Shuryo NAKAI Obituary
Passed away peacefully at Mt. St. Joseph Hospital in Vancouver on January 16, 2012 at the age of 85. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 59 years, Michie, daughters, Hitomi Gilliam, Harumi Nakai, Emily Nakai, and grandson, Colin Gilliam. The youngest of four children, Shuryo was born on December 13, 1926 in Kanazawa, Japan. He attended the University of Tokyo where he received his Ph.D. in Food Science and then went on to work at the Meiji Company where he met Michie. In 1962, the young family moved to the U.S. where Shuryo completed his post-doctorate at the University of Illinois. Shuryo joined the University of B.C. in 1966 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Science. Dr. Nakai rose quickly through the ranks to full professorship in 1975.
As a food scientist, he became acknowledged internationally and garnered many awards for his outstanding body of work. Two acknowledgments he felt most honored by were the AGFD Award for the Advancement of Agricultural and Food Chemistry by the American Chemical Society and recognition by the Institute for Scientific Information as one of the most cited scientists in Food Science. Although he retired from undergraduate teaching in 1991, he remained actively involved in what he loved most - conducting research. He continued to work tirelessly at his office at UBC until he was 81. Shuryo was known for his tenacity to achieve, work ethic and the belief that anyone had the ability to succeed. He was immensely proud of the graduate students that he had supervised over the years, many of whom went on to pursue their own successful careers all over the world.
Shuryo will be lovingly remembered by his family for his dry humor, smile, laughter, and wise insightful advice. They will always cherish the fond memories from the family vacation road trips and treasure the wonderful home movies and photographs that he so enjoyed to take. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to his family physician, Dr. W. Murschell, and would also like to extend their gratitude to Dr. H. Chauhan, Dr. L. J. Sheldon and the dedicated staff of Mount Saint Joseph Hospital 1S ward. In his memory, donations may be made to the the University of B.C. (https:// www.supporting.ubc.ca/ onlinedonation/index.php - then go to "Direct My Gift" > Campus: "UBC Vancouver" > Faculty: "Land and Food Systems" > Project Fund: "D330 Shuryo Nakai Scholarship"). Condolences and any memories of Shuryo can be shared with the family on the website www.remembering.ca .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
37 Entries
February 3, 2012
I would like to extend my sympathy to Mrs. Nakai, and her family on the death of their treasured husband and father. We were neighbours on West 12th many years ago. We did not see a lot of Dr. Nakai, but I remember a neighbourhood potluck party for neighbours who were moving away. Mrs. Nakai made the most delicious sushi -the first I had ever tasted. I remember them as a very gracious warm couple. My prayers are with you all.
Sincerely Kersti Livingstone, South Surrey, B.C.
Hiroki Saeki
February 1, 2012
I was very sad to hear of the passing of Nakai SENSEI.
The time I spent working with Dr. Nakai has had a big influence on my carrier.
Now, I can remember his brilliant research instruction and warm smile clearly. When I joined Dr. Nakai's Laboratory in 1996, I had just changed my job position from a company researcher to a university staff member. The stimulating suggestions with him encouraged me as a novice university teacher.
I sincerely appreciate the discussions I have with Dr. Nakai.
I'd like to offer my deepest condolences to his wife, Michie SAMA and three daughters.
Soichiro Nakamura
February 1, 2012
We are very saddened to hear about Dr. Nakai's passing.
Words cannot begin to express our sorrow.
May we find comfort in knowing that a man so special as he is will always be in our thoughts and memories.
Dr. Nakai will be sorely missed by all who have had the pleasure of knowing him. We will miss Dr. Nakai very much.
Dr. Nakai, thank you for everything and may you rest in perfect peace.
