Ronald Shigematsu, a lifelong Angeleno whose life was defined by dedication to his community, unwavering love for his family, and an undeniable rhythm on the dance floor, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026.

Born and raised in Los Angeles to Steve and Jean Shigematsu, Ron grew up alongside his older brother, David. When it came time for college, he chose to stay close to home so he could help his parents run their market. While many of his high school friends headed to UCLA, Ron attended the University of Southern California (USC). But the true turning point of his youth came in 1976, during his junior year, when he met Grace, his lifelong partner and soulmate.

Their journey briefly took them south to San Diego while Ron attended medical school at UCSD, but Los Angeles was always home and they returned to LA for Ron to complete his residency at UCLA. Ron and Grace married in 1980 and settled in Pacific Palisades, where they built a beautiful life together.

For 39 years, Ron served his community with compassion and excellence as a physician with the Little Tokyo Medical Group while also being on the Board of Directors for the St. Vincent IPA. He became a trusted and comforting presence within the Japanese American community, caring for countless patients throughout his career. His faith was equally central to his life, and he served devotedly on mission trips and on the Elder Board at Calvary Church of Pacific Palisades.

But to know Ron was to know a man who embraced life wholeheartedly and always found joy in the people and experiences around him. He was a man of endless energy and wide-ranging passions. The music of The Eagles, James Taylor, and Earth, Wind & Fire formed the soundtrack of his life, and some of his happiest moments were spent attending concerts with Grace. If there was a wedding reception, you never had to look far to find Ron - he was famously the most dependable and enthusiastic person on the dance floor.

A devoted Los Angeles sports fan, Ron faithfully followed Dodgers baseball, USC football, and UCLA basketball—a reflection of both his Trojan roots and his life shared with Grace, a proud UCLA alumna. As a father to his three kids, he seamlessly transitioned from devoted fan to dedicated coach at countless baseball and softball games. He also passed along his love of the outdoors, instilling a lifelong passion for skiing and creating cherished memories on fishing trips with family and friends.

When he wasn’t on the slopes or the sidelines, Ron could often be found on the golf course. An avid golfer, he traveled the world with Grace and dear friends, always in pursuit of the perfect swing on some of the world’s most beautiful courses.

Above all, Ron was a devoted family man. He is survived by his three children, Jonathan (Kimberly), Christina (Christopher), and Stephen (Gillian), as well as his four beloved grandchildren, who will carry forward his legacy of warmth, laughter, generosity, and service to others.

Ron’s life was never a quiet one - it was filled with faith, family and a deep love for the people around him. He will be profoundly missed, but his spirit lives on whenever a golf ball is teed up, a ski run is conquered, or an Earth, Wind & Fire song begins to play.

Faith was the cornerstone of Ron's life. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor his memory may make a donation to the Building Fund at Calvary Church of Pacific Palisades, supporting the rebuilding of the sanctuary that was such a cherished part of the Shigematsu family's spiritual home for more than 35 years. Sanctuary Fund link: https://calvarypalisades.churchcenter.com/giving/to/calvary-church-sanctuary-disaster-recovery-fund

A service was held on June 18, 2026 at Calvary Church of Pacific Palisades