Richard M. Nakagawa

September 28, 1947 - May 19, 2017

Richard M. Nakagawa, 69, of Haiku passed away peacefully on May 19, 2017, with his loving family by his side. Services honoring Mr. Nakagawa were held privately at Nakamura Mortuary followed by internment at the Makawao Veterans Cemetery with military honors. Nakamura Mortuary assisted with arrangements. He served proudly in the US Army, attended University of Hawaii (attained BS degree), and worked for DLNR as a nursery worker. He managed the State nursery near Kahului Airport and propagated and gave away huge variety of plants to Mauians. He was an avid savior and propagator of Hawaiian native plants, served as director at the DT Fleming Arboretum and President of the Native Hawaiian Plant Society. Richard worked and volunteered as a plant propagation specialist to preserve Hawaii's rare plants at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. One of the rare Kokio cookei tree which he propogated is dedicated in his name at the Arboretum. Richard loved diving for shells and travelled extensively in the South Pacific. His shell collection of over 10,900 specimens have been donated to the Bishop Museum. Richard was predeceased by his father, Masaaki "Mohawk" Nakagawa, and his sister, Joanne. He leaves to cherish his memory, mother, Misao Nakagawa; brother Thomas (Alice) Nakagawa; sister Francine (John) Paxson.