Birth date: Oct 20, 1955 Death date: Dec 5, 2016
Ronald Hironori Uyeshima, aka Trout to a wide circle of friends, aged 61, a resident of San Mateo, passed away Dec. 5, 2016, of complications from pancreatic cancer. Ron was born Oct. 20, 1955, in Tokyo to Taikyo Uyeshima and Faye Read Obituary
I went to Kimball high school with Ron. We weren’t especially close, but I remember him being a kind young man with a great sense of humor. I’m sorry to hear of his passing but am heartened to read and learn about the amazing life he led.
I was a classmate of Ron at Northwestern, and we became friends as well as classmates during our time there. Unlike a lot of our cohorts, Ron — although brilliant and a good student — was never excessively self-absorbed by his management future or the burning business issues of the day. No, his interests were much broader and more culturally focused. His obituary here – 40 years later – perfectly captures the Ron that I remember: A guy who loved film and music and who could provide informative and interesting insights on these and a variety of other subjects. He gave me perspectives on movies, especially the Hitchcock classics like “North by Northwest”, that I’d never even imagined. For Christmas, 1977, he gave my wife and I a copy of the Hitchcock interviews with Francois Truffaut with an inscription that read, “Jerry – I figured this was the only way I could get my copy back! – Ron”. In those days, Ron drove a late-60’s model Mustang coupe. About a week after graduation, I received a letter in the mail from him, containing title for that Mustang signed over to me, along with a brief note, which read something like: “Jerry, I’ve had to leave town quickly. Would you mind selling my car for whatever you can get for it, and just send me the cash?” The note went on to tell me where the car was parked so I could go pick it up. I was a little surprised by this (as we hadn’t discussed it beforehand), but not too surprised — because I know he would have been willing to do the same for me if needed. …and I was honored that he considered me a trusted friend. In the end, it was pretty easy to find a buyer; I think the car fetched about $500-$600 and I sent him the money. Unfortunately, we dropped out of touch after that and I heard nothing further about him until another classmate noticed his obituary in the Northwestern alumni magazine. I am certain his other friends could tell loads more stories like these; he really was a special man and I am grateful to have known him for that brief time in our youth. My deepest condolences to his surviving family and friends. Jerry Hilgenberg
Ron was a fighter until the very end. Sarah, thank you for being there, providing support, comfort, love, and devotion to the very end. I have so many fond memories of Ron, AKA “Trout” 30 years ago in Dallas and in later years on business trips to the Bay Area where Ron often played host to me and mutual friends. As a major foody, Ron always knew the best restaurants to try and things to see. My husband still remembers his trip with Ron to Amoeba Records in Berkeley and their discussions. Ron, also thank you for teaching me to eat suchi so many years ago (sort of) like a pro. We’ll miss you. Cynthia Rotruck Carter
Sarah, With tears filling my eyes, all I can say right now is “Oh, my.” Yours is such a beautiful, wonderful, unexpected journey of hope, joy, and suffering. I am fervently praying for you today, in the next two days, and in the days to come. Love, Chris Pratt
I’m not always the best giver of advice…so glad you went. I have loved getting to know Ron through emails, Facebook posts and phone conversations with you. What a journey. Peace be with Ron,as I know it is. And peace be with you. When you have love in your love, there is, as Ron taught us, nothing to fear. We shall rise insensibly, and reach the tops of the everlasting hills, where the winds are cool and the sight is glorious.” – Paul Kalanithi, “When Breath Becomes Air”
Carl & I send our deepest condolences to you, Sarah, and to all who loved Ron as a son, brother and friend. “Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower, We will grieve not, rather find Strength in what remains behind.” -William Wordsworth God bless you all. Carl & Gayle
