April 1, 1910 - August 4, 2018
Shigeo Maeda passed away peacefully in his home on August 4, 2018 at the age of 108. He was born April 1, 1910, in Paia, Maui Hawaii. He was the eldest of 9 children.
Shigeo lived and went to school on Maui until his schooling was terminated due to financial reasons. he worked as a carpenter on the plantation where life was simple with little entertainment. To occupy his time, he enrolled in Judo 3 times a week in the evenings. He advanced to the Black Belt level after 6 years and then assisted the instructor for the next 4 years with new students. perhaps this training kept him alert and physically fit for most of his life.
In 1961 Shigeo moved to Lomita, CA and bought a house with an orchid nursery on the property. he continued working as a carpenter and his wife tended the orchids.
After many years of hard work, he finally retired and focused his attention on his family and close friends. He kept active designing and creating beautiful pieces of furniture for his wife and children. Whatever he made was a work of art and can be seen in his home and his children's homes.
Shigeo loved the outdoors and his gardens flourished with healthy fruits and vegetables which he loved to share with everyone. He made intricate trellises for the tomato plants and it's still in use today.
Shigeo had been married to Hatsume for 74 years when she passed away in 2011 at the age of 97.
Shigeo was a man of great achievements with an incredible mind. He was kind, generous, patient, intelligent, funny and lived life to the fullest. His joy came from doing or making things for his family and friends.
Shigeo is survived by 5 children Jean Okamoto, Mildred Wada, Faith (Tom) Shinsato, Glenn Maeda, Lance (Dolly) Maeda, 4 grandchildren; Lynn Okamoto, Darcy Okamoto, Bryan Wada, Carrie (Jimmy) Romero, and 1 great grandchild; Nikki Kishaba. He will be missed immensely and remembered forever.
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