George Shin's Obituary
George was born in Hawaii on May 22, 1926. He was one of 11 children. In 1941 the attack on Pearl Harbor affected his life immensely. At the age of 17 he tried to enlist in the US Army so he could fight in the war, but was not accepted because of his age and flat feet. At 18 he was drafted into the Army and was eager to serve his country. He was deployed to Europe, but the war ended before he arrived in country. He was then deployed to the Korean War where he served in an Artillery unit, which caused his hearing loss later in life. He served 22 years in the Army retiring in 1966 as a Master Sergeant. He received the following military awards: Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal x 5, WWII Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal (Japan), Korean Services Medal w/1 Silver Star, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Expert Marksmanship Badge, 4 Letters of Commendations
To keep in shape after retirement he began studying Isshinryu Karate. He excelled as a karate student and was promoted to instructor before reaching the rank of brown belt. When he got his black belt he continued to instruct at the main dojo. He later was asked to take over the Sumner dojo, which fueled his passion of teaching karate even more. He started with 6 paying students, which grew to 90 within a few months. In 1977 he moved his dojo to the Fruitland Grange in Puyallup, WA, where he taught until 2020 (along with a 2nd Dojo at his home in Auburn). He is a double inductee in the Isshinryu Karate Hall of Fame.
In 1968 he was hired by the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier. He carried mail in several areas in Tacoma, including the Manitou area. In the early 70’s he was selected to become a Postal Police Officer, and worked most of his career at the Tacoma Main Post Office/Federal Building at 11th and A Street. He retired from the Post Service in 1988.
He stayed busy by teaching karate and working out at the gym. He became an expert on physical fitness and healthy living, and enjoyed helping folks reach their fitness and health goals. Six years ago, when he was informed that he had cancer in 70% of his body, he chose to forgo medical treatment and instead adjusted his diet to control the effects of cancer on his body. He continued working out and teaching karate, but recently his age and condition finally caused him to retire from karate and stop working out.
He is survived by his wife Betty Hillis, a brother John, a sister Bernice Paik (both live in Hawaii), Sons George Jr. (Cathryne), James (Paula), Robert (Dawn), Alan & Walter (Jill), Daughters Pauline & Karen. numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his first wife Marie and son Henry.
What’s your fondest memory of George?
What’s a lesson you learned from George?
Share a story where George's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with George you’ll never forget.
How did George make you smile?