Shinji Yamamoto passed away quietly on Monday, Dec. 20, 2004, at St. Mary's Care Center at age 93. A longtime resident of Madison, Shinji was born in Oakland, Calif., the second oldest of nine brothers and three sisters. He helped support his family while earning bachelor's and master's degrees in architecture from the University of California-Berkeley. Forced into a relocation center for Japanese-Americans in Topaz, Utah, during World War II, he found employment inland and was able to move his family, including his wife, Hifumi, and infant son, Steve, to Wisconsin. He spent most of his career working for the state of Wisconsin. He started at the bottom as a draftsman and worked his way up to become the state architect. His most lasting contribution was his championship of the restoration and preservation of the State Capitol Building. He was a respected and beloved member of the Madison Baha'i Community for almost 60 years and was an avid golfer. He is survived by his daughter, JoAnn Yamamoto of Gurnee, Ill.; son, Y. Stephen Yamamoto of Florida; grandson, Michael Yamamoto of Boston, Mass.; and loving companions, Velvet and Ebony. He was preceded in death by his wife, Hifumi, in October 2000. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 24, 2004, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Friends may greet the family from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2004, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 2850 Dairy Drive, Suite 300, Madison, WI, 53718; or to the American Cancer Society, 8317 Elderberry Road, Madison, WI. Baha'is may wish to make a donation to the Baha'i Faith in his memory. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434 www.cressfuneralservice.com
 

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