With condolences,
Soichiro Nakamura, Yoko Nakamura, Kosuke Nakamura and Mami Nakamura
Anusha Samaranayaka
January 30, 2012
My sincere condolences to Dr.Nakai's family. I was so lucky to be one of the students work with Dr. Nakai at UBC and also to receive the Shuryo Nakai Scholarship during my graduate studies. He was one of the greatest and inspiring professors I ever met, and truly a humble person. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Jinglie Dou
January 27, 2012
I feel very sad to hear the bad news. When I first met Dr. Nakai at my previous University in China, I was very impressed with his excellence in research and his kindness. Later on, in the earlier 90's, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with him on the computer aided research project. He was a great teacher, mentor and colleague. He will live in my memory forever.
Jason Takefman
January 26, 2012
Emily,
My deepest condolences to you and your family, I hope you all have strength in this time of sadness.
Andrea Goldson
January 25, 2012
My sincere condolences to the Nakai family. I recall Dr Nakai as a warm, friendly and approachable professor. He was one of my first lecturers at the University of British Columbia. From his class I learned about the Taguchi Design and Random Optimization.
Linda Kwan
January 25, 2012
I am very sad to hear the bad news of Dr. Nakai's passing. He was a great professor, a brilliant researcher and a wonderful boss. I was very fortunate to be his student and later as his assistant researcher. Through those years...from mid 70's to early 90...I have learned a great deal from him. His idea and ways of research in the Food system were the inspiration for my interest in working with/for him. It was sad when I had to leave and move to Toronto in 1991. Nothing is sadder now to learn that a great and brilliant mentor is no longer with us. However, his legacy will always remain alive in our memories and admiration. Thank you to Dr. Nakai for his great contribution.
January 25, 2012
"My deepest condolences to Dr. Nakai's family. It had been a great honour and privilege to have leaned from Dr. Nakai in the classroom, then as a staff member. His dedication to his research and to his students were truly admirable. " Joyce Tom (Richmond, BC)
Kimio Nishimura
January 24, 2012
I feel very sad to hear the news of misfortune of Dr.Nakai. I worked as a post-doctral fellow from '92 to '93 in Nakai laboratory in 93. I learned many things from him and the view of my life changed completely.It is my property to have worked with a splendid researcher like Dr.Nakai.
I pray his soul may rest in peace now.
Paul Wong
January 24, 2012
My fondest memories of UBC Food Science was Dr Nakai .Terms like Simplex Optimization ,and Hydrophobicity come to mind,and he was tireless in explaining how all the stuff worked!He was definitely a real influence in my career choice.I was very fortunate to have him as a professor .
Thank you for all the wonderful memories.
William Powrie
January 24, 2012
Jean and I extend our sincere sympathy to Michie and his daughters for the untimely loss of Shuryo. My first meeting with Shuryo was when I was in Vancouver for an interview for the position of Head of the Department of Food Science. At that time. I was very impressed with his intellectual depth, his love of scientific problem solving and his kindness. Many years have passed and I am amazed at his fabulous achievements in his research and academic endeavours. Shuryo was a dedicted research scientist, a highly intelligent academic and a great teacher. Graduate students treasured his his wisdom, his in-depth scientific advice and his kind patience. On top of this, he was a loving, kind husband and a proud, caring father. A journalist, John Mc Creery wrote," There is no death, the stars go down to rise upon some other shore, they shine forever more". The shine of Shuryo will endure for generations. Positive vibs will be passed on as a domino effect. His creative thoughts and concepts presented in his many scholarly publications will be enduring. His dedication to excellence in research has inspired students to excel in their chosen fields. This shine of Shuryo will transend to future generations. His moderated smile amd laugh was a reflection of his moderated personality. But make no mistake. this mild manner chap had a clear vision on the path ahead. He was highly organized, he had the strength of character and endurance to set goals for himself and to achieve them. Maybe some of his last advice might be " make all time sacred, life is short, make your life a celebration of dreams and reality".
Jean and Bill Powrie
Anna Iwaniak
January 24, 2012
Dr. Nakai will always live in my memory as a great scientist as well as person with a brilliant sense of humor. It was a great honour to meet and work with him.
