Roy Shoji Endo

Roy Endo passed away in his sleep on July 22, 2013 at the George E. Wahlen Veterans Home in Ogden, Utah at the age of 85.

He was born in Dona Anna, New Mexico on October 6, 1927 to Matsuzo and Yone Miyagishima Endo. During his youth, his family lived in New Mexico, Colorado and California. He grew up during the Great Depression and as a result, learned the importance of hard work and the value of a dollar. Roy and his family epitomized working your way up from nothing and pulling one''s self up by your bootstraps.

After his family''s relocation to the Poston Internment Camp in AZ during World War II, they settled in Davis County. Roy graduated from Davis High in 1946. After graduation, he served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. While in the service, Roy toured Europe playing baseball for the Army, making many lifelong friends, a few of whom went on to play professionally. Before his service to his country, he worked at several jobs including farming with his family and roofing houses. He would oftentimes point out the buildings in Northern Utah he had worked on.

He married Ritsuko Ogata in Ogden, Utah in 1958 and were married for over 54 years. Together they successfully raised four children: Joni, Byron, Roland and Carl.

Roy started working at Hill Field Air Force Base during the late 1940''s at the height of the Cold War, and retired as a Supervisory Equipment Specialist in 1987 after over 40 years of service.

Roy was always active in all types of sports during his lifetime and took up golf and tennis after the age of 60. He enjoyed playing golf with his longtime friends into his 80''s and was especially proud of his holes-in-one, the last occurring when he was in his late 70''s. He enjoyed the occasional Army reunion and reminiscing about his baseball playing days with his former teammates. He was an avid gardener, having completed Utah State''s Master Gardener Program, and could grow any plant or vegetable especially tomatoes, peppers and corn. Roy was especially proud of his woodworking and welding skills and made many cabinets and repaired metal work for many of his friends and neighbors.

Roy was a primary caregiver for his special needs grandchild, Jaden ("My lil''Buddy"), who will forever be grateful for the love and care Grandpa gave him his whole life.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother and sister.

Roy is survived by his wife Ritsuko, his children: Joni, Byron, Roland (Mandee), Carl and his two grandchildren Jaden and Allie. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Mas Endo, Clearfield, UT, Jane Kunugi, Westminster, CO, Mary Kamigaki, Dillon, MT, Hiroshi (Shirley) Endo, Clinton, UT, Sachiko Gibo, Honolulu, HI, and Yayoi Leard, Clearfield, UT. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Following cremation, a private family service will be held at a later date as requested by Roy.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the George E. Wahlen Veterans Home. The family especially thanks the employees of the George E. Wahlen Veterans Home for their fine and compassionate service not only to Roy, but to all the veterans fortunate enough to reside there. The Endo family thanks all the friends and family (especially Carl) for their support and care of Roy during his last few months, making his final days comfortable.

Arrangements and cremation entrusted to Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary.