A part of us remains, wherever we have been
- Anonymous
Phillip Masaru Shigemura was a person who left a positive touch on many people. Come, “hear" the memories of some of them.
Mark Testa
Phillip Shigemura
I first met Phillip when I was in the Air Force after technical school. I was assigned to Ellsworth Air Force base in Rapid City SD. I was put under a 1st Lt. named Phillip Shigemura along with one other enlisted airman. All Combat targeting teams were composed of an officer and two enlisted men. We performed maintenance, targeted and aligned many hundreds of missiles there. I worked for Lt. Shigemura for about 2 years. I consider myself very lucky to have been assigned to Phillip. He was good to work for and always fair. Phillip and I were not just work mates, but I considered him and his family to be close friends.
Phillip had never seen Denver or the Rockey Mountains. So, both of our families drove to Denver about 400 miles south of Rapid City. We toured Denver and visited my parents, The next day we went to the mountains to see Estes Park. Then the long drive back to SD.
I stayed with Phillip for one summer weekend and on Saturday he took me to Disneyland. I had never been to LA before. After Disneyland we stopped at his favorite fast food. called Tommys Burger, it was very good.
When Phillip was in Denver for work, he would stop by to see us. Those visits were terrific to see him.
Phillip and I stayed in contact for over 50 years. I will truly miss him and his family.
Bob Stec
I first met Phil ~1982 when he became manager of the group I was working in, Peacekeeper Structural Dynamics.
We quickly became friends and regularly went to Wendy's on Platt for lunch.
Among things we had in common, we both had 1966, dark-green metallic, Mustang fastbacks. What's the probability of that!
He still had his 'Tang. One day he drove it to Rocketdyne and we went to lunch in it. This was a special treat for me.
Several years later, with the Peacekeeper Program essentially complete, we both found ourselves working on the SSME program.
There, he was the main proponent for my promotion to manager of SSME Turbomachinery Structural Dynamics.
Since our retirement, we had occasional phone conversations. That was how I learned of his Parkinson's affliction as well as his more recent auto accident.
We also shared emails from time-to-time. In Phil's last emailed to me (in April) he let me know he still had his Mustang. It was nice to know.
Howard Toy
Remembering Phil
I had the pleasure of meeting Phil at Rocketdyne after my transfer from the B-1 Division of Rockwell International during the early 80’s. Phil was one of the top managers in the Design Technology group. Phil’s management skills was very apparent as his department performed consistently in the top echelon. This was probably attributed to Phil’s engineering training from UCLA and his experience as an Air Force officer. Phil was very well liked as he had good people skills and the special ability to lead and problem solve in tenuous situations.
Besides being a co-worker, I had the pleasure of enjoying some of Phil’s weekend bicycle adventures. We both enjoyed riding both mountain bikes and road bikes. I’m estimating that we’ve ridden thousands of miles over a span of 15 years. Our riding adventures took place in the local Santa Monica mountains as well as the High Sierras including Mammoth Lakes and many of the local beach trails with our road bikes. Phil was adventurous and willing to try anything. I remember some rather spectacular bike spills that Phil had. Ultimately, he would check that his bike was ok using the his engineer mindset and then brush himself off with a big silly grin on his face. Those were the good ole days….
I sincerely miss Phil as a colleague and friend but I know his legacy will go on…. With a heavy heart, I am sending a “Slow Salute” to 1st Lieutenant Phillip Shigemura…. May he Rest In Peace.
Bob Toyoda
…he will make it better just by being there.
Sharing Food and UCLA Football
Among my fondest memories of Phil were the times that we shared UCLA Football with him
For years that meant hauling up to the last row of the Rose Bowl to see him and Joyce before a game or, as we were often late for kick off, at half time, but the hike up was always worthwhile being able to spend time with our friends
The last few years, however, he switched to Club Seating where the seats had not only a great view of the field but also came with good food and an elevator to get to those coveted seats high above the Rose Bowl. He was kind enough to invite me to a few games in the Club Section with him and it was clear that it was close whether he enjoyed the football more or the dessert cart at the buffet.
The other special memory I have is Thanksgiving [held] for several years on the Saturday of the SC v UCLA football game. Beyond a Thanksgiving feast, I think he also enjoyed stacking the room against [his SC brother], Gary for the Big Game.
The last time we shared a meal together was earlier this year at the Wood Ranch BBQ in Thousand Oaks. It wasn’t football season but it was clear, on at least that day, he still had a love of good food and friendship.
Post Script
Phil was told in Junior High School that he would immensely improve his standing in the cool kid’s club if he would quit hanging around with the short, fat guy that was only interested in sock ball and starchy foods. He didn’t, that is abandon his tubby jock friend, and for that I will always be grateful.
Fred M Ige
My Belmont High School Memory of Phil Shigemura
At Belmont, Phil and I were in Mr. Anderson’s Modern European History class. In the last week of the semester, Mr. Anderson required that every student to perform an act. It didn’t matter the performance, a reading, poetry, a song, magic, tell jokes, whatever.
At Berendo Junior High School, Phil and I had been in the orchestra or band for a few semesters. He played the clarinet, and I played the flute. I continued to play on Belmont’s orchestra. Phil did not extend his musical talent into high school.
I convinced Phil that I could borrow a clarinet for him, and we could play a duet. It would be the Ig-and-Shig Duet. Without practicing, we sat in front of the class and played a song off sheet music. I can’t remember the song. I’m sure we were terrible, but it didn’t matter, we showed up.
Diana Shigemura
(Poem from an unknown writer)
There is always a face before me
A voice I would love to hear
A smile I will always remember
Of a brother, I loved so dear
Deep in my heart lies a picture
More precious than silver or gold
It’s a picture of my brother
Whose memory will never grow old.
Though miles may separate us, you’re always near
A guardian angel watching from afar
In memories cherished, crystal clear,
Forever my brother, my guiding star.
Forever in my heart, hugs and kisses to my brother Phil, from his only sister, Diana
The bond I shared with my brother Phil is deeply rooted in our shared experiences and understanding of each other. We had a connection built on love, mutual respect and trust which is truly special and irreplaceable. I realize how fortunate I have been to have such a wonderful person in my life.
From my earliest memories Phil was always there for me – protecting, advising and loving unconditionally. Phil was there through every important moment, the first one offering his support, his wisdom or a shoulder to lean on. He was a remarkable individual, full of kindness and generosity. He touched the lives of many he met with his compassionate nature and his eagerness to help. He loved his family deeply, cared sincerely, and lived with an unwavering zest for life.
Throughout our lives, we faced many challenges, but Phil approached them with courage and determination. He was a person of great strength and resilience. When diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease, Phil was a true fighter battling the disease with courage and dignity. He waged a fierce fight to live life well. This unforgiving disease eventually took its toll on him, and his ability to attend to his personal needs and move on his own declined. Only through the care of loved ones that supported him along his journey, he was able to manage each blessed day.
Phil was a guiding light that showed me the way, time and time again. He was not just a brother but a mentor. I know that among the twinkling stars in the night sky, one is shining bright as a beacon of love. He will be forever in my heart as my guardian, my guide and my dearest brother. The stars are now his companions and with my brother will shine bright in my heart. It will be spectacular when Phil is launched into orbit around the earth celebrating a life’s career, his love of flight; he will light a path to eternal peace. Rest in peace my dear brother.
