Ken Nishino

HEMET NISHINO, KEN Born December 8, 1915 in Monterey, CA., quietly passed away March 31, 2006 in Hemet, CA. He graduated from San Pedro High School in 1934 and shortly thereafter started his career as a fruit stand owner/operator in Wilmington, CA. He married his wonderful wife and companion of 65 years, Aiko, in 1940. After being interned in Gila Bend, AZ. in 1942 he entered the armed forces and served as an instructor in the Military Intelligence Service Language School in Fort Snelling, MN prior to being shipped overseas for the U.S. occupation of Japan. In 1990 he received an apology and $20,000 from President H.W. Bush as part of the 1988 congressional act that provided reparation for Japanese Americans who were interned during WWII. In a typical Ken fashion he promptly donated all the reparation money to the Hemet YMCA and Scripps Clinic in La Jolla. After being honorably discharged, Ken wanted to again own his own business and finally had his opportunity when he purchased the Ramona Floral Shop (Hemet Florist Nursery) in 1961. Affectionately called "The Kissing Mayor" (as he delivered flowers, especially during Mother's Day) he served 4 terms on the city council including 8 years as Mayor. He also served as the President and Ambassador of the Chamber of Commerce, was the Founding Father of the Hemet YMCA, and initiated the Sister City programs with Kushimoto and Marumori, Japan. Being gregarious and outgoing, Ken was often seen in conversation with community members (especially at the post office and restaurants) and enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie he acquired over the 45 years in Hemet as a member of the Rotary Club, Elks Club, Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, VFW, Masons, Shriners, High Twelve and Oddfellows. One of his favorite activities was not only to go to the club breakfasts, lunches and dinners but to also attend make-up meetings whenever he was out of town. He was preceded in death by his first son, Kenson and brothers, Bill and Kei Nishino. Ken is survived by his wife, Aiko; his brothers, James Nishino of Guadalupe and Tosh Nishino of Santa Maria; sons, Dr. Alan Nishino of Oxnard and Gilbert Nishino of Hemet; daughters, Judy Gonzalez of Murrieta and Janet Bissett of Hemet; 14 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Viewing Friday, April 7, 10am to 8pm, Hemet Valley Mortuary, 403 N. San Jacinto St., (951) 658-4433. Services Saturday, April 8, 1pm at the First Southern Baptist Church, 1068 E. Mayberry Ave., Hemet (951) 658-1111. Interment Monday, April 10, 10am at the San Jacinto Valley Cemetery, 2555 Santa Fe Ave., San Jacinto. Services entrusted to the care of: (951) 658-4433 Kenneth J. Kinzler, Director