Ray Takeshi Nakanishi

Ray Takeshi Nakanishi, age 84, of Kent, Washington/Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away at home peacefully on August 27, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones. Ray overcame cancer and heart issues, but ultimately it was his lungs that could not keep up with his spirited nature.

Ray was born in Seattle, Washington, April 19, 1941 to Shizuichi and Naomi (Ishikawa), both from Japan.

He was the third youngest, following Shizuko, Tadashi, Teruko and before Wayne & Roger.

As a young boy, the family was relocated in 1943 to Heart Mountain Internment Camp in Wyoming. They were released in 1945. Upon return to Seattle, he attended Bailey Gatzert Elementary, Meany Middle School, and Garfield High School. He met Audrey Honda shortly after graduating high school and they married in 1965.

Over the next ten years, they were blessed with the births of Erin Reiko, Jamie Anne (Dennis), Ryan John (Kris) and Melissa Elizabeth (Marcus). He delighted in his grandchildren, Tanner (Nicole), Trey (Lyka), Kelsie, Taya (Ryan), Emily, Sara, Jordan, Tyson, Ethan, and Logan, and great granddaughter Xyla.

Ray worked at the City of Seattle until his retirement as the Seattle Police Department Fiscal Director in 2000 at the age of 59.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Ray very much enjoyed golfing, good food, traveling to/from Las Vegas (snowbird), volunteering (Nikkei Manor driver, Bogey Bear golf), watching the Mariners, watching Youtube videos on his giant TV at high volume, various pets (favorite dog Saltie). Ray and Audrey loved playing co-ed volleyball with Japanese Baptist Church and continued friendships after they retired from playing. Until recently, he would meet up with his previous coworkers from the City, his old softball Team, and spent time with many friends and family. He loved cars and aways joked that Audrey never gave him hard time when he changed cars.

A private inurnment will be held for immediate family on October 3rd, and there will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, October 26th at 3pm at the Mercer Island Community Center (8236 SE 24th St, Mercer Island). You all know Ray, he wouldn’t want a fussy formal service, so we’ll all gather together with family, friends, food and share some tears, laughter, and celebrate the amazing life he had and provided for all of us.

For those unable to attend in person, we will share details about how you may send condolences.