GARY NAKASHIMA

1948 - 2017

Gary Y. Nakashima, age 68, passed away peacefully at home following a very brief battle with cancer. His family rallied with him. Gary was born on April 3, 1948, in Dinuba, CA. He and four siblings were raised in Dinuba. Gary graduated from Dinuba High School, Reedley College, California State University, Fresno, and California State University, Sacramento, where he obtained his Masters degree in Education Counseling. Gary was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force after serving from 1971 to 1975, as a Medic at Travis Air Force Base, Fairfield, CA. Gary was employed with the State of California from 1975 to 2011. He was preceded in death by his older sister, Iris Kawano; and his parents, Bud and Alice Nakashima. He is survived by his loving wife Mitzi; daughters, Kacey Nakashima and husband Tyler Harris, Mindy Iwanaka and husband Lance, and Jamie Nakashima and fiancé Alex Francisco; and grandchildren, Emi and Elle Harris, and Evan and Drew Iwanaka. Gary is also survived by his brother-in-law, Richard Kawano; sister, Kay and husband Art; brothers, Harvey and wife Diana, and Steve and wife Diane; and several nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento, 2401 Riverside Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95818, on Friday, March 17, 2017, at 2:00 p.m.