Read Dr. Shimono’s obituary online.  So sorry to hear of his passing.  So many good memories of Dr. Shimono, my orthodontist back in the 1967, when I was attending Poly High School.  He always made me laugh with his jokes and made my brace checkups easier to face.  He would threaten to make us sit in a corner with a dunce hat on, if we had too many loose bands on our braces, so I made him a giant dunce hat, painted with flower power art!  Hate to admit, there were a few times I had to wear that dunce hat.  Sorry, it took this long to find out of his passing.  I’m sure he has been greatly missed and will always be missed.

...oh yeah, my favorite D. Shimono joke.  I've you're American when you walk into the bathroom and you are Asian when you walk out, what are you when you're in the bathroom? Youra peein!

My orthodontist.  My dad's friend.  The ultimate "dad joke" doctor with his awesome koi pond office, toys and that obscure arcade game.  I even remember when I turned 16 driving myself to the office for my braces tightening.  I have very fond memories of Dr Shimono.  I'm sorry for your loss.  George Easton

I was curious to know what happened to Dr. Shimono and just searched for him online.  So sorry to hear of his passing six years ago!  Dr. Shimono did my braces when I was in high school.  He was always funny and nice.

just read this....he did a lot for my family....we was well loved and respected....he even wrote me a letter of rec for pharmacy school...great guy

rick cavallaro

I just found this obituary.  I am so sad to hear of your father's passing.  My sister's & I all worked for Dr. Shimono & he took the entire office to Japan with his family as a business trip in 1971.  I had just graduated from High School.  It was an amazing trip & to be able to experience it with your family was a truly awesome experience.  Seth was about 2 at the time.  We all loved your dad.  I was 16 when I went to work for him.  He will truly be missed.  (he was also my orthodontist & fix my smile).  Rest in peace my dear friend!

So sorry to hear of Dr. Shimono's passing.  He was kind, friendly and funny, truly  a positive presence at a very difficult time in my life.  He will be missed.

For some reason, Dr. Shimino came into my mind and unsure that he may still be living, I googled him to find that he has passed. He was was orthodontist when I was 8 years old , which is 51 years ago. He was the kindest , most charming and delightful man -- as a child , he made going to the dentist fun and positive at a time when I was scared to death of such medical related visits. He remains forever in my memory . My loving thoughts to his family-- he was a spectacular human being and his mark has been left with me .. Best, Barbara Cupper

Our condolences to Dr. Shimono's family.  He was the nicest, funniest orthodontist ever.  We loved the coy pond, the moose head, and all the funny gags in his office.  What a blessing he was.  My daughter still has the great profile he gave her.  God bless.  I am sure he is deeply missed.  Love, The Dampf-Higginbotham Family

Dear Sean,
I have been saddened to learn of your father's passing.
You were one of my students when you were in the first grade!
My nephew, Joseph Cochran, was one of your father's patients. His mother, my sister, spoke highly of your father.
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers as you navigate this season.
Sincerely, Mrs. Jane Perkins

I just learned about the passing of Dr. Shimono during my "routine" visit (2-1/2 years overdue) to my dentist (Seth Shimono). Like many others, Dr. Shimono monitored my children's teeth, without charge, long before they needed braces. I still remember his corny jokes and the koi pond in the waiting room. It has been a pleasure knowing the Shimono family for so many years -- first as a patient of Dr. Shimono, and now as a patient to his son, Seth Shimono, D.D.S. Our sincerest condolences to the entire Shimono family.

It is so sad to hear the passing of Dr. Shimono. I had been searching him facebook for the past few years. He was the funniest and the most caring Orthodontist I had the pleasure of being a patient of. He took care of me on a student budget for 2+ years.  His jokes were funny and he to come up with a new story everytime to make us laugh before we left his office after he tightened our braces. He will live forever in our perfect smiles as a part of us.

