Dr. Peter Mamoru Nakamura, 88, passed away peacefully in his sleep, on January 28, 2023, in the VA Medical Center Hospice Unit, in Palo Alto, CA. A long-time resident of Juneau, AK, Pete was taken to California in December, for medical care related to a recent diagnosis of gastric cancer. He was surrounded by family and friends and received messages of love, support, and encouragement from far and wide.

A native of Portland, OR, Pete was born on April 30, 1934, to first-generation Japanese American parents, the youngest of 8 siblings. At age 7, he and his family were relocated to internment camps during World War II, first in Portland, and later to the Minidoka War Relocation Center, in Idaho. The four years spent in internment colored the rest of his life, but never dampened his spirit or pride in being an American.

Pete graduated from the University of Oregon and went on to earn a medical degree from the Oregon Health & Science University in 1961. He married his wife, Lois, in August 1964, and they wasted no time embarking on a life of adventure, which took them to Pakistan (1964-'66) and Sarawak (1966-'67). During these experiences, Pete served as a Medical Director for the American Peace Corps, and Lois his nursing assistant. Following this, Pete joined the United States Public Health Service as a member of the uniformed Commissioned Corps, where he achieved the rank of Captain. His assignments with the Indian Health Service took him from Anchorage, Alaska, to Bethel, AK, Window Rock, AZ, and Portland, OR. Along the way, his children, Kristin and Kevin, were born. Pete retired from the Indian Health Service in 1991 and returned to Alaska, this time to Juneau, where he was recruited to lead the state Public Health Department. He performed this job for 10 years, serving across multiple administrations, retiring for his second time in 2001.

Wherever they went, Pete and Lois made many close and dear friends who shared a love for the outdoors, good food, advocacy for the underserved, and the company of others. An avid fisherman, he cherished taking people out on their boat, the Cracklin' Rosie, to catch salmon, halibut, black cod, and king crab, and to watch whales, eagles, and other Alaskan wildlife. A phenomenal cook, his smoked salmon and strawberry rhubarb pie, are legendary. Pete was fun-loving, creative, and adventurous, and always found humor and optimism even in the most trying of times.

He has chronicled his vast life experiences in an autobiography provisionally entitled, "Beyond the Barbed Wire in America," a book he finished shortly before his passing, which his children will see to completion and publication.

Pete was preceded in death by his wife, Lois, his brothers George, Bill, and Mitz, and his sister, Ida. He is survived by his daughter Kristin, son-in-law Kourosh, son Kevin, daughter-in-law Hanna, and grandson Cole, as well as his brother Harry, and sister Lily.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no public funeral or memorial services. In lieu of flowers, donations, koden, or other items, please honor Pete by enjoying life to its fullest, and showing gratitude and graciousness to others!