Akio Kato
January 23, 2012
I am very sad to hear the news of misfortune of Dr.Nakai, great professor. I learned the spirit of researcher when I worked in his laboratory for 2 years as a post-doctral fellow. Dr. Nakai was realy creative researcher. Dr. Nakai will live in my memory forever. A.K.
Margaret Daskis
January 23, 2012
I have very fond memories of Dr. Nakai, particularly the first day of classes in third year when all of us were so diligent to capture his words in our notes, heads down, pens to paper waiting with bated breathe to find that after the first few words we all perked our heads up, looking at each other with wonder as to what he was talking about??? Between his accent and the new vocabulary we were stunned. It was amazing though how quickly our Canadian/Japanese comprehension improved and realized what a fount of information and how passionate he was about food science. Thank you Dr. Nakai from one of hundreds of Food Science students of whom you had a profound influence!
Jacqueline Gordon
January 23, 2012
With deepest sympathy to Dr. Harumi Nakai and family for your loss. I hope you take comfort in the wonderful memories you must have and also in knowing others care.
Judy Chan
January 23, 2012
Dr. Nakai was the grandfather-figure in the lab when I was a PhD student. He was a serious researcher whom I was afraid to approach as a young student. Once I knew him more, I realized Dr. Nakai was humourous, supportive and generous.
I will always remember Dr. Nakai's echoing footsteps as he arrived in the lab at 4 am, his boiling tea kettle (for making his own tea in the lab) and stacks of envelops filled with diagrams, charts, formula and ground breaking research ideas in his office.
Dr. Nakia, you are deeply missed.
January 23, 2012
Dr. Nakai was instrumental in the beginning of my career and I owe him for his patience and belief in my work. He will be dearly missed. Yael Vodovotz (Ohio State University)
Belinda Vallejo-Cordoba
January 23, 2012
Dr. Nakai will always live in our memories not only because he was an excellent scientist and mentor but because he was such a kind and thoughtful person. We had so many virtues to learn from him, knowledge, integrity, responsibility, flexibility, creativity, discipline, enthusiasm, justice, unselfishness, loyalty , prudence, patience, generosity and humility, among others. I was very fortunate to be one of his Ph.D students, he inspired me and made me feel very special. I also feel very fortunate for being able to accompany him when he received his AGFD award in Philadelphia and IFT award in Las Vegas... that was the last time that I was able to give him a warmth hug.
Dr. Nakai, you will always be in my heart!
To Mrs. Nakai, Hitomi, Harumi and Emily, our prayers and love are with you. Harumi (our family doctor while we lived in Surrey), José, José Jr., Belinda Jr. and myself are with you in this difficult time.
Love, Belinda Vallejo-Cordoba
From Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.
Masahiro (Hiro) OGAWA
January 23, 2012
I worked for Dr. Nakai from 1996 to 2002 as a postdoctoral fellow. My research was to improve protein functionality using optimization technique (RCO) which was his main research theme at that time. I learnt many things including hard-working, research attitude and impartiality. The six years at UBC were very fruitful and wonderful for me. I will never forget that time with Dr. Nakai. Thank you very much Dr. Nakai for your support and great supervision.
My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Nakai and his family.
Jyoti Dhar
January 23, 2012
I have always thanked God for blessing me with such a kind, thoughtful and effortlessly intelligent supervisor as Dr. Nakai. The simple and pure joy that science meant for him was unique and truly amazing. I feel sad that after graduating in 1996, I never had a chance to go back and meet him again but have always remembered him with the utmost reverence and fondness. His kind smile and encouraging words still ring in my ears. It is not easy to lose a person of that stature as they don't come by very often. My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Nakai's family and all his students and friends. It is a huge loss for all of us and we will miss him immensely.