How blessed we were to have had Dr. Shimono as our orthodontist.  I believe I was one of his first, if not his first, adult patient when I met him in 1972.  As painful as it was for me to have a full set of braces, the experience was countered by his smiling face, his great jokes, and his wonderful staff.  He treated me through my pregnancy with my first daughter, Tiffany, in 1974.  He was kind enough to monitor both Tiffany's and Tamara's teeth without charge long before they actually needed braces.  What a selfless man he was!

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Eva Tagle

Sad to hear of Dr. Shimono's passing; he made my teeth straight, but always grinning.  I still love the jokes he told.  My very favorite:  What's green and runs backwards?... *SNORT*... Ugh. He did that right over my open mouth, I've never forgotten it, though the twisting and tighenting of various bands has long since faded.  What a wonderful person, such joy and serenity in his office, always.

Thank you Dr. Shimono for always making my trips to your office enjoyable.  There was a time when you even had to remove the side of my cheek that was stapled to my braces.  Boy that was a painful procedure.  I can't believe it was the day you ran out of Novocain! Hahahahahahaha!

My prayers are with your family.  I was very fortunate to have met Dr. Shimono.

It's a great honor that Dr. Bartner and the USC Trojan Marching Band have created the Hiroyoshi Shimono Memorial Scholarship to truly commemorate my father's love and support to the University Of Southern California and the Trojan Marching band.

Donations can be made to:

USC Trojan Marching Band
ATTN: Hiroyoshi Shimono Memorial Fund
837 Downey Way, STO-B
Los Angeles, CA  90089-1141

I am part of USC's alumni family (MSW 2001).  I just learned of Dr. Shimono's passing.  I had no idea.  He was my orthodontist some years back.  What an adventure, time after time.  Lot's of fun and laughter.  What a loss for us who remain in this life, but what an awesome gain for God's heavenly host...an angel has gone home from labor to rest.

Rest in the arms of Jesus, Dr. Shimono.  I am so grateful that our paths crossed...thanks for the laughter, which is like medicine.

May God bless and continue to strengthen you all, Shimono Family.  Thank you for sharing such a man...a gift with all of us who came to know him in various capacities of life.

Never knew that going to an orthodontist would have been so enjoyable, but it truly was. To his hilarious jokes, positive personality, and those incredibly fascinating collectibles around the office -I've always looked forward to our appointments together. Always feeling better when I leave, than when I come in. 

He lifted spirits, not only mine but those around him. Never saw a dull moment, always a positive one. He always knew how to make me feel special, treating me like a wanted human. For he might be gone physically, he definitely is not gone spiritually, for these are the moments I will share forever, with my beloved friends and family.

Our sincere condolences to the Shimono family. Thank you for all the wonderful memories you let him share with us. Love the Grother family.

It was my great fortune to know Dr. Shimono.  I met him in 1976 as a patient, but throughout the years we became great friends.  He was a giant of a man, filled with great humor, kindness, generosity and love for his family. I was heart broken to learn that he had passed.  I share his families grief.  I will never forget him. I will carry him in my heart.

To a great Trojan, he will truly be missed.  My condolences to his family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this heartbreaking time. This loss was so sudden. Many hearts are so broken. We don't quite understand this loss, yet, the solace we seek may not come from answers. So we look for comfort in the belief of love's everlasting connection. May that love lift you and hold you close, and give you peace. You are a great friend. We will miss you. Thank you for all that you did. Jeffrey and Julie Lee Family

Hiro was a true Trojan in every sense of the word. He displayed all of the virtues we hold with esteem listed on Tommy Trojan:

Faithful: Just a phone call away to help out with any fundraiser or scholarship dinner to help others.

Scholarly: USC Dental School...need I say more?

Skillful: A respected professional in his field that served thousands over the years.

Courageous: He was never afraid to give you his feedback if he thought something was not right.

Ambitious: How many people can say that they got others to pay him for a root canal!

Hiro was always quick to bring a smile to your face with a funny story or witty remark.  He is passion for USC and willingness to donate his time to various Trojan events was remarkable.  I know he is looking down on us with a big smile as he sits with other Trojans and talks about the upcoming season.  He truly will be missed!  To his friends and loved ones; FIGHT ON! (he would have wanted it that way).

