Kato Nakata Obituary
Daniel “Kato” Alan Nakata of Everett, Washington, passed away on December 14, 2018. Danny was born on January 10, 1949, the second of four sons to Mo and Sa Nakata of Bainbridge Island, Washington. Danny grew up picking strawberries alongside his cousins on his grandparents’ farm. Afterwards, he would cool off by jumping into the Koura pond. At Bainbridge High School, Dan was voted “Best Sense of Humour” and “Best Personality”. He was a member of the homecoming court. Anyone who would meet him later in life would not be surprised by the accolades. He graduated from BHS in 1967.
Dan went off to the University of Washington where he developed his passion for playing cards. He was hooked right away, and poker became his passion. In the 1970s Dan changed his name to “Kato” after the Green Lantern’s Japanese sidekick. To his mother he was always “Danny” but to his nieces and nephews, “Uncle Kato”. While never having kids of his own, he was always the Fun Uncle. Kato was very artistic and would draw doodles in his birthday and Christmas cards. He liked kids and was known to always have gifts and cookies at the ready to share.
Kato spent his adult life in the North Seattle and Everett areas. There he developed a close family of friends that he cared for deeply. Kato always made it home to the island for holidays. Even as he got older and health complications made travel more difficult, he would never miss a Christmas or wedding. He also spoiled his great nephews with chocolate and money.
Kato is preceded in death by his younger brother, Martin, his father, Momoichi, and his mother, Sachiko. He is survived by his brother Larry (Sandy) and brother, Ronald (Susan) both of Bainbridge Island and his nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a full house of friends that loved him for the joker he was.
A private memorial service will be held in January.
In his memory, please make a contribution to any charity of your choice.