Gary Shigeo Toyama

Gary Shigeo Toyama, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed on October 4, 2025, in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. His sudden passing has left a profound void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Born on May 9, 1954, to Tom and Miyoko Toyama. During his childhood, Tom and Miyo relocated the family to Long Beach, California, where Gary spent most of his youth alongside his younger siblings — brother Steve and sister Karen. Their close family bond remained an important part of Gary’s life throughout the years.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s in business administration from the University of California, Irvine, Gary began a distinguished career in the aerospace industry that spanned more than three decades.

Gary joined Rockwell International in 1978, where his talent and dedication quickly became evident. Following Rockwell’s acquisition by The Boeing Company, Gary continued his career there, serving in numerous senior leadership roles — most notably as Vice President, Southern California Region, where he integrated and represented ten sites with 28,000 employees. He also sat on various boards of directors and was the spokesperson for Boeing with state, local media, and in the community.

Gary was recognized not only for his professional achievements but also for his mentorship and commitment to developing others. Examples where he was formally recognized include the 2002 National Asian American Corporate Achievement Award from the Organization of Chinese Americans, Inc., honoring his leadership, mentorship, and contributions to the Asian American community. He was also named Manager of the Year for Southern California in 1997 by the Valley Chapter of the National Management Association. A passionate advocate for inclusion and education, Gary served as an executive sponsor for the Asian American Professional Association, a motivational speaker for youth, and an advisor for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Throughout his career, Gary inspired countless colleagues and younger professionals with his wisdom, generosity, and steadfast belief in giving back. “Community service is everyone’s responsibility,” he once said — a belief he lived by every day.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Gary had a range of interests. He was a car enthusiast, a professional bowler, and enjoyed sports and games of chance. Gary’s greatest joy was his family. He and his beloved wife, Sandra Shigetomi-Toyama, built a home filled with love, laughter, and warmth in Orange County, California, where they raised their two daughters, Kristin and Reyna. Gary was overjoyed to welcome his grandchildren, Shay Michiko Hampton in 2023 and James Shigeo Geilfuss in 2025, and he cherished every moment spent with them, taking immense pride in their accomplishments and spirit. 

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Sandra, his daughters, Kristin, married to Patrick Geilfuss, and Reyna, married to Jay Hampton; his treasured grandchildren, Shay and James; his sister, Karen; his mother-in-law, Chie; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Miyo Toyama, and his brother Steve.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary Shigeo Toyama, please visit our floral store.