Betty Kimiye Nishikawa Harrison

Betty Kimiye Nishikawa Harrison was born in Vancouver, Canada on February 18, 1932 to parents Kyushu and Masa Nishikawa. She was one of four siblings, with two sisters Miki and Shirley, and brother Bob. After a time in El Paso, Betty made her way to Seattle and settled into a life and career in the travel and tourism industry managing Tradewind Tours of Hawaii and Hawaii Leisure for several decades. She was beloved by her many coworkers and friends over the years who admired her leadership and light heartedness. For many years she traveled to Hawaii for business staying at her favorite hotel The Outrigger on Waikiki Beach… then along with family enjoying for many more years.

Betty’s paramount passion was her family who brought her great joy and to whom she was steadfastly devoted. Russell, her beloved son, remembers her as just being so very loving and caring. She never spoke harshly of anyone.

She was married to Ron Harrison for 47 years, and she adored him. She was a dedicated wife, in addition to being an amazing mother.

The Harrison–Nishikawa clan was a boating family. They loved to fish, even commercial fishing for several years. Betty would often drive the boat, while the men were fishing, sometimes 8-10 hours a day. They visited every Port in Washington such as La Conner, Pt. Ludlow, Gig Harbor, Roche Harbor, completing every journey with shopping, discovering new restaurants, and visiting farmers markets. She found great joy in boating because, simply put, everyone was together. Moorage at Shilshole always included dinner out and then watching a movie on the boat.

When I asked the family what hobbies Betty had, they replied “Family was her hobby”: as long as family was there whether on the boat or on a trip to Vegas or out to eat Benihana, Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse, being under the cherry blossom tree for birthdays or out to lunch with Cathy and the girls for Dim Sum - family meant the world to Betty. She loved being with all of them at every opportunity, attending school events, being their Godmother at baptisms, traveling to basketball games, soccer games to be with her loved grandchildren. They adored her back and they were close. Betty treasured spending time with grandchildren especially enjoying the Hawaii vacations with family. Her presence always brought such comfort.

Betty’s unending determination as a kidney patient for over 20 years was a testament to her family of her strength and will. The determination she showed, not for herself but for her family, was astonishing. She never gave up, and we are all extremely grateful that she was our joy.

Betty will be remembered as a woman who was all about family; she was the thread that wove her tight-knit family together, never asking for anything, never wanted anything for herself. She was always there for everyone else; for her family and friends.

Betty passed away on June 26th, 2020 in Bellevue Washington. She was 88 years old.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Bob.

Betty is survived by her spouse of 47 years Ronald Harrison, her beloved son Russell Nishikawa and daughter in law, Cathy Nishikawa.

She also leaves behind her grandchildren Russell Nishikawa Jr (with Rithida), Trisha Nishikawa, Kimberly Nishikawa and Jason (with Aimee) Harrison her great grandchildren Jordan Nishikawa, Grady Harrison, Ali Harrison, and her step daughter Jenelle Harrison

She is survived by her sisters Miki and Shirley, and many nieces, and nephews.

Words cannot express the sadness her family and friends feel at Betty’s passing. She will be so greatly missed and lovingly remembered though her legacy will live on forever in the hearts of each one of her family members and friends. As we said to each other at every departing of being together… sayonara this time… Betty “sayonara” until we meet again.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to leave a memorial contribution in memory of Betty to Northwest Kidney Centers https://www.nwkidney.org/how-to-help/donate-online/