Obituary of Walter Toshio Nakata

Walter was born in Honolulu Hawaii on July 20, 1936 to Seiyu and Shizuko Serikaku Nakata. He graduated from Castle High School in Kaneohe, (Oahu) HI. After 13 years in the Marines, he joined the Air Force where he retired at McChord Air Force Base. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Muriel Ann Chee Nix. After he retired, he went to Clover Park Technical College for the next two years to earn his Airplane & Powerplant license. He was a dedicated Boeing Aerospace Hydraulic Specialist for 25 years. His love of sports and appreciation of competition was something that served as a lifelong passion. While many would describe him as a quiet man, his experiences and life made him more complex than some would believe. He possessed a quiet conviction and a warm-hearted dedication to his family, friends, and obligations. He is survived by his son Nichol “Nicky” Kalai Nakata and his inherited children, Harvey Bob Nix (Cheryl), Mary Jeanne “Googie” McGowan (Tom) and Sonia Grey (Walter) as the rest of his children. Steven Rideout is one of his original son-in-laws and continued to be a part of Walter’s life. He is survived by 9 grandchildren; Yvette Terui (Stacy Ofsthun), Carolyn Hyman, Jeremy Nix, Mary Grace Rideout, Bobbie Swaggerty, Andrea Rideout, Paul Nix, Stephanie Rideout (Jonathan Redding) and Gregory McGowan and 11 great grandchildren; Hokulani, Makani-Ke-Oe, Keali’i, Ikaikaokealohilani, and Nainoaponoo’nipa’a Ofsthun, Kaleinani Rideout , Nadia Fortner, Kuli’a Whitfield, Lorraynce Aoki, Jonathan and Serene Redding. He is also survived by 4 siblings; Frances Kushino (Richard), Robert Nakata (Jo Anna), Jean Nakata, Marion Sasamura (Clyde) and many nieces and nephews. His brother Stanley Nakata is already home to welcome Walter in heaven. The Viewing will be held at 10:00 am at Indian Fellowship Church, 2232 E. 28th St., Tacoma, WA 98404 with services to follow at 11 am. All flowers and remembrances may be sent to the Indian Fellowship Church. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial 253-566-1008