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BORN
1924
DIED
2014
Zen Shibayama Obituary
Zen (Zenji) Shibayama was born to Kamekichi and Kimiye Shibayama on July 5, 1924 in Seattle, Washington. He attended local schools in Bainbridge Island, Seattle and Moses Lake, WA. He was drafted near the end of the war, but served with Military intelligence in the war's aftermath in Tokyo and in Manila, the Philippines. For his service, Zen received a Congressional Gold Medal which was awarded by the U.S. Congress Nov. 2, 2011. After the war, the family returned to Bainbridge Island. Zen returned to school and earned a Bachelor's degree in Business at the University of Washington on a GI Bill. When he graduated, he used his business skills to continue his father's business in rental real estate.
Zen's interests included fishing, golf, and photography. He was Leicaphile, a PSA member for many years, and participated in photo exhibits such as the Puyallup fair. He enjoyed Asian art, and collected Netsuke, Tsubas and Japanese wood block prints. In his later years, family gatherings and Sunday dinners at his son Brian's place were a special comfort.
Towards the end of his life, Zen came down with dementia and/or Alzheimer's disease and finally succumbed to a pneumonia/sepsis. He was grateful for the fine care he received at Klein Galland, Covenant Shores, Pearly Jones and Virginia Mason. However, even these illnesses failed to even make a dent in his cheerful personality and famous smile, which he maintained right up to his very last day. He passed away on March 11, 2014 surrounded by family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Eiko (61 happy years of marriage), sons Dean, Brian (Cathy) and Karl (Maria), and siblings, Jimmy(Grace), Masaru (San Francisco) and Kimi Momoda. Remembrances in Zen's name may be sent to either Nikkei Concerns http://www.nikkeiconcerns.org/pdfs/donation_form.pdf, (206) 323-7100, or the Nisei Veterans Committee http://www.seattlenvc.org/pdfs/donation-nvc.pdf (206) 322-1122, (designate for general fund).
A life celebration/memorial is scheduled for May 17th at Japanese Baptist Church at 3:00 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Zen Shibayama
Sponsored by The Family.
Joan Seko
April 7, 2020
He saved my daughter Ann's life when she was five years old. She was drowning in a swimming pool in California when Zen realized she was drowning. She is now 49 years of age, married and has two sons. Thank you again Zen for your life guarding skills. We miss you.
Margaret Robey (Harui)
April 16, 2014
As a child, I don't remember Uncle Zen ever speaking to me out loud but I do remember how he spoke to me with his warm smiling eyes. They spoke louder than any physical voice and will miss them dearly. His inner strength was so powerful and have always had the utmost respect for him.
MARGARET ROBEY
April 15, 2014
May this candle help light your way to heaven.
Zen with Norio & Margie Harui
Margaret Robey (Harui)
April 15, 2014
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MARGARET ROBEY
April 15, 2014
May this candle help you on your journey to heaven.
Zen with my father and mother, Norio and Margie Harui.
Margaret Robey (Harui)
April 15, 2014
Joan Seko
April 13, 2014
I was sadden to hear about Zen's passing. May he rest in peace!! He will be missed by everyone who passed his way and we will always remember him in our thoughts. God bless you Zen.
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