Akio Kato
January 22, 2012
Dr. Nakai was an excellent researcher and respectable professor. When I visited as a postdoctral fellow fron Japan in 1978-80,I surprised to know that Dr. Nakai was excellent and hard-worked researcher. I was very happy to work in Dr. Nakai laboratory. The memory of Dr. Nakai will remain in their mind of students and coworkers. He was really great researcher.
Anne McCannel
January 22, 2012
This is sad news for all of us in the Food Science community who were fortunate enough to know Dr. Nakai. He was a brilliant researcher, and wonderful advisor. I was very fortunate to be able to study under him in the 1980's.
While Dr. Nakai worked at an intellectual level far beyond me, he was incredibly patient as he took time on an individual basis with me to explain concepts and ideas. I learned many different life-lessons from him, and am truly appreciative of all that I gained through him.
I extend my sincere sympathy to all of his family.
Belinda Vallejo-Cordoba
January 22, 2012
Dr. Nakai will always live in our memories not only because he was an excellent scientist and mentor but because he was such a kind and thoughtful person. We had so many virtues to learn from him, knowledge, integrity, responsibility, flexibility, creativity, discipline, enthusiasm, justice, unselfishness, loyalty, prudence, patience, generosity and humility among others. I was very fortunate to be one of his Ph.D students, he inspired me and always made me feel very special.
I was very fortunate for being able to accompany him when he received his AGFD award in Philadelphia and IFT award in Las Vegas...that was the last time I was able to give him a warmth hug.
To Mrs. Nakai, Hitomi, Harumi and Emily, our prayers and love are with you. Harumi, our family doctor while we lived in Surrey ... my husband José, myself and children José Jr. and Belinda Jr. are with you in this difficult time.
Dr. Nakai, I will always remember you with great gratitude!
Love, Belinda Vallejo-Cordoba and family (from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico)
Rickey Yada
January 22, 2012
I was fortunate and privileged to have Dr. Nakai as a teacher, mentor and colleague. He was a person who led by example and expected no more of his students than he would expect of himself – hard work, dedication and high standards. He was one of the few people that I know who could accomplish anything that he wanted to pursue and do it so successfully. Many of us can remember his passion about Simplex modeling and how he became a world expert – only Dr. Nakai could conquer and achieve such things.
Among many events, 2 will stand out: 1) the night we went out for dinner together to celebrate my PhD when he said I should call him Shuryo. In all these years, I could never do that – he was my sensei. The second event was his ACS Award in Philadelphia – I will remember how humble he was at receiving this award which he so very much deserved. This was the man who despite his many accomplishments was so unselfish and humble.
I owe much of my success to him.
To Mrs. Nakai, Hitomi, Harumi, and Emily, my deepest sympathies and thank you for sharing him with us. May you all find peace during these difficult times.
To Dr. Nakai - Thank you!!
Cecilia Vazquez
January 22, 2012
January 22, 2012
Dr. Nakai has always been an inspiration to me. I follow much of what I learned from him, now that I work as a teacher and researcher at high school level.
When I talk about him to my kids (Emilio and Paulina, which he met), I tell them about how he was always the first to arrive to work and the last to leave, an example of a great leader. I also remember that at the time I did my masters (87-90), there was no internet, so he carried his photocopy machine with him to the libraries. He kept all the used mail envelopes and put papers by subjects in them. When doing my thesis and any of my homeworks, if I needed help, he looked into the inmense stack of envelops and pulled the one that was going to help me find the answers. Another thing that I remember, is that at the end of each semester, he invited us, his TAs, for lunch to the Faculty restaurant. I always enjoyed that time we spend knowing the other side of Dr. Nakai.
When me and my family returned to Mexico, he went to say good bye to us to the airport.You cannot believe the emotion that I felt, when I saw him!
There are no words to express my feelings and admiration for my professor, my mentor, my teacher. You will always be in my heart forever, Dr. Nakai.
