Shigeki "Ski" Moriyama

Shigeki “Ski” Moriyama, 95, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2024, in North Ogden, UT. He was born on March 5, 1929, in Helper, UT, to Taneto and Mine Moriyama. His family lived in several towns in Utah and California throughout his childhood.

He married Mary Yoshiko Sato on January 20, 1949, in Brigham City, UT, and together they raised three children in Elwood, UT. He was converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ after reading the Book of Mormon. They were sealed in the Logan LDS Temple on December 11, 1959, after their daughter Jan was baptized.

He graduated from Box Elder High School, and later earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Weber State University and Master’s Degree from Utah State University while working full-time and attending night school. His career included service at Hill Air Force Base, Thiokol, Management Systems Corporation, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Ski was known for his hard work, integrity, love of family, passion for golf, service in the church, and his unwavering testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ. He and Mary served many missions, including as mission leaders of the Japan Osaka Mission from 1986 to 1989.

He will be remembered for how he lovingly cared for Mary during the many years that she battled rheumatoid arthritis, his hard work and perseverance, and dedication to his many family and church responsibilities. He was a man of few words with a big heart. He enjoyed raising a garden and orchard, selling his produce and fruit, and even growing and selling Christmas trees for a time. After retirement, he taught himself how to golf, becoming very proficient and even hitting holes in one when he was 87 and 89 years old.

Ski is survived by his children: Jan (Jim) Petersen, Elwood, UT, Joel (Carolyn) Moriyama, Centerville, UT, and Joni (Steve) Nielsen, Mesa, AZ, 14 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, and sister Jene (Mikio) Sakuda. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary, grandson Brooks Petersen, great grandchildren Lucie Moriyama and Braeden Petersen, Ally Petersen, Gabe Petersen and siblings Tomiko Moriyama, Hinako Moriyama, Kimiko (Jack) Aoyagi, Mitsuru (Lily) Moriyama, Sumie (Shoji) Watanabe, Sueo Moriyama, Yoshiko Moriyama, and Yumeko Moriyama.

Viewing services will be Monday, July 29th from 6-8pm and Tuesday, July 30th from 9-10:30am, just prior to the funeral at 11:00am. All the services will be in the Elwood 4th Ward building at 4865 W 9600 N, Elwood, UT. Interment will be in the Elwood Cemetery. The services will be livestreamed and may be accessed below.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Missionary Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

We are very grateful for the dedicated caregivers and healthcare professionals at Maple Springs in Brigham City and Celia, Nigel, and Jeni at Celia Residential in North Ogden for their loving care and attention during Ski’s last few weeks on earth.

DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT PAN THE CROWD AND THE CAMERA IS FIXED UPON THE PULPIT. WE WILL TRY AND LIVESTREAM THE FUNERAL SERVICE. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO DO SO, DUE TO THE INTERNET SERVICE AT THE CHURCH, A RECORDING WILL BE UPLOADED WITHIN 24-48 HOURS AFTER THE SERVICE.