Kiyoshi Kay Shioshita, 93, passed away at his home in Blanca, Colorado, on December 18, 2017. Kay was born in Mesita, Colorado on August 8, 1924, the son of Seiichiro “George” Shioshita and Yei Iseki Shioshita. He married Hideko Ashida on December 12, 1950, and they had three children together. Kay served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in November 1945. He was a member of the La Jara #3 Disabled American Veterans chapter, and was quite proud of the opportunity he had to serve his country. He was a rural letter mail carrier for the United States Postal Service from 1959-1990, and braved all types of weather to make sure that the folks on his route got their mail. Kay was an active member of both the Colorado Rural Letter Carriers Association (CRLCA) and National Rural Letter Carriers’ Associations (NRLCA), and he was honored by the NRLCA as the 1987 national recipient of the “Outstanding Rural Letter Carrier.” Kay belonged to the Japanese American Citizens League, and was also a lifetime member of the Friends of the Fort.

His interests included gardening (perhaps a throwback to his days on the family farm), woodworking, sports, traveling and reading. However, his greatest passion was fishing. He spent many early mornings on the lake, perfecting that perfect cast, and hoping to catch a “good one.” His other great love was his family. His grandkids brought a smile to his face, and the annual Ashida Reunion meant an opportunity for good food and great memories. He loved going to church, and spent many an hour working on the renovation of the church itself.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Hideko Shioshita of Blanca, CO; daughter Robin Shioshita of Chandler AZ; son Barry Shioshita (Lynn) of Swink, CO; sister Tay Kondo of Denver, CO; brother Ted Shioshita of Denver, CO; granddaughter Cailin Shioshita Pickett of St. Louis, MO; grandsons Joshua (Aubrey) Shioshita of Denver, CO; Jordan Shioshita of Denver, CO; Connor Shioshita Pickett of Chicago, IL; and Jarett Shioshita of Denver, CO. Kay is also survived by numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins and other family members, as well as a host of friends and acquaintances.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Yei Shioshita, brothers Ken Shioshita, Den Shioshita, daughter Candice Kay Shioshita, and best friend Al Wehe.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 11:00 a.m., Calvary Blanca Church, 607 Broadway, Blanca, CO. A private interment will be held later. Please join the family for a reception and time of celebration at the Blanca-Fort Garland Community Center, East Highway 160, Fort Garland, CO.

Arrangements are being handled by the Rogers Family Mortuary of Alamosa. If you would like to leave an on-line condolence or tribute for the family, please visit Kay’s obituary at www.RogersFunerals.com. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to your favorite local charity.