Ted Nagata
October 5, 1935 - July 24, 2024
Ted Nagata was born in Santa Monica, California on October 5, 1935 to James and Toshi Nagata. He passed away on July 24, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1939, his family moved to Berkeley California. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, the US government, fearing espionage, issued Executive Order 9066 which ordered all people of Japanese descent on the west coast to be incarcerated immediately to inland camps because they looked like the enemy. Ted, his older sister Carol, and his parents were among those incarcerated in Topaz, Utah, despite being 2nd and 3rd generation Japanese Americans. They lost everything they owned, and could only bring with them what they could carry. After the war, his family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. Early on, Ted and his sister spent time living at St Anne’s orphanage because his parents could not care for them. He had fond memories of the orphanage and he enjoyed his time there. He later attended Jackson Elementary, Horace Mann Junior High, and graduated from West High School in 1953. After high school he worked at Hotel Utah to pay for his college education at the University of Utah. He was one of the first students to graduate with a Masters’ Degree in Commercial Art. Alvin Gittins, Keith Eddington, Sherm Martin and Doug Snow were professors at the University who had a great influence on Ted.
In 1958 he married the love of his life, Yeiko Nagasawa. She worked to support him through graduate school and later worked alongside Ted’s graphic design business as the office manager. They have two daughters, Stephanie (Stan Nakamura) and Susan (Charlie Brown). He has seven grandchildren, Alli (Joseph Cho), Sarah Anne (Howard Tong), Koji, MeiXing, & Lala. He is survived by his wife, daughters, son in laws, grandchildren, sisters Carol & Dianne, brothers and sisters in laws Sam Tanaka, Isamu & Jeanne Nagasawa, Kazuko & Mike Yamada and several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, grandson Kinzo Nagata-Brown, brothers & sisters in laws Iwao & Mutsuko Nagasawa, Tak Nagasawa, Eddie Nagasawa, and many Uncles and Aunts from Hawaii and California.
His first job after graduation he worked for Keith Montague for whom he had the greatest respect. Ted then started his own business, Ted Nagata Graphic Design, until he retired 45 years later. One of his most well-known works was the Snowbird ski resort logo that he designed in 1971. Ted designed many logos that are familiar in the Salt Lake area. Ken Garff Automotive, UTA, Yellow Cab, Salt Lake County, local restaurants & banks, political campaigns, American Stores Company, National JACL Credit Union, Humane Society of Utah, older Alta, Parkwest & Snowbasin ski resort logos, and the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Bid logo are to name a few. Ted received many awards of service and recognition over his career and lifetime. The most recent accolade being the Distinguished Legacy Award from the University of Utah Fine Arts Department in 2022. He was so ecstatic that he was selected for this award, he told his family that this was the greatest achievement award he had ever received. However, his family believes his greatest achievement was being the best husband, father, and grandfather to his family and leaving a legacy of community service.
Community service was an embodiment of Ted’s principles. He served as President of the Salt Lake Chapter Japanese American Citizens League in 1974 and an active member for many years, served as Chairman and board member of the National Japanese American Citizens League Credit Union, he designed the monument at the Topaz Incarceration Camp and was a founding member of the Topaz Board for the Camp. Ted gave numerous talks to educate the public and school groups on his experience in Topaz and Executive Order 9066. He also served on the University of Utah Emeritus Alumni Board, tutored middle school students, and taught design classes at the University of Utah. Combining his love for the community and his eye for design, he helped produce a 300 page book on Japanese Americans in Utah. He was the editor and designer of a book titled The Japanese Church of Christ Celebrates 100 Years. He also volunteered as a delivery driver for Meals on Wheels, served meals to the homeless, and always offered to provide help and support for friends and family in their time of need.
He adored his grandchildren and they were the light of his life. He loved watching WNBA games with Lala, eating Sarah’s baked creations, looking through old family photographs with Alli, learning Gen Z lingo from Koji, drinking boba with Mei Mei and playing golf with the grandkids. He would never pass up pepperoni pizza and a diet coke. Our family will miss his famous Thanksgiving stuffing, his playful teasing, snappy sense of humor, quirky pranks and his ability to make us laugh. His cute smile and subtle acts of love are ingrained in us forever.
