George Fujimoto

Isami George Fujimoto, (“Georgie Porgie”, “Doughboy”) age 82, of Shelby, passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2015 at Marias Medical Center in Shelby.

Viewing will be from 7:00 to 9:00 pm on Wednesday, September 9 at Whitted Funeral Chapel in Shelby. His funeral service will be 2:00 pm on Thursday, September 10 at the First Baptist Church in Shelby followed by interment and military honors at Mountain View Cemetery in Shelby. There will be a reception for family and friends following the service, back at the church hall. Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitted Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the charity of your choice. George’s favorite charities were St. Jude’s and Wounded Warrior Project.

George was born in Big Sandy, Montana on February 8, 1933 to Tokumatsu and Hatsuye Fujimoto. He married Kathryn Viola Gibson on November 2, 1957 and they were married for 44 years until her passing in 2002.

George worked as a baker for Buttrey’s for several years. He was also a partner in Fuji Lanes for 20 years. When he was younger, George enjoyed camping and fishing with family and friends. Bowling was his sport. His men’s league would rub the Buddha belly for good luck. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and everyone at the Senior Center. He took rides on his scooter all over town. George was involved for several years teaching students how to bowl, which many have become very successful at. He was a member and actively involved in the First Baptist Church and was surrounded by his family of Christians. He was the only one able to make the coffee, serve it, and greet everyone with hugs when they came through the door on Sunday. Dad had a special bond with his great granddaughter, Brylie. She would call him Grandpa George and chat with him on her fake phone.

George is survived by his daughter, Shirley Furr; grandson Brandon Duke and great granddaughter Brylie; granddaughter Markie Jo Furr; granddaughter Ashley (Dan) Kolve and great grandchildren Annika, Alivia and Addyson; granddaughter Mallory (Josh) Riphenburg and great grandchildren Morgan and Colin. George is also survived by his sisters Judy Yayeco Evens of Billings and Marie Masuye Brown of Clancy; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and nephew. He is also survived by his special companion and friend Ruth Sink of Shelby.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mary Matsuye, Martha Haruye and brothers Frank Mynori and Francis Sesuai.

The family of George wishes to thank everyone for their support, thoughts and prayers. Please visit George’s online memorial and leave a message of condolence for the family at www.whittedfuneralchapel.com.