Dale Nagasawa

Dale Nagasawa was the kind of man whose smile could light up a room and whose loyalty never wavered. Born the middle child of five, he grew up surrounded by the love and laughter of his siblings Donnie, Debby, David, and Dawn. As a boy, Dale was full of mischief and charm, often teaming up with his big sister Debby for playful adventures that became treasured family memories.

One defining moment from his childhood captured the essence of who Dale would become. He signed up for a two-mile swim which was an ambitious feat for such a young boy. Though he was the last to finish, he never gave up. He pushed through every stroke, determined to complete the race which made his father beam with pride that day. Just as he never gave up in that childhood swim, Dale’s lifelong grit and faith gave him the strength to persevere through life’s challenges with courage and humility.

Dale proudly served his country in both the United States Army and Coast Guard, dedicating years of his life to working aboard Coast Guard ships and mastering the mechanics of boilers. His service took him across the globe, feeding his love for travel and the outdoors. Whether riding his motorcycle down winding roads, smoking meat with care and pride, or shooting targets with his daughter Marina, niece Robin, and granddaughter Serenity, he found joy in every moment spent outside and in good company.

A man of quiet intelligence, Dale was a self-taught artist and musician, with a natural gift for drawing and a deep love for music. His brilliance was matched by his wit; he could solve problems with ease and always had a clever remark ready. His dry sense of humor was unmistakable, often greeting people with a simple “Oy” that somehow said everything. He made others feel at ease, could connect with anyone he spoke to, and had a way of making people laugh without even trying.

His faith shaped the way he cared for others, with loyalty, kindness, and a spirit of service. He was dependable, dedicated, and hardworking, the kind of person who always showed up, never gave up, and finished what he started. He was deeply proud of his daughter Marina, admiring her strength, resilience, and the way she became an incredible mother despite hardships that might have made others give up. His love for his grandchildren, Serenity, Max, Nicolas, and Sophia, was unconditional. His bond with his siblings remained strong throughout his life, and his best friend Bruce was a constant source of support and camaraderie.

On August 2, Dale passed peacefully with Marina, Debby and Tom, and Robin and Matthew by his side, sharing memories, laughter, and words of love. He left this world surrounded by family, hearing how deeply he was cherished.

He loved NASCAR, racing video games, and the thrill of adventure. But more than anything, he loved being present, providing for his family, sharing laughter, and making memories. He made his parents proud, lived with integrity, and fought with courage until the very end.

His absence leaves a deep ache, but his faith, devotion to his family, and legacy lives on in the stories we tell, the music we hear, and the love he gave so freely. Dale will be missed beyond measure and remembered with endless laughter.

Dale is survived by his daughter Marina and her husband Kenny. His grandchildren Serenity, Max, Nicholas, and Sophia. His brother Donnie, sister Debby and her husband Tom, his brother David and his wife Keli, his sister Dawn and her husband Eric, his niece Robin and her husband Matthew, and his nephew Marshall.

We love you, Dale.