Obituary of Kerry Lee NAGATA

November 15, 1959 – Calgary, Alberta
March 29, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Those who have the privilege of knowing Kerry, love him, and will always remember how deeply he has enriched our lives. Seven months after receiving the devastating diagnosis of advanced pancreatic cancer, Kerry died at the Foothills Medical Centre at the age of 60. Fueled by the overwhelming love he has for his children, Kerry faced cancer with the same tenacity and quiet strength that he consistently demonstrated throughout his life. Though reluctant to leave us, he has departed without fear and in his death, shows us the true meaning of what it is to live.

Predeceased by his father Roy Nagata, he is honored by his mother Luri (Oishi), his wife Erin (Walhout), children Maelle, Jona, and Shephard, his sister Cindy, brother in law Bryan McMillan, and a large and loving extended family.

Thanks to the care and empathy of our pharmacy team, and many doctors, nurses and staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Kerry was afforded more time with his loved ones, for which we are extremely grateful.

Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Kerry attended the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary, graduating with a BA and Masters of Environmental Design in Architecture. He was a respected designer, project manager and mentor in the architecture community and over his career worked on hundreds of projects throughout the Province. He cared deeply about his peers, colleagues, clients and users, and this is reflected in his work.

Kerry has carried a love of music, art, literature and photography with him throughout his life - passions he has shared with those closest to him. Kerry took beautiful photographs, especially portraits. We will always be inspired by the way he saw the world through his lens.

Though openly shared with trusted friends and our Buddhist community, Kerry’s heart was full of family. His youth was enriched by close ties to grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, these bonds remaining strong throughout his life. He was a loving partner, son, son-in-law, brother, brother-in-law and uncle. Kerry’s children are the centre of his world, and his pride and respect for them obvious to everyone. They embody their father’s compassion, stubbornness, sense of humour, strength of character, and killer smile.

"You are my sun, my moon and all of my stars." – E.E. Cummings

Our skies have darkened with your death, dear Kerry. We will look within ourselves to find new glimmers of light in our memories of you.

A private cremation ceremony will be held for the immediate family. A public celebration of life will be arranged in the future when group gatherings are permitted by the Province. For those who wish to honour Kerry in memorandum, in lieu of flowers or koden, small donations may be made to the Calgary Buddhist Temple, or a contribution made to his children’s education fund. These may be sent to kerrynagatalegacy@gmail.com. Namo Amida Butsu

In living memory of Kerry Nagata, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB, T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.