Eric Tomomi Shigeno , MD, born Dec. 18, 1975

Beloved son, brother, uncle, passed away on April 10, 2020

Eric Tomomi Shigeno was born on December 18, 1975, the first of two children. Even from a young age, Eric loved to learn. He studied diligently throughout his schooling, making the Dean's Honors List all four years at UC Berkeley and earning the prestigious Robert C. Byrd Scholarship. He also won the 'Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher' Award from UC Berkeley's Department of Molecular and Cell Biology. In addition, he served as the vice president of the Alpha Chi Sigma Fraternity, an academic organization for students of chemistry. Eric was also very active outside of school as well. He was an avid karateka and kickboxer, spending time as both a student and teacher. In 1998 he was awarded the 'Most Inspiring' Award from the UC Berkeley Karate Club. During college, Eric also spent three years volunteering with San Francisco Suicide Prevention, helping to man a 24-hour suicide hotline and talking with many individuals contemplating suicide. Though this by itself is admirable, Eric's work with those in need was just beginning. He went to Oregon State University to assist in setting up the Linus Pauling Laboratory. While there, he also worked the Suicide Hotline and worked with at-risk students in karate.  After earning his MD from Rush Medical College in Chicago and completing both his residency and an infectious disease fellowship, Eric found himself working with patients that had contracted diseases like HIV and Hepatitis. While many of these patients had difficulty getting care elsewhere, Eric treated them all, showing them a high level of empathy and respect. While practicing at Riverside Community Hospital, he participated in the UCR Graduate Medical Education Program and was honored as "Teacher of the Year: Professionalism" award in 2018.  Despite his rather unique sense of humor, Eric was well liked by both his patients and coworkers for his work ethic, compassion and selfless generosity. This compassion was also extended to his two hamsters, Kobi and Miss DePesto, who he took loving care of for many years. Where he was ruthless, however, was in his gambling; he routinely won large pots in Las Vegas betting on horse races, basketball games and college football.  Eric had a strong sense of right and wrong and lived his life to the fullest.  We are so very proud of the life he lived.

He is survived by his father (Bob), mother (Fran), brother (Reid), sister-in-law (Yvonne) and three nieces (Ellerie, Keila and Audrie), in addition to many uncles, aunts and cousins.

Memorial Service to be held Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 10am at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church at 12301 Magnolia Street, Garden Grove, CA 92841.