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George Kimiyoshi Nagano

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University of California| Berkeley

George Nagano Obituary

George Kimiyoshi Nagano, 86, passed away Friday, Feb. 10, 2012 He was born to Yoshio and Kanaru Nagano in Morro Bay. Since he was the baby of the family, he enjoyed the attentions of his older siblings William, Patrick, Ellen and Nellie. During World War II, he was able to leave the internment camp in Poston, Ariz., and joined the U.S. Army. He was in the Military Intelligence Service. stationed in the Philippines. After the War, he took advantage of the GI Bill and attended UC Berkeley. He graduated with a degree in Architecture. George returned to Morro Bay in 1951 to help with the family farm. He later began a long career as a successful architect. His family is grateful George enjoyed many, many years pursuing his various passions golf, extensive travel and his avocado ranch. George is survived by his wife, Merri Bordegaray Nagano; siblings Patrick, Ellen Shibuya and Nellie Taniguchi; six nieces and nephews; children Kent (Mari Kodama), Joan Nagano (John Yee), Neil (Debbie Young) and Carol Nagano (Mark Hubbell); and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Bill. A memorial service at the San Luis Obispo Buddhist Temple is pending.

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Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Feb. 15, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for George Nagano

20 Entries

Alaska

Andy Hinsdale

March 15, 2012

Alaska

Andy Hinsdale

March 15, 2012

Amy Cutter

March 7, 2012

Ruth, Kent, Joan, and Carol: I was saddened to hear about George's passing. George was a friend of our family for 50 odd years. Never mind our great times together through the years I also remember the river trip we took down the Rogue River in Oregon with both our families. I haven't seen you for many years but I do think of you often. I wish you well. Amy Cutter (daughter of Dorothy and Fred)

March 6, 2012

Although I have not seen george in many years, I can still picture him and his voice and his manner. I will always remember him with great respect and fondness. My condolences to his family. Allen W. Wooddell

Judy Froggatt Niemie

March 4, 2012

Dear Naganos,
I'm thinking of you all today, wishing I could be there to celebrate your father's life with you. He was a very special man, probably the best friend of my dad. Jack, Phoebe and I will never forget your father's loyalty to our dad during our dad's last years and we'll be forever enriched by your family's friendship. Rich memories and much love to you!

Brooke Cadwell

March 3, 2012

Grandpa George will forever remain the most influential man in my life. How blessed I was to be welcomed into his beautiful home as if I truly belonged. Many happy memories throughout the years. As an adult, it is only now that I see all the enrichments both Grandpa George and my grandmother had afforded me. I am so glad my boys were able to get to know the wonderful man that he is.
Alas, he can get back out on the golf course, drive fast with the top down, pour himself a glass of red wine, and enjoy his youth again.

George in Cortina, Italy

Andy Hinsdale

February 25, 2012

Stoney Point in Cayucos

Andy Hinsdale

February 25, 2012

Classic Cayucos

Andy Hinsdale

February 25, 2012

Andy Hinsdale & Family

February 25, 2012

A few thoughts and memories about Uncle George. First off, calling him Uncle George would get you a smirk and a glare and then an "OK! what do you want" He knew you probably wanted something when you called him Uncle, which was true from time to time. Fortunately, I mostly called him George. I first met George in the early '70s. When I bought a small house in Cayucos, he spent many hours helping me with detailed drawings of improvements, including how to make my own doors and windows. Little did I know I was working with a master architect. Over the years I was quite fortunate to have been able to work on several buildings that George designed for me. There weren't a lot of 8' walls in George's design world. There were soaring ceilings, cantalivered decks, and walls and doors of glass. He loved to play with space. He would created a large volume shell and then proceed to divide up the interior into different levels where he could craft out detailed built in cabinents and useful work and entertainment areas. He hated wasted space. He liked to bring the outside in and with his ever presant creativity, he created some master pieces. I've included a couple of pictures of my favorites in Cayucos. They are in the guest book.

George was also quite an athlete. Golf was a passion of his and he could be found on our local links a couple of times a week, when all was going well. He had a smooth well groved swing, and it was not unusual for him to shoot in the low 70s. That's really, really good! He also liked to go snow sking and became quite good at it as well. I've included a picture of him on a ski trip in Cortina, Italy. It is in the guest book. The picture above is of George sailing the High Seas on his way back from Santa Cruz Island.

So, Cheers to you George, your friends and family! We'll never forget you!

Cyndy Mills

February 23, 2012

To Kent, Joan, Neil, and Carol Nagano please accept my sympathies regarding the death of your father. Our parents knew yours for so long...

February 20, 2012

Goerge was an inspiration to us and a friend. We enjoyed many conversations and times of receiving his calming influence. He was such a gentle soul and was a joy to be around. He as a wonderful neigbor to us when we lived in Cayucos.
Don and Toppy Miller

Adeline (Corpuz) Orr

February 18, 2012

Dear Kent, Joan, Neil, Carol and your families - Deepest sympathies from the Corpuz family. May the memories of your father always be with you.

Susan Cefalu Maharry

February 18, 2012

My deepest condolences to the Nagano family. Our family was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please take care.

February 17, 2012

Pat, Kent and Merri - My love and sympathy go out to you from my heart. This is one of the hardest times you will ever go through, to lose your husband, father or brother. I have known the Nagano family for so many years and George shall be missed greatly by so many of those whose lives he has touched over the years. If there ever is anything I can do to help, in any way, please let me know. May God Bless and Keep you... Shirley Fisher and Family

February 16, 2012

Kent - Ernie and I extend our sympathy to you and your family .....it is hard when a loved one passes - your father sounds like an amazing man who accomplished much in his life. Take care, and we hope you find peaceful and happy memories to carry you thru the days ahead. Suzan & Ernie Estrada

Tog Tognazzini

February 16, 2012

Ruth: Please extend the sympathy of all of the Tognazzini family to your children and I am sure, grandchildren. I never really knew George too well, but having known you and your family during my happy days at the Morro Elementary School, I feel so sorry for you. George was really too young to die.

Tog and Henrietta and our eight children who knew your family.

Phoebe Froggatt Brubaker

February 15, 2012

We are so sorry to hear of Uncle George's death. We had so many happy memories growing up on Cerrito Place with the Nagano's, and George and our dad were always close friends. Kent, Neil, Carol and Joan and families - we are thinking of you now during this difficult time - we know how close you were to your dad. The Froggatt's - Judy, Phoebe and Jack

richard may

February 15, 2012

George was a man with unlimited energy. He was interested in so many things and enjoyed all the best life had to offer. He was a very talented artist and also very was so humble. HE seemed ageless, in 38 years that I knew him, he always looked the same. TThe people of the central coast will miss him. R.H.May, Morro Bay.

Jim Merzon

February 15, 2012

George was unique. Though I haven't seen much of George in recent years, the coast without him is a different place.

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