Cecilia Vazquez
Guillermo Arteaga
January 22, 2012
Dr. Nakai was my mentor for my Masters and Ph.D. I also help him with his three undergrad courses|: Food Analysis, Food 410 and 401 (food fabrication). I learned from him so many things and I"ll allways be greatful for his support over the years and patience. Dr. Hydrophobicity, Dr. Optimization, Dr. Food Science!!!
Rest in peace a great teacher, a great researcher and a great person. Gracias por todo Dr. Nakai!! Guillermo Arteaga
Shuryo and Michie
Emily Nakai
January 22, 2012
Emily and Dad circa 1968
Emily Nakai
January 22, 2012
Tokyo circa 1961
Emily Nakai
January 22, 2012
Kanagawa Prefecture near Tokyo about 1959
Emily Nakai
January 22, 2012
January 22, 2012
Dr. Shuryo Nakai came to the UBC Food Science Department the same year I did in 1966; he as Assistant Professor, me as student. Although, he became an internationally respected scientist his greatest contribution was his passion for helping others. As he did for many, he taught me and later mentored me. He helped me carve out my career... but much,much more he became my friend. I was privilaged to call him Shuryo. I shall miss him. "Tim Garland, Delta, BC
Yasumi Horimoto
January 22, 2012
Dr. and Mrs. Nakai were so kind and helpful to me when I came from Japan to be one of his Ph.D. students. How enormously fortunate I am to have had this world-class scientist and his gracious wife in my life. I cherish memories of Dr. Nakai as an inspiring example of the best in dedication to science and ethical behavior.
January 22, 2012
Dr. Nakai was an inspiration to the many people he touched as an educator, scientist and mentor. Like many others I am proud to have been one of his students and in addition to science, the life teachings, I learnt from him. Dr. Nakai was a respected leader and his contributions and legacy will continue to live on through the hearts and actions of the many people he has touched around the world. Thank you Dr. Nakai.
Gerry Amantea
New York
Eunice Li-Chan
January 22, 2012
Dr. Shuryo Nakai was internationally recognized as a brilliant scientist. He had a great passion for learning, for continually challenging himself and others around him, for breaking new ground, and for sharing his insights on what others could not yet see.
But for those of us who were lucky enough to have been mentored by him, Dr. Nakai was much more than all of that. He was someone who truly cared about each of us … someone who gave us not only the knowledge but also the confidence to pursue our life's and career goals. Dr. Nakai was a source of inspiration for countless students, postdoctoral fellows and visiting scientists from all over the world, and I know that I speak for many when I say that I am proud to be part of the “Nakai family of food scientists”.
To Mrs. Nakai, Hitomi, Harumi and Emily – Dr. Nakai always spoke about you with such great pride. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Thank you for sharing your husband/father with us, his “work family”, for all those years. May you find comfort in knowing that Dr. Nakai was highly respected and fondly regarded by so many, and that he has left a wonderful legacy through all of the people that he has touched and inspired.
David Kitts
January 21, 2012
Dr. Shuryo Nakai was a wonderful and supportive colleague whose enthusiasm, never tiring work ethic and strive for excellence in research had a great influence on me as a young scientist and which produced important lessons that have always stay with me. Thank you Shuryo for all your inspiration.
Dan Cumming
January 21, 2012
As an undergrad student at UBC, I recall Dr. Nakai's arrival and taking some of my most interesting courses from him. Later, upon returning to do my PhD I recall interacting with him regularly, as well as later in my own career as a food reseracher. Although I was never one of his research students, so many of my friends and colleagues were. Shuryo made an impression on all he encountered. I have no idea how many people have been inspired by his example and his kind caring approach and even though I was never actually one of "his" students, I certainly count myself as among those he touched and inspired.
My sincerest wishes are expressed here for his family as they deal with the sadness of this time. I am sure they all know better than any others just how much Shuryo was loved and respected, and in that will find comfort.
Showing 1 - 37 of 37 results
Make a Donation
in Shuryo NAKAI's name
How to support Shuryo's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Shuryo NAKAI's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
