May 24, 1942 - January 6, 2022
Arthur James Nakano passed away peacefully on January 6, 2022 in Nanaimo, BC at the age of 79.
Art is survived by his children, Gerald (Marilee), Doug (Laura), and Sandra; grandchildren,Ty and Amanda; brothers, Doug (Sandy), Nelson (Gladys), David (Kaz), and Bill (Kathy); several nieces and nephews, and many lifelong friends.
Art was born in Dawson City, Yukon on May 24, 1942; the first son of Mich and Winnie Nakano. After the Dawson school burned down in 1957, Art attended school in Calgary and Edmonton, before embarking on a varied career.
Art was intelligent, a quick learner, and wasn't afraid of hard work, which allowed him success as a warehouseman (Bridge Brand), surveyor (Mica and Revelstoke Dam projects), restauranteur (Smitty's Salmon Arm), and in his later years in the security field.
Art was an avid sportsmen and especially loved curling and golf. In his younger years he waterskied, snow skied, played ball, and he had a keen mind for crosswords, cards, and backgammon.
He liked travelling and had fond memories of his Italy trip with his brother Nelson, along with many trips to Hawaii to spend time with his good friend Terry Boyer.
During his years as owner and operator of Smitty's Salmon Arm (together with wife Deb, who ran the books and backend - not Art's forte!), Art was very active in the local business community, and in particular with the Salmon Arm Rotary Club.
The family would like to give special mention and thanks to Keith Gellibrand and Harriett Butterworth, true friends who knew Art most of his life but in particular were always there for him ever since he moved to Nanaimo.
E-mail invites for a Celebration of Life via Zoom will be sent out to family and friends in the near future.