Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Shigeru Uchiyama Obituary
He was a life long resident of the Central Valley and was born on January 12, 1924, in Fresno. Shig graduated from Reedley High School where he was the 1942 class valedictorian and starred in track and basketball. He was also a black belt in judo.
During World War II, his family was evacuated from Sanger and relocated to the Gila River Internment Center in Arizona. During this time he attended and graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor's Degree in mechanical engineering. In 1945 he enlisted in the military and served as Corporal at Camp Hood, Texas. After the war, his family returned to the Valley and settled in Fowler. He continued his education at the University of California, Berkeley, where he received a business degree.
Upon completing his studies, he returned to Fowler to farm with his parents. They eventually expanded the business to include a farm in Reedley. In 1958, Shig wed Teri Kuwamoto. Earlier this year they celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary.
Shig was an avid fisherman, world traveler, and sports fan. He enjoyed fishing with his friends at many of the local lakes. His travels took him and Teri to all seven continents and included 37 cruises. It also became a tradition to take his family on annual cruises.
He is preceded in death by his parents Shunsuke and Toshi Uchiyama.
Shig is survived by his wife Teri; their daughter, Marsha Yoshimura and her husband Don, and grandchildren Reid, Chad and Joelle of Fresno; son, Vance Uchiyama and his wife Kathy, and granddaughter, Tara of Fresno; son, Gordon Uchiyama and his wife Carol, and grandchildren, Katelyn and Madelyn of Cerritos, Ca.; and daughter, Allison Baratelli, and her husband Joe, and grandchildren, Joji and Nina of Los Angeles. Shig is also survived by his brother, Judge Mikio Uchiyama of Fowler; sister, Jane Sumida and her husband Jack of Visalia; and sister, May Kimura and her husband George of San Ramon, Ca.; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at the Chapel of the Light Funeral Home in Fresno on Thursday, November 13, 2008, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m.
A Funeral Service will be held at the Buddhist Church of Fowler on Friday, November 14, 2008, at 10:00 a.m.
CHAPEL OF THE LIGHT FUNERAL HOME
1620 West Belmont Avenue
Fresno, Ca. (559)233-6254
"Everything in one beautiful place!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shigeru Uchiyama
4 Entries
Julie Lubin
November 16, 2008
Dear Uchiyama Family,
We are very sorry for the loss of your Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and Uncle. From the stories that I have heard from Allison and after reading his obituary Shig was an amazing man.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
With greatest sympathy,
The Lubin Family,
Gary, Julie & Drey
Katy Uchiyama
November 12, 2008
My grandpa was very special to me. He took care of my family and many others. He always made sure that we were okay and having fun. I really miss him and hope for the best.
Kristi Bishop
November 12, 2008
Marsha & Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad, I know how hard it is to loose a father. Please know that you are in my thoughts & prayers.
Sandra Gavroian-Vartanian
November 11, 2008
Mr. Uchiyama was a hard working man. He was a quiet man who did a lot for his family. He was one of Fowler's well respected citizens. He was always kind to me when I visited with his daughter, my friend Allison.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Shigeru Uchiyama's name
Memorial Events
for Shigeru Uchiyama
How to support Shigeru's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Shigeru Uchiyama's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
