Neil Shim Obituary

NEIL NYUK ON SHIM Age 86, of Honolulu, Hawai'i, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025. He was born in Wailuku, Maui, the beloved son of Kim Chon and Rose Shim. Neil graduated from Farrington High School in 1957 and was a proud graduate of the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Botany and a master's degree in psychology with a specialty in Vocational Rehabilitation in 1964. His career with the State of Hawai'i's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation began the following year, marking the start of a remarkable lifetime of service to others. Neil's work reflected his deep compassion and pioneering spirit. His early caseload included tuberculosis patients at Leahi Hospital, Hansen's disease patients at Hale Mohalo Hospital, students from Jefferson School for the physically limited, and special education students from Farrington High School. He became the first Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor assigned to work with patients at the Hawai'i State Hospital, where he supported individuals living with mental illness. To deepen his expertise, Neil completed six months of specialty training in mental illness at the University of Oregon Medical School. Upon returning to Hawai'i, he continued his groundbreaking work as the first counselor assigned to the Hawai'i State Prison and later collaborated with the Laumaka Halfway House to assist inmates transitioning back into the community. As his career advanced, Neil was promoted to supervisor, where he developed specialized programs for individuals living with alcoholism and for Hawai'i's transgender community. He also established a unit dedicated to serving the deaf and hard of hearing population. Eventually, Neil rose to serve as the Administrator of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Department of Social Services and Housing, where his leadership ensured that countless individuals with special needs across Hawai'i gained access to meaningful vocational opportunities. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Neil was a devoted family man. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Katherine Kimiko Shim; his brother Casey Shim; and his three daughters: Kalene Sakamoto (husband Karl, grandson Kyler, and grand stepsons Tyson and Taylor (Krichelle), great grandchildren Everly & Kendall); Sylvia Shim (husband Stan Young, granddaughters Riyana and Kiyera, and grand stepchildren Ellie and Marcus); and Sandra Shim (husband Ron Foo, grandchildren Harlee and Remington). Neil found great joy in gardening and creating beautiful floral leis from the flowers he nurtured. He also loved watching his grandchildren play sports and cheering on University of Hawai'i teams. His gentle humor, kindness, and steadfast commitment to helping others will be remembered by all who knew him. A Celebration of Life will be held on December 20, 2025, at Diamond Head Mortuary. Visitation begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by a service at 12:00 p.m. Neil's life was one of compassion, service, and love a legacy that will continue to bloom in the hearts of those he touched. Arrangements Provided By: Diamond Head Mortuary Chapel