Sincerely,
Shawn Talbott
USC Class of '93
TFAC Member

Dr. Shimono and family,  I've had the wonderful opporturnity of being his patient and dental assistant.  He encouraged my career as a dental hygienst.  His work ethic and humor was like no other but I have learned so much from him.  Thanks for all you have done for me and working with a wonderful group of people.  My teeth still look great but they chatter more now that I live in the Northeast of the country.  My sincere best to the Shimono Family.  Julie Oh

Hiro, you are the epitomy of a true Trojan. Your ever ready smile and willingness to give whatever was needed to support the Trojan Football Alumni Club will always be remembered by those of us who had a chance to watch you in action. God Bless you Hiro. I know your family will miss you and so will your Trojan borthers. 

Rod McNeill

My prayers go out to the Shimono family on their loss. We will miss his friendship, easy smile and bad jokes. USC will certainly miss him as he was a "Trojan" in the true sense of the meaning.

One of the most respected men that I have ever known........Dennis David

dear Hiro 
I will miss my nessan
I remember the fun we had ridding papa,s bike in the parking lot and the snowball fight in Utah.
Mama was so proud of you, you brought her 4 new cars.     
She would proudly tell people 
her son THE DOCTOR brought 
them for her.
you were a strict Father,but you
loved and were proud  of Sean and Seth.
Iknow you  are now out of pain and happy with your little Girl ,
Mama and Papa.
Im proud of my brother who worked hard and accomplish his goal to be the best orthodontist in long beach.
It is a far cry from when we picked food in the mountains of 
Utah and slept in a one room 
apartment.
I will always think of you
scarface,Hiromi

I was privileged to have know Hiro.  As a man, he was one of the best I had ever met.  Whether it was on Howard Jones field after practice, or a USC alumni event, I couldn't wait to see Hiro, shake his hand and spend a little time with him.  I can speak for my former teammates in saying that his constant support helped us more than we could ever express.  To the Shimono family, my thoughts and prayers will always be with you, and please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.  I know Hiro will continue to watch over us.

May this kind and wonderful Trojan gentleman rest in peace. We'll miss you.

 Thank you for all the great times as a Trojan and your never ending "FIGHT ON" Spirit!   God Bless you and your family.

A great example of what it means to be a Trojan. RIP

Very sorry to hear of Hiro's passing.  Always a great help to me  at the Trojan Shrine Club "Celebrity of the Year" annual banquet.

A true Trojan and one heck of a nice guy, God be with you and your smile forever.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

August 6, 2011
For all of us who love USC, Hiro was the example of a great Trojan.
He embodied the spirit that defines the phrase, "FIGHT ON".  The Trojan Baseball Alumni share in the sadness of losing one who has given so much to USC and the community as a whole.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

August 6, 2011
My condolences to all the family.
Hiro and I were classmates in dental school and lab partners.  He was #81 and I was #80 on the class roster.  I always admired his hard work and accomplishments.  I also was on the Year book committee with him.
Hugo Schmidt
Washington, DC

Dr. Shimono was the best. He was our family's orthodontist and all three kids in our family saw him. My mom is also quite the jokester and Dr. Shimono rose to the occasion whenever he saw my mom. He always had a smile... And a joke. When I pass his office, I still think of him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of this great man.

Thank you Dr. Shimono, for a truly timeless joke --a "True Dr. Shimono Joke", told with a puckish grin that only Dr. S had: "Kristine, what is gross?" (mild pause) "Underwear, when you throw it against a wall...and it sticks".  While I don't have kids of my own, I still tell it to my friends' kids...and they give me the same disgusted look that I gave Dr. Shimono when I FIRST heard it 30 years ago.  Please accept my sincerest condolences.  He was very kind person who will be missed.

