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| George Shigeyuki Nakano |
George Shigeyuki Nakano was born on December 21, 1928 in Venice, California to Minokichi and Kima Nakano. He grew up in Oceanside, California.
After the attack at Pearl Harbor, his father was picked up by the FBI and was eventually sent to the Santa Fe, New Mexico Department of Justice detention prison. On May 15, 1942, his mother and siblings were interned at the Poston, Arizona camp block 27-13-AB. His father was paroled and joined the family at Poston on June 2, 1942. Although he would view this period with adult perspective as he grew older, he often said as a young boy this was a great time to hang out and play with all the other Japanese kids. It was true testament to the positive "glass is half full" kind of guy that he would be his entire life. It also summed up the value that he placed on friendships. The family left Poston and returned to Oceanside on August 20, 19452.
George graduated from Oceanside-Carlsbad Union High School in 1948. He served in the United States Army from 1950-1952 before attending Oceanside-Carlsbad College. In 1954, he moved to Caldwell, Idaho to attend The College of Idaho with a football scholarship. In addition to football, George was a member of the boxing team.
In 1957, George met Elaine Lutes, and they were married on August 29, 1959 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Caldwell, Idaho.
Together they raised four children, Nikki, Tad, Karin, and Kristin. Upon graduation from The College of Idaho, George began his teaching and coaching career at Middleton High School. After two years, he moved to Caldwell Jr. High School and a year later to Caldwell High School where he coached football, wrestling, and track. In 1968, he accepted a teaching and coaching position at Borah High School that would span 19 years. His 30-year coaching career allowed George to positively influence the lives of young student athletes.
Throughout his career, George was the recipient of several awards. These include, the Charlie Alvaro Athletic Award, the A1 and A2 Track Coach of the Year, the Gary Comstock Memorial Award, the Idaho High School Activities Association Hall of Fame, and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame "Lifetime Achievement to Wrestling." In addition to his teaching and coaching career, George had a passion for teaching driver's training. In 1982, he opened Nakano Driving School. In the 23 years he ran the business, George taught hundreds of teens and adults to drive using his patented wheel. On July 18, 2010, he passed away at the age of 81 years.
George is survived by his wife of 50 years, Elaine; daughter, Nikki Nakano, Karin (Jeff) Loffer, and Kristin (Charlie) Finley; son, Tad (Juli) Nakano; brothers, Ben Nakano, and Bob (Sue) Nakano; and sisters, Frances Carvajal and Iris Imoto.
