Keith Keiji Nakayama

Keith Keiji Nakayama passed away at his home in Portland, Oregon, on August 21st, 2025, at the age of 82, due to complications from heart failure, while surrounded by his loving family, and leaving behind a legacy of laughter, connection and love of food.

Keith was born on April 10th, 1943, in Hunt, Idaho, to Kiyoko and Katsumi Nakayama, while they were imprisoned at the Minidoka War Relocation Center. He was their second of three children and their only son. 

Keith brought joy to those around him throughout his life, living briefly when he was a small child at the end of the war in Chicago, Illinois, then returning with his family to Portland, Oregon. He was in the first graduating class in 1961 from Madison High School. Keith was known for being a class clown and prankster, even having a school club named after him and he was also the Vice-President of the Boys’ League Spring Cabinet.

He briefly attended both the University of Oregon, and Portland State University, where his love of playing Bridge far outweighed his educational pursuits.

Keith eventually took over the family grocery store business, Kay’s Food Store in Southeast Portland, and later operated King Road Food Warehouse in Milwaukie, Oregon. At this time he was on the United Grocers Board of Directors, a position which afforded him and his family many travel opportunities, which he greatly cherished. 

Later, in his 40’s, he made a successful pivot to commercial real estate. He worked with his company, Prime Properties, and served on the CCIM Oregon Chapter Board, forming close and successful relationships along the way. This team of colleagues became some of his closest friends, and they “hit it out of the park” together.

Like his father, Keith was a fairly avid golfer but it was his burning curiosity and his life long love of the pursuit of knowledge that would be his hallmark, so much so that he would spend his days in his youth simply reading the dictionary from A-Z. Later in life he would channel this wealth of knowledge into his nightly viewing of his favorite game show, Jeopardy! 

Keith was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Jennifer, his parents, Katsumi and Kiyoko, his brother-in-law Jim, and his ex-wife Jane. He was followed in death just a few short weeks later by his beloved wife of 47 years, Joyce.

He is survived by his three children Tim, Amy, and Molly, and his stepsons Jay and James Nigra.  His memory lives on through his cherished grandchildren: Eleanor, Porter, Katsumi, and Ruby.

Keith shared a close bond with his sisters, Joni Kimoto-Reeves (Rod) and Leslie Nelson (John), along with his nieces and nephew and their children, (“Auntie Keith” to them) as well as the many, many friends whom he considered "family."

Known for his infectious sense of humor and ability to light up any room, he was often the life of the party and “never met a stranger”. He befriended everyone he met. He took great pride in his ability to charm people, especially ladies—whether it was the pharmacist at Safeway, his medical team, or the sample attendants at Costco. Even those who met him only briefly remembered him fondly; his warmth and charisma left a lasting impression wherever he went.

His passion for food went beyond enjoyment—it was his way of bringing people together and creating lasting memories. And as is the Nakayama way, he would often be planning food for the next family gathering before the current meal was completed. And his weekly Saturday lunch outings with some of his closest friends (which was followed by the requisite trip to Costco afterwards), was often the highlight of his week.

May his memory and laughter bring comfort to all who knew him.

A Memorial Gathering will be held for both Keith and Joyce on Saturday, November 1st, 2025 at 2:30pm at The Summerplace Clubhouse, 2020 NE 150th Ave, Portland, OR 97230

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Japanese American Museum of Oregon (JAMO).

https://jamo.org/donate/#