Ky "Ky" (Kiyoshi) Nii

In Loving Memory Kiyoshi “Ky” Nii passed away on May 15, 2013, just shy of his 92nd birthday. He was deeply loved by his family and friends, including his wife, children, grandchildren, and siblings. We will miss him so much. Ky will be remembered for living what he believed. As a son, he cared for his parents. He tended his first plot of farmland when he was four years old. He gave his mother a home in the last decades of her life, and helped when she was bedridden and suffering from severe dementia. As a citizen, he served well and honorably in World War II. He was among the first Japanese Americans to volunteer in the Army, and later parachuted into France and Germany. He survived a shipwreck in the Atlantic, and was awarded the Purple Heart for his valor. He loved his country. He believed in its boundless opportunities, and worked tirelessly to fulfill the “American Dream.” He built several successful businesses, including the Plaza Lanes bowling and entertainment center, an insurance agency, and numerous residential and commercial investment properties. As a faithful convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served two full-time missions. The first was a three-year mission to Japan. The second he served with his wife, Chizuko, at the Honolulu Hawaii Visitors Center. In both, he earned the respect of his fellow missionaries, and the blessings that accompany service to his God. Over five decades, he also held many leadership roles in his congregation. And, as a husband, father and grandfather, he provided unwavering support. He demonstrated the values he taught—loyalty, hard work, imagination, the pursuit of knowledge, and independence. He supported his children and grandchildren in their times of need, encouraged those who struggled and, in his unique way, loved fiercely those he held dear. He communicated through his actions when the words were difficult. His actions spoke volumes. He is survived by his son Alan; daughters Joy, Gloria, and Jenifer; sister Betty; 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Chizuko; son, Tracy; parents Itsu and Ichimasa; and brothers Shigeru, Tsuneo, and Koichi. His family wishes to thank the kind people at Welcome Home Assisted Living of Bountiful, Utah, and all the staff at Inspiration Hospice, especially his nurses, Alice, Dee, Jorge, and Elmer, who provided such compassionate, gentle care. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 24, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The family will meet with friends at 1:00 p.m. prior to the services. Interment will be at Fielding Memorial Cemetery.

Funeral Services - Friday

2 pm ,Friday, May 24, 2013 Wood Funeral Home 273 North Ridge Avenue Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Notes: The family will meet with friends at 1:00 p.m. prior to the services. Interment will be at Fielding Memorial Cemetery.