Harold Takeshi Nakano (also known as Nakan and Boppo), former longtime Hermiston resident, died on March 4, 2023 in his home in Nampa, Idaho at the age of 81 after a short struggle with liver failure.
Harold was born on May 5, 1941 in Ogden, Utah to Takeo and Lily Nakano.
He graduated from Marsing High School in 1959 and went on to attend Idaho State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree. He was short in stature but mighty in spirit and body, winning the high school state championship in wrestling his junior year. He later went on to become an accomplished tennis and racquetball player and even earned a black belt in judo.
Harold then worked in the banking industry for many years, eventually taking his banking and accounting talents overseas in Libya. He had a successful career in many capacities before moving back to Idaho in the mid-‘80s to care for his parents. He then moved to Hermiston to take a position working with his brother-in-law, Sach Mikami, at Mikami Brothers Farm.
Harold and Erla were married in June 1987 in Boise, Idaho. They lived in Hermiston for over 30 years, making many friends and memories along the way.
Boppo (a name given to him by his young grandchildren) enjoyed gardening and cooking, but mostly he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He loved teasing the kids and feeding them with homemade Japanese noodles, weenies, rice, and homemade ice cream. He also had great taste in a variety of automobiles. Many friends and family members will remember Harold/Nakan/Boppo for his generosity and gifting of Hermiston watermelons, making trips to Idaho with a truckload of melons to share with family and friends. He was loved by everyone who met him, and we believe was one of the most selfless men that God ever created. His quiet compassion and caring soul were an example to all of us.
Harold is survived by his wife of 35 years, Erla Lehman Nakano, Nampa; son, Jim Stoner, Nampa; daughter, Susie Brocke, Meridian, Idaho; son, Jay Stoner, Boise, Idaho; grandchildren, Fin Stoner, Allie, Kaden and Kortland Brocke and Ashley and Adam Stoner; his sisters, Miyoko Mikami of Hermiston and Joyce Kirk of Burley; brothers, Wallace (Wally) Nakano of Meridian and Sandy Nakano of California; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Takeo and Lily Nakano.
A celebration of life open house will be held on Saturday, March 18 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Spur Wing Country Club in Meridian, Idaho.
There will also be a ceremony held at Burns Mortuary Chapel in Hermiston on Saturday, March 25 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests jarred candles that can be lit in his memory so his loving light shines on.
Please share memories of Harold with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
