Shigenobu “Shig” Fukutomi passed away peacefully at the age of 100.

Shig was born on April 9, 1926, in Roscoe, California, to Isaburo Fukutomi and Tatsu Hamada. A Nisei, he grew up in Southern California and worked on the family farm during his youth.

During World War II, Shig was incarcerated at the Poston War Relocation Center in Arizona. He later worked at a War Food Administration (WFA) labor camp in Caldwell, Idaho, before being inducted into the United States Army on February 2, 1945. He entered active duty on May 1, 1945, and served with the 406th Infantry Regiment during the closing months of World War II and the postwar occupation of Europe. He was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and Army of Occupation Medal, and was honorably discharged on November 13, 1946.

After returning to Southern California, Shig worked on a relative’s farm before using his GI Bill benefits to attend electronics school. He later established a career in television repair and, with his brother-in-law, Aike Komatsu, owned and operated Southland Television in Los Angeles.

On August 23, 1952, Shig married Koko. They shared a loving marriage for more than 73 years. Although they did not have children, they were devoted to their nieces and nephews and remained closely connected to their extended family.

Shig enjoyed an active life outside of work. He was an avid bowler and loved fishing, particularly surf fishing along the Southern California coast and fishing trips to Mammoth with his nephews. He also enjoyed a good cigar and the companionship of the cats he and Koko shared over the years.

Shig will be remembered for his quiet nature, humility, hard work, and devotion to family. His life reflected the resilience and determination of the Nisei generation. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories cherished by his wife, nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Koko; several nieces and nephews; extended family; and many friends.