Both my daughters were patients of Dr. Shimono. In theseven year period we made a lot of trips to his office. What an fun place it was. Dr. Shimono was the best. I was saddened to hear of his passing. You have my deepest sympathy. Hugs, Margaret Cherry on behalf of Marisa, Aimee and Walter.(Long Beach CA)

Dr. Shimono gave me an opportunity of a lifetime.I was honored to be one of his orthodontist assistants. What a fun office to work in and all the interesting people I met in my 7years with him. Having the opportunity to travel with him and his family to Japan in order to open my eyes to the world and appreciate our country. Thank you Dr. Shimono for being you and allowing me to be me.   
Mrs.Shimono,Sean and Seth, I am truly sorry for your loss.
Margie Luyben(Conway)

We are deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Shimono's passing.  He was our family's orthodontist for over 15 years and was a great friend as well. His generosity knew no bounds.  When my USC Pharmacy School class needed donations for our fundraisers he didn't hesisate to contribute.  He always had a corny joke for us during our office visits which made our treatments much more enjoyable.  He will be truly missed.

Dear Shimono Family,
I was saddened to hear of Dr. Shimono's passing. Some people seem bigger than life and make quite an impact

Hiro Shimono was a great friend and I am glad that he always stopped by my tailgate at the USC football games and invited me to USC football banquets. He was also the best orthodontist.

Dr. Shimono went with our extended family to China a few years back. He was such a good traveller and fun to have along on the trip! I was the bargainer in the group and always liked to get the price a little bit lower to get a good deal.

It was our last night in China and we both needed another suitcase to carry all of our stuff home the next day on the plane. I wanted to save something like $2 more off those suitcases and I told Dr. Shimono that we had to walk, we had to walk away to get a better deal! He reluctantly walked, all the while telling me that he was willing to pay the $17 or whatever it was for the bag he wanted, he didn't care if he got it for $15.

Luckily for us we got called back and I saved the whopping $2 or whatever for each of us!

Dr. Shimono was always kind, with a sunny attitude, we laughed a lot when we were together. I enjoyed all the time that I was lucky enough to spend with him over the years.

Fate smiled kindly on me the day I met Dr. Shimono. Such a great guy with a devilish sense of humor and a super optimistic outlook.

My parents were divorced and so we didn't have money for an extravagance like braces even though I really needed them. Dr. Shimono took me under his wing, arranged for discount rates at the oral surgeon and dentist, and never charged me one penny for his services. I kept insisting I had to pay him something but he would never let me, instead, he told me I could do something nice for somebody when I was in a position to do so some day. 

Forty years later, I found out that a mother of one of my classmates and Dr. Shimono conspired together to give me braces! She didn't want me to know she financed the braces lest I'd feel like a charity case and he never divulged her secret.

But his generosity and guidance didn't stop there. He later convinced me to apply for a California State Scholarship as well as a scholarship from the USC School of Business. I was awarded both due in large part to his influence I am certain.

Like I said before, a great guy. Every time I drive by his old office on Wardlow, I smile thinking about him and realize how lucky I was to have met him.   

My sincere condolences to the family,

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Shimono Family. He was the best Orthodontist. I always remember the special way he celebrated birthdays!

Dear Shimono Family; I had the honor of working with Dr. Shimono many yrs ago and traveled to Japan with you and your family as did my sister Margie. He was always so generous & gracious to share travel experiences to enlighten us to the world as he did with his laughter, and yes corny jokes! We loved working with him. He has such honor and loved his orthodontic patients so much!  I remember when he would dress up for Halloween (a funny pumpkin outfit) I will cherish knowing him ! He loved his family so much! My thoughts & prayers are with you! The world has lost a very good man. Sincerely,
Mary Johnson (Conway)

I was just recently going through some old college photos and letters and came across 4 or 5 letters that Hiro had sent me when I was being recruited to play football at USC. We had formed a relationship when I was in 11th grade @ Long Beach Wilson, and got to know each other over the next 6 years. I would gladly admit that he is one of the reasons that I chose to become a Trojan. These were the Golden Years @ USC 1972-1976 - 2 National Championship teams, three Rose Bowls, 1 Liberty Bowl, Coach John McKay - Pat Haden - Anthony Davis - Lynn Swann - Sam Cunningham - Pete Adams - and a bunch of other Trojan greats. I can't thank Hiro enough for helping me make that decision and bring these great friends and memories to my life.
While at SC, I also had the pleasure of being invited to an elegant dinner at his home where Mrs. Shimono was the most gracious host ever. I'll always remember the centerpiece with the dry ice, the wonderful dinner and the lively conversation.
Thanks Dr. Shimono for being a part of my life, and thanks Mrs. Shimono for a great memory. Hiro will be greatly missed and will always be a treasured part of the Trojan Family.
Mike Cordell & family.

