SHIMA, Yeisho

Yeisho Ray Shima February 12, 1940 – February 8, 2026 (85 Years Old) It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Yeisho Ray Shima, 85, of St. Albert, Alberta. Ray passed away peacefully in Edmonton, following a short but courageous battle with lung cancer. He fought the disease as he lived his life, with grace and optimism.
Ray was born February 12, 1940, in Coaldale, Alberta to his parents, Seisho and Matsuko (Toyama) Shima. He was the fourth of nine children and grew up in southern Alberta on the family farm. Although he spent many long hours working the root farm, his creative spirit and penchant for learning led him to the United States, where he attended the Los Angeles Arts Centre, L.A. Tech College and the University of Southern California.
After graduation, Ray returned to Canada and spent his career in the advertising industry in Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, Calgary, and Edmonton. Upon retiring from advertising, Ray spent nearly 20 years working at Walmart in St. Albert where he fostered many friendships. Ray’s perpetual yearning for adventure, knowledge, and connection led to endless entertaining stories.
Ray was married to Evelyn Hughes for 10 years and they shared three children. He was also the proud Poppa to three beautiful granddaughters. His grandchildren were one of his greatest joys and he leaves with them a legacy of kindness, creativity, positivity, and hard work. He cherished time with family, nurturing his tropical plants, music, cooking, walking the paths along the Sturgeon River, and watching sports. Ray will be remembered for his warm smile, his laughter, generosity, and his love for friends and family.
Ray is survived by his three children, Kerry (Orissa) Shima, Jamie Shima (Victoria), Miyako Shima (Damien), and his three granddaughters, Abigail (Logan), Aida, and Anabel. He also leaves behind his siblings, Dave Shima, Meiko (Rob) Pennock, Sandy (Mas) Shigehiro, and Randy (Bev) Shima, as well as numerous loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents, brother Seiyei Shimabukuro, and sisters Nancy Baker, Miyoko Fujimoto, and Naoko Tamayose.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Al-Kayssi, the staff at the Sturgeon Hospital, the Cross Cancer Institute, Château Mission Court, and Norwood Hospice for their compassionate care.
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 27, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the St. Albert Curling Club, 3 Tache St. in St. Albert, Alberta. Ray was an avid community volunteer for most of his life and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Boyle Street Community Services in Edmonton https://www.boylestreet.org/give.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Sturgeon Memorial Funeral Chapel (780) 921-3900