Nicholas “Nick” Andrew Kiya

1948 - 2022

Nicholas "Nick" Andrew Kiya went home to the Lord on 18 August 2022 after a brief and unexpected Illness. He was born in Osaka, Japan, on 3 November 1948. Nick was an "odd duck" but a much beloved odd duck. Nick had a huge heart and was known among his family and many friends for his generosity, kindness, and thoughtfulness—he was always thinking of others and doing things for them. Nick grew up as an "Army brat" and lived in a diversity of places including Palo Alto, Ft Shafter, Hawaii (then a territory), Ft Sam Houston, Texas, and Camp Zama, Japan. He graduated from high school in Glen Burnie, Maryland (his Dad was stationed at nearby Ft Meade, Maryland). Nick attended Foothill College and Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State). He worked for Cost Plus for 19 years and also for Revo (manufacturer of high-end sunglasses that Nick advocated to everyone he knew) and, as an Owens & Minor employee, at Stanford Hospital. After he retired, Nick enjoyed part-time volunteer work at the Palo Alto Museum of American Heritage. Nick had many hobbies and interests and was a huge sports, music, and movie/television fan. He had a passion for fishing and had just returned from a fishing excursion before being hospitalized and shared (as always) the salmon he caught with appreciative friends and family. He was a 40 year 49er season ticket holder and also loved the Giants, Warriors, and Sharks. Over the years, Nick saw many of his favorite musicians at venues such as Shoreline, Mountain Winery, Montalvo, as well as Keystone Palo Alto. He had a widely varied taste in movies and television programs but, among others, loved The Producers, Buckaroo Banzai, Star Trek, and Pinky and the Brain. Nick was a photographer and a collector of photographs including photos by Ansel Adams, Ruth Bernard, and Edward Weston. He also had a wondrous collection of movie, television, and sports memorabilia. Nick doted on his niece Elise and nephews Sean, Alex, Matt, and Mitchell, all of whom he adored. Nick is survived by his niece and nephews as well as his brothers Mike and Jon, sister Karen Dillon, Aunt Arlene Shamoto, and many cousins including Yuki Shamoto (children Sydney, Cameron, Isabelle), Susan Shamoto (Jim McGovern, children Seamus, Finbar), Stephanie Kiya, Gary Yamamoto (daughter Tammy), Roy Yamamoto (Marie, children Melissa, Rayanne), Dr Jerry Iguichi, and Linda Yamamoto. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Sam and sister-in-law Andrea, both very dear to him. He joins his beloved Mom and Dad (as well as many other family and friends) in Paradise. The family wishes to recognize the wonderful care Nick received at the Kaiser Redwood City ICU, where he spent his last days. Appropriate for the fisherman, Nick's ashes will be scattered at sea. The family invites anyone who knew Nick to join us for an informal celebration of his life on Saturday, 24 September, 2 pm, at Gamble Gardens in Palo Alto.