Joe Shisei Niski

Born and raised in Nyack, New York, Joe came to Portland to attend Reed College, where he majored in Religion and Philosophy. He tremendously valued his experience there and made many long-term friendships. After graduating in 1983, he worked in human services with disabled adults. Later he became a software engineer. Joe brought his quick mind and warm heart to every company he worked at. He enjoyed the intellectual challenges of programming, as well as collaboration and team building, personal connection, and mentoring younger colleagues.

Joe dearly loved hiking and backpacking in the Northwest wilderness. He was an avid bicycle commuter. He followed world events and politics and had a keen sense of social justice.

Joe met his first wife Nan Schmitz at Reed, and they were together for 16 years until her sudden death in August 1998. Surprised to find love again, Joe married Nanette in 2001. They traveled widely together, visiting China, India, Mexico and the UK. They shared a love of music, and enjoyed singing duets and performing in choral groups. Their home quickly became the heart of their community. There were regular gatherings for meditation and music, filled with wonderful food, laughter, and joy.

A life-long lover of music of every genre, Joe played guitar from the age of 11. His thirties and forties were his most productive years musically, playing bass and guitar, singing and recording with multiple bands. Later reconnecting with acoustic guitar, Joe attended Mark Hanson’s “guitar camp” in the summer of 2014. That was a transformative experience and Joe said goodbye to the tech world to start his training as a music therapist. Following his first class at Marylhurst University he announced, “I’ve found my tribe!” Joe was totally inspired by this new endeavor and took classes and studied classical guitar for the next 3 years, but early symptoms of Alzheimers ultimately prevented him from finishing his degree.

In 1998 Joe began an in-depth study of Buddhist philosophy and a daily meditation practice. He was actively involved with Dharma Rain Zen Center in many capacities including serving on the board. A friend there described him as “warm hearted and kind, and the smartest person in the room.” His spiritual perspective and his meditation practice anchored him through his years of illness and inspired many people. He worked so hard inside to function, to maintain equanimity, to be grateful and loving to all who cared for him. And he succeeded brilliantly in moving from a very active, intellectual life of “doing” to a quiet life of the Heart. A life of Being. Joe faced his disease with a mix of grief, frustration, and fear; but ultimately met this challenge with grace and fortitude, and tremendous love. His spiritual name was Shisei, which means, “arrive at Truth.” This was his aspiration.

Joe leaves behind his wife Nanette Niski; his mother Gay Disco; two sisters, Jan Niski and Jill Niski; half-brother Mike Ninen (Rachel); cousin Cathy Gore (Russ) and God children Anna and Evan, along with many cousins, aunts, and uncles. In addition, Joe was a friend to sister-in-law Lauren Isaac (J.), and a devoted uncle to Scott Shapton and Claire Shapton (Liam); and God daughter Amara Dreamer.

Kindly share your remembrances on the website of Ross Hollywood Chapel. We would love to hear from you. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Oregon Food Bank, Reed College or Dharma Rain Zen Center.

The memorial service will be held on Friday, December 1st at 2 pm, at Dharma Rain Zen Center, 8500 NE Siskiyou St., Portland, Oregon 97220