SHIMOZAWA, Hisashi “Slim”

     Hisashi “Slim” Shimozawa of Taber, beloved husband of the late Kiyoko Shimozawa, passed away unexpectedly (seems weird to say it, but it’s true) after a brief stay at the Taber Health Centre, on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at the age of 94 years.

     Dad is survived by his son Trent (Merina), daughter Lisa, granddaughter Chrystal (Rick), great grandson Loki and great granddaughter Clio.  Also left to mourn his passing are his siblings Kay Sameshima, Tom (Fumi) Shimozawa, Diane Lyseng, and sister-in-law Audrey Shimozawa.  He has many nieces, nephews, cousins, and Mom’s family who will miss him dearly.  Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his siblings Walt Shimozawa, Sue (Yo) Nishimura, Joe Shimozawa, Mits Shimozawa, Stan Shimozawa, and brother-in-law Sam Sameshima.  Losing Uncle Stan was particularly tough on him, as he was supposed to see him after the lengthy lockdown, but sadly he did not get that opportunity.  Dad is also survived by his trusty feline companion Mari, who is adjusting to her new loving home in Moose Jaw, SK. He can now reunite with all of the furry family members who left before him.

     Dad was born in Steveston, BC to Kazuichi and Hatsu Shimozawa on August 4, 1928.  The family lived in Nanaimo, BC, until the WWII internment, when they were sent to Tashme (Hope, BC).  When the war was over, the Shimozawas moved to Southern Alberta (Stirling, Taber, and Lethbridge), and Dad went to work for Tona Ohama Farms in Rainier.  He went to Japan and met and married Mom, and they then lived in Rainier, Barnwell, and Taber, where Dad resided at Clearview Lodge at the time of his passing.  He worked for many years for Diamond S Produce (Shimbashi Farms), working farm labour and looking after irrigation.

    After his retirement, he mostly looked after his yard, and his house.  He was very handy and could fix most anything on his own.  He took great pride in his garden, and he and Mom spent many hours looking after the vegetables, flowers, the apple tree, and the grapevines.

You could also find him at some local haunts (the Palace and the Royal) having a cold one with his friends; as he got older and outlived his first set of drinking buddies, he started hanging out with the young guys, he truly loved that.

     When Mom’s health declined, dad became her caregiver, and took great commitment in looking after all of her needs.  They moved into Linden View together, and when mom needed more care, he had to move back to the house, and then eventually to Clearview.

     Dad was an uncomplicated soul, he never complained about anything, and was very matter of fact when it came to talking about things like the internment, moving out of his house, letting go of his driver’s license, Mom’s passing, and even in his own death, he didn’t complain, always smiling at the nurses and thanking them.  He was the best dad and provider, a very hard worker, and he was a good friend to many.

      A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 Steet South, Lethbridge, Alberta with Reverend Yasuo Izumi, officiating.

      Please consider a donation in Dad’s name to Taber and District Housing Foundation, 5318-48 Avenue, Taber, AB  T1G 1S2, or  www.taberhsg.ca.  Clearview Lodge was his home for the last 3 1/2 years, and we are very grateful for the care and love he received there.