I am glad to have been blessed with the opportunity to have known Dr.Shimono.  His son Seth and I were classmates at USC dental school.  I enjoyed going to the football games with his family and out to eat.  I loved his up beat personality and his great suggestions about life.

Dear Mrs Shimono, I was sadden to hear of your husband's passing.  He had such a great sense of humor whenever I saw him.  My prayers are with you and your sons.

Marcia Zadian Herrera

Dr. Shimono was the first dentist to put braces on me in the early 1970's and my parents and I were invited to their new home in the Park Estates area where I played with his two sons. Lew Gordon, Long Beach

Here's a photo of my Dad from his 1959 El Molaro Dental Yearbook.  With the caption:

"Hiro is famous, first of all, for his ablility to take even the most serious tragedy in smiling stride.  Even an event as enormous as the time he didn't sweep far enough into the proximal of a Class II Foil was reduced by his broad grin and easy manner to a crime deserving of no more than suicide.  His garb, usually of the flaming red variety, makes the claim that "Hiro would give you the shirt off of his back" quite worthless.  No one wants such a shirt.  An excellent scholar and clinician, Hiro had no problem with school and used his spare time bushwacking to buy the fancy photo equipment that never left his side.  An able photographer, Hiro was perhaps most responsible for the great photographic folklore which is the heritage of our four years in school.  Many feel that Hiro came to dental school in the first place only because of the opportunity that a carful of beautiful gals presented.  Don't be surprised if even after graduation, you see a black Ford sedan gaily cavorting down the boulevard, loaded with giggling gals, stopping here and there, so its laughing driver can snap a picture."

August 3, 2011
We feel lucky to have known Hiro and to have shared fun USC events and football games with him and his family.  His enthusiasm for USC was matched only by his pride in his wonderful family.  Our thoughts are with all the Shimonos.

David and Elizabeth Sawcer and Kay Fife

Hiro and I were classmates at USC Dental, and as you might know, he was probably the outstanding student in our class. We worked together on the yearbook, El Molaro, he as the photographer and myself as copy editor. 
After graduation we were both sent to Japan in the USAF. I spent a year at Ashiya AFB in Kyushu. After a year Ashiya closed and I was transferred to Tachikawa AFB, where Hiro had spent his first year. 
My great good fortune was to be assigned to his quarters as a roommate. (Ed Lew was in the same compound.) I was a beginning photographer in those years....Hiro was not a beginner, so his daily advice was a big help. 
In Tachikawa City was a pro photographer, T. Fujita, who went by the name of Peter Pan.  One of my great memories of Japan was a photography trip with Hiro and Peter Pan to the north side of Mt. Fuji to Yamanaka-ko. Here with the two of them at my side for 2 days I Iearned more about black and white photography than in the previous year. 
My condolences to your family especially to your mother; we met in Japan all those years ago.

Our Dear Friend Hiro,  
     You and your family are in our prayers.  We will miss you dear friend and we know you are with Cardinal and Gold angels.  Thank you for all that you have meant to all of us.

  
Stan Morrison and Family

Please accept our deepest sympathy in your loss.  Dr. Shimono will be greatly missed as a person and a Koi Lover. May he be Happy viewing all the ponds in Heaven.

My prayers are with your family and know that he will be very missed by all those that knew him.  I really treasured our friendship and my family and I will think fondly of him often.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Hiroyoshi Shimono

20 août 1935 – 29 juillet 2011

Westminster Memorial Park and Mortuary

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