When Ted’s family was young we did a lot of trips and gatherings with friends and family. He enjoyed teaching friends, nieces and nephews how to ski and fish. Canyon lunches and fishing after church were common outings, as were family gatherings up City Creek Canyon. Thanksgivings in LA and summers were spent with the Tanaka cousins. We had many fun dinners and trips to the Uintas with the Nishijima family. For years he worked out several days a week with Doc Matsukawa and Kay Nakashima swimming and playing racquetball at the YMCA before work. He was active with the Japanese Church of Christ for many years, serving various roles. He bowled in the Nisei league. Golfed many Sundays with Beehive Golf Club. He even trained and completed the St George Marathon in 1982! Ted was an avid Utah Jazz fan and a Utah man! Ted enjoyed traveling with friends on golf trips, playing golf at Alpine CC with his buddies, traveled to Europe with longtime friends Bruce and Judy Bell, and loved hosting annual Christmas parties. In his later years, he enjoyed writing his human interest newsletter for 6 years. He discovered a great talent creating digital watercolor portraits for many of his friends and family. He created over 400 portraits until he became ill in 2020. Ted was a good bowler, golfer, basketball player, racquetball player and loved to drink with his golf buddies while settling their bets. The tee times in the sky are getting full with his buddies Frank Nakashima, Harry Imamura, Bill Mizuno, Jimi Mitsunaga, Gene Sato, Dick Shiba, Speedy Shiba, Al Oshita, & Ray Uyeda… keep hitting them long and straight guys!
The family would like to thank friends and family who came to visit Ted and Yeiko at The Ridge. They loved it when you made time for them. We would also like to thank the staff at The Ridge for all your tender care and attention to Ted and Yeiko. Ted loved The Ridge and we are appreciative for all you did for him. A special thank you to Pastor Haas for conducting the service that Ted had requested. And also to Troy Watanabe, Minister’s Assistant, who was there to comfort family and friends the evening Ted passed away.
A private family service was held on July 29, 2024. A Celebration of Life to honor Ted will be held on Saturday, August 17th from 4-6pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT. Golf attire and casual dress are welcome. Complimentary valet parking is provided. Can’t wait to see you again Gpa!
Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor. Please visit www.Starksfuneral.com to share photos and memories with Ted's family.
In Loving Memory
My sincerest condolences to Yeiko and the entire family! Ted was such a pillar of this Salt Lake community! Such a talent, such a loss! It was always comforting to see Yeiko and Ted with their smiling faces at the symphony every Friday. My thoughts and prayers and love go to the entire family who will have many wonderful memories to cherish! rest in peace, Ted! Tannie Chow
I worked with Stephanie at the U Hospital many years ago and wanted to send my deepest condolences to you and your family as you process your grief. I recognized your name from the obituary; what a lovely life sketch of your father's life. I'm sure it's hard to lose such a wonderful man. My heart if with you and your family.
I was introduced to Ted by my father, architect Dean L Gustavson, FAIA, just after I graduated from law school in 1976. I remember a wonderful discussion that afternoon when my dad travelled with me to Ted's office, then to introduce me to Ted. At that time, i asked Ted to design my legal stationary and envelope that I have used without change since I opened my office in early 1977. I use that legal stationery/envelope design to this day. I believe that Ted had the first box of stationery and envelopes printed for me. He also selected he beautiful paper that I continue to use. Ted also created art for me for my hobby of scale automotive modeling -- as with my legal stationery, that work was beautiful and was used for many years. My father (Dean L. Gustavson Associates) also patronized Ted's artistic work for many years -- my dad always spoke highly of Ted and his great artistic and design insight. I am very sorry to hear of Ted's passing. I will always remember and respect him, his generosity, and his art. Ted -- thanks for all you did for me and my father. Mark S. Gustavson, Esq.
Sending all our thoughts, prayers and much love to you all. We are going to miss Uncle Ted so much. His love for Gin, Red Wine, his talent for designing beautiful homes and graphic design will be just a few things we remember most. Rest in Peace ��
Like many others in our ski industry, I worked with Ted for decades on the printing of our Trail Map and other speciality pieces we produced to celebrate our history. Ted was a gentleman, a scholar, a friend and an incredible human being. I only wish I had seen him more in thee past few years. My love to Yeiko who always welcomed me into their home, which is where Ted and I typically met for our projects. May Ted rest in peace. Connie Marshall Alta Ski Area Marketing and PR Director (Retired)
Deepest condolences to the entire Nagata family and extended family. Uncle Ted was a huge influence on my life. He and Yeiko took me in when my parents could not handle me in my teen years. He taught me so many things living with him and the family. Few things I will never forget. Patience and perseverance and belief in myself when no one else would and his selfless love to allow me to be a better person. I can never repay the entire family for dealing with me but Ted lives on in my memories. Few things I remember about Uncle summed up in a few words: Cigar smoke- whenever I smell it, I think of him even after all these years Skiing - I stunk at it but still made me go and ended up with the best memories of it Getting told to redo my artwork over and over again and being proud of it His glasses and his tweed coats style even when style wasn't a thing Visiting in the summers with all the cousins and dinners at the Tanakas in OC. Family family family Faith - always making it a priority most of all I remember a man who never compromised and was sometimes scary to me as a teen but his gruffness became what I loved about him Rest in Peace Uncle Ted, I hope heaven has a good golf course for you to play and a bowling alley that goes on forever.
Sending my love~
In Loving Memory
