Todd Kazumori Shinto, former chief instructor of Great Falls Aikido, died on Aug. 19, 2012 at his home in Daly City with his family at his side. Todd was born in Los Angeles in 1964 to Henry Morita Shinto and Gloria Eiko Nomura, chief instructor of Aikido Institute of San Francisco.
Todd met his wife Amy Eyles in San Francisco and they were married in 2003 in Great Falls, Montana. They lived in Great Falls for 11 years and during this time had two children, Benjamin Mori Shinto and Sarah Sakura Shinto. Todd was an arborist and landscape designer, a profession that reflected his love of living plants and nature.
A 3rd dan, Todd was the chief instructor of Great Falls Aikido and was dedicated to training children and adolescents.Todd and his family moved from Great Falls, Montana to Daly City in July 2012. The move was inspired by his desire to be closer to family and also to reestablish the children’s program at the Aikido Institute of San Francisco.
Todd Shinto is survived by his wife, Amy Eyles; son, Benjamin Shinto; daughter Sarah Shinto; mother, Gloria Nomura; sisters Lynne Shinto and Karen Shinto; brother Barry Shinto, and many extended family members and friends. His memorial service took place on Aug. 26, 2012. Donations may be made in his honor to Vitas Hospice Charitable Foundation, 39899 Balentine Drive, Suite 161, Newark, CA 94560.