Arthur Keiichi Nishimoto

Arthur Keiichi Nishimoto passed away on January 7, 2017, from natural causes at the age of 93. He is preceded in death by his wife, Grace Fumiko Nishimoto, nee Dono, and is survived by his only siblings (a brother and a sister), 5 children, 15 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. He was born on August 28, 1923, in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he spent his boyhood. He loved swimming, surfing, spear fishing, motorcycling, singing, and playing the ukulele and harmonica. Arthur served in World War II from March 1943 until the end of the war as one of the original members of the famed Japanese-American 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the most highly decorated unit in military history. He had the distinction of leading the first American patrol into the town and surrounding area of Pisa, Italy, covering 30 miles and two miles deep into enemy territory. He was awarded the Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters for his actions during the war and a Purple Heart. He braved the racial discrimination of his time, and left a legacy of loyalty and service to country no matter the challenge. He married his high school sweetheart, Grace Fumiko Dono (nee), on January 26, 1946, and sealed to her on July 6, 1946, in the Laie Hawaii Temple. He re-enlisted in the US Army in May1948, with the rank of Second Lieutenant and served at several military bases in the United States, Alaska, Japan, and Korea. He retired after 27 years of total service in December 1971, with the rank of Colonel. Among other awards earned, he received the Legion of Merit for his service. Arthur was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He joined the church as a teenager in Hawaii and has remained an active member throughout his life. During his military career and after, Arthur served the church in various callings among which included Bishop, Mission President, Servicemen’s District President, Regional Representative, Director of Temporal Affairs, full time missionary as Area Welfare Agent in the Tokyo Japan Presiding Bishopric Area Office, Stake Patriarch, and Temple Ordinance Worker and Sealer as well as in ward and stake assignments. He also worked for the church as the Southwest Area Physical Facilities Manager. Arthur is survived by his 2 siblings, 5 children, 15 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. He is to his family a Beloved Patriarch and Patriot, an example of service to God, family, and country. His favorite scripture reads, “And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” (Mosiah 2:17)