Obituaries
Tom Shigematsu
October 13, 1949 - August 18, 2015
Obituary For Tom Shigematsu
Tom Shigematsu passed away peacefully the morning of Tuesday, August 18, 2015 with his family by his side. Tom suffered from diabetes for the past 25 years, ultimately leading to kidney failure. After seven years on dialysis and more recently heart complications, he succumbed to the physical stress and difficulty of his illness.
Born in Greenwood, British Columbia, October 13, 1949, Tom moved to Grande Prairie at the age of 17. His first career choice landed him at the Canfor Sawmill which lasted a week due to the cold, August GP weather. Tom hated being cold. From there he moved to the climate controlled comfort of IGA and Safeway grocery stores as a bag boy. Tom was great with customer service, but sales was where he really excelled. He progressed to Townline Men's Wear, co-owned B&B Department Store with (Wild) Bill Lilge and finally as owner of City Limits clothing store located downtown Grande Prairie. Following City Limits he continued in sales at Nor-Lan Chrysler where he worked until retirement.
Tom enjoyed many activities including poker, backgammon, swimming, hockey and skiing, but his true passion was golf. Tom could be found on the golf course - his second home. As his illness limited physical activity in his later years, he began to paint with a preference for water colour and he developed a new found passion in puzzle building with his granddaughters.
Tom is deeply loved and will be dearly missed.
Tom is survived by his wife of 42 years, Geneanne and their two children Jeffrey (Mary) Shigematsu and Jacalyn (Kenton) Schultz; his beloved granddaughters Alexis, Mariko and Zoey; sisters Yosh (Shig) Uyeyama, Sylvia Oye, Mary (Bob) McKinnon and June (Art) Wiens; father and mother in-law George and Jennie Slette; brothers in-law Cary (Linda) Slette and Eugene (Ruth) Slette; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Tom was predeceased by his father and mother Isamu and Taki, brother Nobu and brother in-law Ray Oye.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Grande Prairie Golf and Country Club on Sunday, September 13, 2015 from 2:00-5:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association (Suite 100 12220 Stony Plain, AB T5N 3Y4), or to the QEII Hospital Foundation - Palliative Care Unit (10409 98 St. Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2E8).
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Condolences
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June 24, 2021
Cherrington (Gracey) Teresa
So sorry for your loss Jeff. Thinking about you and your family in this difficult time.
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June 24, 2021
Donohue Brenda & Glenn
So sorry to hear about Tom's passing. Knew who he was because of his business ventures over the years and shopping in his store. Glenn & Brenda Donohue
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June 24, 2021
Barton Lin
I know how hard this is for you as we lost Jack in December. I'm sure Tom and Jack will share many tales of their days in the car business and playing ball. Take care and know I will be thinking of you as you grieve your loss.
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June 24, 2021
Johnson Jodey
My prayers go out to you and the kids. You're in my thoughts Hun. If there is anything I can do you know where to find me. I'm always free for you 😉
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June 24, 2021
Krpan (Hunter) Lesley
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in the memories you have of better times with Tom's health. From both Gary and I, and the Hunter Family
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June 24, 2021
Boyd Karen
So sorry to hear of the passing of Tom. My sincere sympathy to you and your family. Cherish all the good memories and let the good times and years comfort you in this time of sorrow. Take Care - Karen Boyd
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June 24, 2021
Metituk Helen
I am so sorry to hear about Tom's passing - my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad and difficult time.
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June 24, 2021
Ruptash Marshall & Angie
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and yours Marshall & Angie
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June 24, 2021
Reynolds Laurel
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Tough disease to battle for both Tom and all of you. Thinking of all of you Laurel Reynolds
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June 24, 2021
Saunders Lynne & Dale
Geneanne, our condolences to you and your family, we were saddened to hear of Tom's passing. Lynne & Dale
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June 24, 2021
Fletcher Anne & Bill
Geneanne, we are sorry to hear of your loss and know that Tom will be missed by all who knew him. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you, Jeff and Jacalyn.
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June 24, 2021
DeCorby Shirley
Geneanne...our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Though we haven't seen Tom in years...we certainly remember the great times we did have with him. Such a nice man!! Joe and I are thinking of you all at this very difficult time! Shirley and Joe DeCorby
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