born in Honolulu on May 10, 1937 to parents Teruo and Kiyoko (Fujie) Shimamoto. The family relocated to Hilo where he spent most of his youth, attending Waiakea Kai Elementary & Intermediate Schools. He was recruited by Punahou School on a full baseball scholarship in 1952, where he played 3rd base on the Buff 'n Blue Varsity Baseball Team for three years. He served as captain of the baseball team during his senior year when Punahou won the championship for the first time in 20 years. He also played on the Varsity Football Team for three years. In 1954, Punahou's outstanding football team became champions for the first time in 29 years. He was selected to the All-Star Baseball Team, as well as the All-Star Football Team. Roy went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA. His work as a Health Physicist in the Radiation Safety Department, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, spanned from 1961 to1995. From 1996-2000 he worked as a Radiation Safety Officer at the University of Hawaii, Manoa. He enjoyed many reunions with his Punahou Class of '55, as well as Hilo High School's Class of '55, reconnecting with his kid time friends. He was a member of the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Punahou O-Men's Club, Moiliili Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, Honolulu Hiroshima Kenji Kai, and the Na Hoa Pono Golf Club. Upon retirement in 2000, Roy and his wife Nancy traveled extensively around the world for many years. Destinations have included Japan, Korea, China, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and continental USA. He golfed regularly with friends, enjoyed surfing, attended UH football games here and on the road, loved gardening, playing with his grandchildren, and dining out with family and friends.He was a devoted husband of 57 years to Nancy, an amazing father to his three sons Dr. Royce (Wendy), Dr. Terry (Renee), and Jared, and loving grandpa to Kiley, Brady, and Zane. He is survived by his sister Jeannette Akagi and nieces Linda (Gary) Sato and Laura (Curtis) Lum, as well as three sisters-in-law Lorraine (Clifford) Mito, Susan (David) Miyashita, Betty (Norman) Takeoka, plus many relatives in the Shimamoto and Fujie clans. He will be remembered for his genuine smile, subtle sense of humor, humbleness, and easy-going style that endeared him to many. A Celebration of Roy's Life will be held on Friday, April 7, 2023, at Hosoi Garden Mortuary. Visitation at 5:00 p.m., service begins at 6:00 p.m., refreshments to follow. Aloha attire, mask required.
Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased