Chester Yuen Sang Shim's Obituary
"Chester Yuen Sang Shim, beloved husband, father, “Pop-pop”, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away at Queen’s Hospital on December 5 2025, at the age of 85. He was the youngest of 3 children born to Henry Shim and Lucy (Zane) Shim on November 29 1940 in Honolulu, HI.
Chester grew up in Kaimuki, and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1958. He attended the University of Hawaii where he was a math major and member of the Tu Chiang Sheh fraternity. In 1964 he enlisted in the US Navy and proudly served in Vietnam aboard the USS Vance.
He married his loving wife in 1966 and they raised two daughters. Chester had a successful and prolific career at Hawaiian Telephone Company where he was a computer programmer, and later systems analyst supervisor.
Chester was a skillful handyman, and could fix anything. He was always ready to help others with their projects and was very proud of his meticulous work. He enjoyed tending to his yard and mango trees, golfing with buddies, crab buffets and playing craps in Vegas, the beach and ocean, and listening to Elvis and songs of old Hawaii. Most of all he loved spending time with his family, especially his granddaughters, who adored him. He will be remembered by all for his gentle manner, selflessness, humor, and bright dimpled smile.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine Emiko (Nagata) Shim; his daughters Melanie (Warren Mori) Shim and Stacie (Chris) Coats; his granddaughters Abigail, Elise, and Erin Mori; his sister Constance Seu (Roy), brother-in-law Gordon Ing, and predeceased by sister Vivian Ing.
A service will be held on February 1 2026 at Diamond Head Mortuary Chapel from 10 am-2 pm. Visitation at 10 am, service at 11 am, with lunch to follow. An inurnment will be held at Punchbowl National Cemetery, date pending. No monetary gifts please."
What’s your fondest memory of Chester?
What’s a lesson you learned from Chester?
Share a story where Chester's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Chester you’ll never forget.
How did Chester make you smile?