Shizuo Shiz Kondo

After a lifetime of quiet but powerful service to his country, family, friends and to his Lord, he was promoted to heaven. He embodied the best traits of the Nisei (second generation Japanese Americans) and what it meant to be a Christian. Shiz was born in Wapato, Washington to Hamata and Nobuye Kondo. He attended Wapato schools until 1942 when he was evacuated with his family to the Heart Mountain Relocation Center in Wyoming. He graduated from Heart Mountain High School in 1943. On July 14, 1944 Shiz joined the U.S. Army. He graduated from Military Language School in Ft. Snelling, MN then served with the Military Intelligence Service. He helped with translating and interpreting in the Philippines and with the 82nd military government in Chiba, Japan, near Tokyo. Shiz saw General MacArthur regularly but always had to have a Caucasian soldier with him for identification. After being honorably discharged, Shiz returned to the U. S. and the family farm in Wapato. On October 28th,1949 he married Janice Shirota. They had three children. In 1969 Shiz sold the farm and moved his family to Portland. He was employed at Pacific Fruit and Produce (Food Services of America) until his retirement.

The Kondos became members of Hinson Baptist Church where Shiz served as an usher for many years and served on the missions committee. He also volunteered with “Craftsmen for Christ”. Throughout the years, Shiz and Jan ministered to many people in their home. They had adult Bible studies, neighborhood children’s Bible clubs, as well as Bible studies with Korean and Filipino farm trainees. One of the Korean men later went on to be a pastor. After returning home to Korea, this man wrote Shiz and Jan ( a direct quote from his letter), “I can’t never forget you and Jan and your live for Christ. I got saved his marvelous grace through your pray and dedication for Christ.”

On February 26, 2012 Shiz received the Congressional Gold Medal along with other members of the MIS, the 442nd Regiment and the 100th battalion for their sacrifice during WWII. It seemed right for Shiz and other Nisei to receive this award for their unassuming but tremendous contribution to our country. Shiz Kondo’s greatest reward will come from Jesus Christ Himself for his life of deep faith in Jesus and strong service.

As one of Shiz’s favorite hymns says, “Onward Christian Soldiers. He was preceded in death by his son Loren Shiz Kondo and is

survived by his wife Jan Kondo, daughter-in-law Christy, granddaughters, Justine and Lilia, daughter Aileen (Henry Bergh) granddaughters, Hannah and Rachel, daughter Joy (Dave Dawson), grandsons Michael and Lucas, sister, Misako, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 28th at 2:00 PM at Hinson Baptist Church 1137 SE 20th Ave. Portland, Oregon 97214