Brian Tsutomu Nakashima

Brian Tsutomu Nakashima passed away on December 6, 2024, at the age of 96. He was born in Honolulu on January 30, 1928 to Masataro and Asano (Kawasaki) Nakashima and was the fourth of eleven children.

Brian graduated from Kahuku High School in 1946 where he played football, basketball and baseball. He married Sue Sueko Tsukamoto (deceased in 2020) in 1950. They lived in Honolulu and then in Kailua, where they raised their four children. He was drafted in 1952 into the US Army as a combat infantryman and fought in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1960 having attained the rank of Sergeant.

Brian worked at American Electric Company and Mid Pacific Electric. His work projects took him to Midway Island, Wake Island, Johnston Island, Guam, the Big Island, and the Philippines. At Mid Pacific Electric, he was the lead foreman specializing in power plants. He worked at Kahe power plant, H-Power, Waiau Power Plant, and AES Coal Plant.

In 1964, Brian helped with the building of Kailua Christian Church, where his wife became a long-time member. He coached youth sports basketball, football and baseball programs from 1965 until 2004. In addition, he coached boys and girls basketball at Kalaheo High School from 1975 until 1991 and again in 2016.

Brian always had an interest in agriculture and innovation from growing watermelon, corn, lettuce and other vegetables to designing his own hydroponics systems. He designed his own solar water system back in the 1970’s.

Brian loved travelling with his family and participating in his children’s and grandchildren’s many activities and sporting events. He took many trips with his wife around the world and took their children and grandchildren on numerous interisland, Alaska and mainland US trips. His final trip, which also included some of his great-grandchildren, was to Las Vegas to celebrate his 95th birthday. He was devoted to his family, loved sharing his knowledge of sports, and enjoyed sharing all that he grew in his garden.

Brian is survived by his four children: daughter, Laurene (Patrick) Young, and sons, Neal (Sandra), Wade (Iris), and Van (Regina); seven grandchildren: Jennifer (Jon Bowers) Oki, Liane, Michael Oki, Matthew (Kristy), Lindsey, Eryn and Lauryn; and five great-grandchildren: Daniel & Katherine, Elias & Audrey, and Diego; and 2 brothers. He is predeceased by his wife of 70 years, Sue Nakashima; 8 of his siblings; and his grandson, Brandon.

Services will be held at Hawaiian Memorial Park on Wednesday, February 5, 2024. Visitation will be from 9:00 - 10:00 with a service from 10:00 - 11:00. A private service and interment will be held at Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.