Ted Tetsuo Nakanishi

Ted Nakanishi, 96, passed away gently at his home in Bellevue after being discharged from the hospital following his third bout with pneumonia. He had time with his partner, Betty Yoshitake and his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren before he passed.

Ted was born in Kent, WA to Masataro and Ume Nakanishi, who owned a dairy farm. He was the 9th child of 10. His father passed when Ted was 7, leaving Ume to raise 10 children. He was 16 when Executive Order 9066 ordered the family to be incarcerated in Tule Lake Internment Center where he graduated from Tri State High School in 1943. He also, fortunately, met his future wife, Kimiko Mitsui, there.

After being released from Tule Lake, Ted attended Montana State University where he played on their basketball team. He then enlisted in the army and served in Korea. After returning, he and Kimiko married in 1948 and settled on Beacon Hill. They were married for 56 years until Kimiko passed in 2004. Ted and his friends met every Saturday in their home on Bayview Street where they formed the Bayview Golf Club. Golf was one of his passions.

After working in the floor covering business, he started his own floor covering distribution company in Duwamish. He sold the business after 18 years and retired at age 71. He enjoyed Hawaii and lived there part of the year after his retirement. He continued golfing into his 90’s and also learned to play the ukulele. He almost always had a smile on his face and enjoyed talking to people whether he knew them or not. He enjoyed learning about their lives, work, experiences and successes.

Ted and Kimiko were active members and supporters of Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church. He was also a life member of the Nisei Veterans Committee and served as commander in 1961.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Kimiko, his son, Steve, his great-grandchild, Christian, and all 9 of his siblings-3 brothers and 6 sisters. Ted was the last Nisei of the Masataro Nakanishi family.

Ted is survived by his partner of 16 years, Betty, his daughter, Sharon (Terry), son, Gary, daughter-in-law, Diana, 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. A fourth great-grandchild was born 2 months after Ted passed. He was loved and respected and is greatly missed. May he be blessed and rest in peace always.

A private memorial service for the immediate family was held at Evergreen Washelli where he was inurned with Kimiko at the Columbarium.

Remembrances may be made to Blaine Memorial UMC , 3001 24th Ave. So, Seattle, WA 98144 or Nisei Veterans Committee, 1212 S. King St., Seattle, WA 98144.