Isao (Sal) Nakamura

We are heartbroken in having to announce the passing of our Hero, Isao (Sal) Nakamura on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the age of 83.

He fought like the true Warrior that he was, but just became too tired to fight any longer. He gained his wings, just as he wanted, in no pain, while he slept peacefully, with his bride of just a month shy of 62 years, beside him.

Isao was born on Oct. 4, 1940, in Abbotsford, B.C. to parents Hamaji and Fusakichi, where they had a strawberry farm until the Japanese Internment forced them to relocate to Iron Springs, Alberta in 1942. From there they moved to Barnwell, then to Taber, where Isao worked on their vegetable farm and also at a corn canning factory.

He was given special permission to be able to drive, after the loss of his father, when he was just 15 years old and where he took on the role of “man of the house” to help his mother and younger brother, Roy.

Right after he graduated, he went to work for the Lethbridge Herald and did his apprenticeship for Printing and Graphic Arts Craftsman, along with performing landscaping work, with a co-worker.

While in Taber, he spotted a young lady participating in a “Japanese Nissan” Beauty Contest. As luck would have it, his good friend’s family happened to be friends of this young lady’s family. A blind date was arranged, and the rest is history! After dating for approximately 2 years, Sal decided to ask Diana to marry him, choosing the most appropriate day in his eyes….April 1st. He said he chose that date, just in case she said no, and he could say, “April Fools”! They were married on May 21, 1962, in Shelby, Montana. By the end of the 1960’s, they had 2 daughters and Sal continued his avid athleticism as a Fastball player where he displayed his quick, agility as a short stop. As well, he actively played broomball and hockey, all while being an irreplaceable, dedicated father and husband. In 1967 the young couple decided to head north to Red Deer where he gained employment with the Red Deer Advocate, as a Journeyman Printer and eventually that led into a Printer/Compositor position, working alongside a brother in-law and nephew. In the early 1970’s they welcomed another daughter completing their family of 5. He was grateful to be a father of all girls, but became extra protective, as one of the first Japanese families in Red Deer and handled discrimination with dignity and pride!

He loved sports and kept himself busy, always involved in something, eventually becoming the coach of Jr. Border Paving’s fastball team, with the likes of some future NHL players. He led his team with dedication and respect, which he always got back in return.

Fast ball and slow pitch were a huge part of his life and he also enjoyed curling with Diana. In later years, he would play and coach a slow pitch team of friends and family until retiring from the “Physical” sports and took up the game of golf for several years. He was a devoted Chicago Blackhawks fan and thoroughly loved watching the game. He kept hockey stats and collected hockey cards, which enticed him to open up “Ideal Sports Cards” with a good friend. He ran the store for a few years until it became too much while working a full-time job as well.

He continued to work at The Red Deer Advocate until his forced retirement due to a diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer in 2002. With stoic strength, positive affirmations, and Miso Soup, he turned that into an extra 21 years of life!

The family tree grew with 9 grandchildren, 1 great granddaughter and several different breeds of fur babies that always surrounded him with love.

Sal touched many lives with his great sense of humor, kind heart and interest in everyone’s background. He had cherished friends from here to Las Vegas. He had the best eyebrows in town and a head of hair to make anyone jealous! He was truly one of a kind and will forever be remembered and missed.

Isao was predeceased by his parents, Hamaji and Fusakichi and lovingly remembered by his wife, Diana; his daughters, Wanda (Tom) vanderZwan, Lisa (Mike) Slimmon, and Bridget (Neal) Tetreault; grandchildren, Landon (Cesar), Joel (Amanda), Nickila, Keegan, Nathaniel, Riley, Kiana, Kamiya and Malia; great-granddaughter, Emma; brother, Roy Nakamura; sister, Kathy (Lance); several dear nieces and nephews; and special friends, Art and Kris Psiurski.

The family would also like to mention the caring and special staff on Unit 31, who showed nothing but professionalism and compassion to Sal and Diana. Their sympathetic hearts did not go unnoticed, and we are ever grateful.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations in Isao’s memory be made to the Canadian Cancer Society www.support.cancer.ca or the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge St, Box 2414 Toronto, ON M4P1E4

Per Isao’s request, there will be no funeral service, but A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.