Sam Isamu Nakahara

About

San Jose State University

Sam Nakahara Obituary

Born December 6, 1926 in Isleton, California. Passed away unexpectedly at home on February 16, 2015, age 88. He is survived by his daughter, Tami, son-in-law, Scott Delman, and grandchildren, Kai and Alani, as well as his loving companion, Helen Kim; siblings Louise Miyao, Marie Yamada, Ray Nakahara (Nancy), Sue Hara, sister-in-law Eiko, and many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his beloved wife Lily and by brothers Ichiro and Yoshio and in-laws George Miyao, Mitsue Nakahara, Masayoshi Yamada, and Toshichika Hara. He received a masters degree from San Jose State University, graduated from Fruta High School, and during WWII, attended Gila, Arizona Internment Camp II High School. Sam was an Army veteran, farmer, teacher. He taught industrial arts and math at Arden Middle School for over 20 years, and generously shared his love of tinkering, fixing and building with family, friends and neighbors. He was a principled man with a huge heart and he will be deeply missed. In lieu of koden or flowers, we would appreciate your making donations to the American Cancer Society.

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Published by The Sacramento Bee on Feb. 20, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Sam Nakahara

13 Entries

Todd Bruce

March 22, 2018

Mr Nakahara always called us people. People people please settle down. He made a impact on my life. Thank you sir for all you taught us.

John Dingman

February 23, 2015

To the family of Mr Nakahara there is a big conversation about him on my Facebook page. He was my teacher at Arden School in 1968-69. I hope he realized the impact he had on us all as our teacher. To this day I use the lessons that he taught me when working on different projects.

February 22, 2015

We are so sorry for your loss. He was very kind and friendly. Juana and Louis Gutierrez

Rebecca Byrd Steffensrud

February 21, 2015

Mr. Nakahara called us "knucklehead"...in a kind way. I had forgotten that until a classmate reminded us! I remember his laughter.

Steve Norberg

February 21, 2015

I`m sorry to hear of Mr. Nakahara`s passing. My thoughts are with his family. He was my favorite teacher and friend through Junior High and High School as my interests were in Industrial Arts. As I went through life and my career as an industrial electrician, I would use his teachings in educating my apprentices and in my own life. I thought of him often. He made a big impression on me, and many other schoolmates that chose the same career path. He was my shop teacher at Campos Verdes Jr. High. for 8th,9th, and 10th grade, 1963,`64,`65. When there was room for us at Highlands High, Mr. Nakahara wrote a letter of recommendation for me to be able to take two periods of metal shop in my junior year, that was required by the Highlands shop teacher because I hadn`t been a student of his. Mr. Nakahara was a true gentleman and respected all of his students by calling us "gentlemen" when other teachers may have used other descriptive words. Thank you, Mr. Nakahara for my Industrial Arts education, and let it be known, I never start a project without a plan of procedure and a mechanical drawing. I`m sorry I couldn`t have thanked you in person. Steve Norberg

Chris Hyers

February 21, 2015

Some of were lucky enough to see his contributions to our youth beyond the classroom. He supported by achievement in becoming an Eagle Scout and showed up the the ceremony...an up and beyond moment by a teacher that made a huge impression on me. Special man, know our thoughts and prayers are with you as you cope with the loss.

Jon Simas

February 20, 2015

Mr Sam Nakahara really represented a principled man. I was a student of his in 74-75 at Arden Jr High. I still remember his favorite saying in his wood shop class "quarter inch". This was his tolerance for any given project we may have been working on. I will forever hold fond memories of such a great man who happened to teach me a few things about honor and dignity and respect. I am proud to have known you Mr. Nakahara.
Jon Simas, Carmichael, Ca.

Debbie Kanzler Astle

February 20, 2015

So enjoyed him as my teacher at Arden. Such a nice man and fun teacher...RIP. Hugs to his family. Thank you for sharing him with us students....

February 20, 2015

Tami
I knew your father as an honest.caring person who had great love for you and your extended family. He really made Arden a better place with his dedication to Arden school and his students It was a pleasure to have known him
Don Homer

Michelle Armstrong

February 20, 2015

Mr. Nakahara was an awesome man and incredible teacher. I learned a lot in his construction class . I loved walking past his garden on my way to the park and talking to him about his egglants! My condolences to his family.

DENNIS LARSON

February 20, 2015

Mr. Nakahara,
Thank you for your dedication and keeping your classes entertaining with your dry sense of humor. You will be missed.

D. Larson II
Arden School 1974-1975

Chris Balaam

February 20, 2015

There are many nice memories being posted by his former students on Facebook. Sam had a great impact on his students. Our appreciation for his work is well documented under The Rio Americano HS Reunion site (Many of us went to Arden, that's why it's on the Rio Site on Facebook).

John Stetson

February 20, 2015

Thank you Mr. Nakahara for the lessons you taught us in woodshop about what kind of sandpaper to use, and life in general.
Thank you

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