Larry Allen Nukaya

Engines Roaring and Adrenaline Pumping!! This describes one of the most memorable chapters in the too short life of Larry Allen Nukaya, born March 5, 1959, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away suddenly June 16, 2021. Larry was the fifth child of George Hisao (Speed) Nukaya and DeAun Irene Stewart Nukaya. Larry readily admitted to, and enjoyed teasing the older siblings, about being the “Golden Child”.

The family lived in Roberts, Idaho, and enjoyed the farm life. The kids all learned many useful skills and how to work hard.

In the winter, when his brothers and sister were in school, Larry and his Dad would sneak away on practically a daily basis to hit the slopes at Kelly Canyon.  It was maddening to see Dad and Larry getting home from skiing just as we were getting off the school bus! It naturally follows that Larry was an avid skier from a very early age.  He looked like a little gnat, with his ski hat trailing, arms extended, navigating the steepest slopes in a snow plow position. He became a very accomplished, graceful and fluid skier.

After graduating from Rigby High School, Larry worked as a mechanic. Using his many talents and the skills he developed while on the farm, he built The Blue Max. His very own Monster Truck. For 15 years he traveled the US, including Hawaii, Canada and Mexico, doing the mechanical work and racing The Blue Max, one of Idaho’s first and only Monster Trucks. It was his passion and always a crowd favorite at the big shows and events.

After retiring from the racing scene, he worked as a welder, commercial truck driver, then a mechanic at the INL and later a supervisor.

Not having enough to do, he started Snake River Dirt Works. He really enjoyed just “stirring dirt”. God must have needed some dirt moved and knew that Larry was the one for the job!  He always had a “little” project he was working on.  For instance, the horse/car trailer. His friends said it was Larry’s nemesis. He would endlessly change the darn thing. He would explain how he could take out this and that and it would become a car hauler. All his friends could think was “Just finish the thing!” LOL Larry was rightfully proud of the things he built: his monster truck, trailers, dirt moving trucks, his motorbike, even that darn horse/car trailer.  Another project Larry had on the back burner was refurbishing a used Peterbilt semi.

Larry’s main hobby was his work! He had a love of animals, enjoyed attending concerts, horse races and rodeos, boating, fishing, hunting, traveling and eating out.  He also was an accomplished cook and frequently made many Japanese favorites, and kept the Japanese tradition of making Mochi for New Years.

He had some great friendships and shared good times playing pool and darts and just hanging out.

Larry took great time and care in looking after his Mom, and shared a special relationship with her, right up to the end of his life. Larry will always be remembered for his great stories, and being a favorite to his many nieces and nephews, who were always anxious to see and spend time with him.

Surviving Larry are his Mother, DeAun Nukaya, Idaho Falls, ID;  brother Jay (Afton) Nukaya, Roberts, ID; sister Pam Mulberry-Summers, Idaho Falls, ID; and brother Rick Nukaya, Idaho Falls, ID.

Larry was preceded in death by his father George “Speed” Nukaya, brother DelRay Nukaya, and niece, Debra Mulberry.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 9, 2021, at Fielding Memorial Park.