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Richard Shintaku Obituary
Richard passed away peacefully on Saturday October 9, 2021 after a fall and hemorrhagic stroke.
Born in Tulelake, CA to Ben and Shigeko Shintaku on November 30, 1942. The family left for another internment camp in Heart Mountain, WY where they spent the remaining years of WWII.
After the war ended, the family moved to Bayside in Isleton, CA where Rich went to school and graduated from Rio Vista High in 1960. Rich went on to graduate from San Jose State with a BA in Commercial Art. He returned home to Isleton to help take care of his brother-in-law who was badly hurt in an auto accident, but Uncle Sam had need of Rich's service and he was drafted in 1967.
In 1968 he married Georgette Omi before he left for Vietnam as part of a Psychological Operations Unit. Upon his discharge he attended the Academy of Art where he put together a portfolio to begin his career in advertising. The next 30 years Rich worked as an art director with top ad agencies in SF.
In 1974 his son Scott was born followed by Robert in 1980. Both boys attended Town School for Boys and St. Ignatius High School where Rich never missed a baseball or basketball game.
After a cruise to Encinada in March 1997, Rich was hooked on traveling. He and Georgette traveled extensively to Asia and Europe and as senior citizens they found cruising to be an ideal way of seeing the world.
Rich's other passion was playing basketball and he loved coaching his sons and other youngsters. Through basketball he met many likeminded men, whose friendship he valued throughout his life.
Rich leaves a wife of 53 years and sons, Scott, wife Flora and grandson Jack and Robert, a brother, Howard Shintaku, wife Toshi and a sister, Yo Okamoto and many nieces and nephews.
We will celebrate Rich's life on Sunday, November 14th at JCCCNC, 1840 Sutter Street, San Francisco from 1 to 4pm. The JCCCNC requires all participants to be fully vaccinated. In lieu of flowers and koden, the family requests that you donate to the JCCCNC or your favorite charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Shintaku
3 Entries
John Sylvester
May 9, 2025
I knew Richard in Da Nang, South Vietnam in 1968. We both worked in graphics in 7th PSYOPS. Richard did a drawing of me "The Good Book" and I took several photos of him. Good friend and person.
Tim Price
September 2, 2022
I just learned of Rich´s passing. I worked with him at Botsford Ketchum Advertising. I admired his talent and enjoyed his company.
Tim Price
Birdie Chew
November 6, 2021
Your life has enriched so many others, and you have left an enormous legacy.
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