Shoji Watanabe Obituary (1922 - 2008)

Shoji Watanabe, 86, of Perry, Utah, died on Sunday, October 26, 2008, at his son's home in Hailey, Idaho. Shoji was born on January 2, 1922, in Bear River City, Utah, to Itsuta and Tsuya Watanabe. He was married to Sumiye (Sue) Moriyama on April 30, 1949, in Ogden, Utah. Shoji attended Bear River Elementary School, Box Elder Junior High, and Box Elder High School. He also attended Weber State College. As a young man, one of his great loves was playing baseball. Shoji volunteered to serve in the United States Army in June 1944 and reached the rank of Sergeant First Class. He served in the Military Intelligence Service in the Philippines where he interrogated high-ranking Japanese officers in prisoner-of-war camps. Shoji was honorably discharged in August 1946. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. After returning to Utah from the Philippines, Shoji worked on the family farm. Later, he owned and operated the farm in Bear River City for many years. His natural abilities and sharp instincts resulted in many years of success. In his leisure time, he enjoyed fishing, golfing, and spending time with his seven grandchildren. He also was a member of the Honeyville Buddhist Church. In his retirement, Shoji moved to Perry, Utah, where he spent many hours creating works of art from wood. Shoji is survived by his children Kathy Garvey (Kevin), Linda Watanabe-Mitchell (Brad), and Scott Watanabe (Heidi). He is also survived by his seven grandchildren Shoji, Caitlin, Graham, Alexandra, Alison, Mackenzie, and Connor; two great-grandchildren Taitum and Colten; his brothers, Howard and Takashi; and sister, Alyce. Shoji was pre-deceased by his spouse Sumiye; his father and mother; brothers, Kinji, George, and Tadashi; and sisters, Michiko and Yukiko. Services will be held on Friday, October 31, 2008 at 12:00 p.m. at Myers Mortuary Chapel, 205 S. 100 E., Brigham City, UT, with Reverend Jerry Hirano officiating. The viewing will be Friday from 10:00 to 11:45 a.m. at the Mortuary. Interment will be at Brigham City Cemetery. Casketbearers include Shoji Watanabe, Graham Watanabe, Connor Mitchell, Kevin Garvey, Brad Mitchell, and Art Watanabe. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, or Hospice of the Wood River Valley, Idaho. VisitationMyers Mortuary - Brigham City 205 South 100 East Brigham City, UT 84302 October 31, 2008 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM ServiceMyers Mortuary - Brigham City 205 South 100 East Brigham City, UT 84302 October 31, 2008 12:00 PM CemeteryBrigham City Cemetery 325 South 300 East Brigham City, UT 84302 October 31, 2008