Nelson passed away on June 8, 2022. Although diagnosed with cancer in July 2020, he made a valiant effort to live his life to the fullest. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.Born in Honolulu to Nelson Sr. and Dorothy Koyanagi, Nelson grew up in Pacific Palisades and attended Maryknoll Schools. He received his BBA majoring in Accounting from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and his MBA from Chaminade University of Honolulu. Nelson was a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Nelson started his professional career at Arthur Young & Company in 1979 and moved to East West Center in 1984 as the Chief Accountant. In 1990, he started his 11 year employment at Edward Enterprises as an accountant and eventually became its President & Treasurer.
Nelson began working in the public sector in 2003 when he joined the City & County of Honolulu as the Chief Accountant. In 2013, he was appointed to the Director of the Department of Budget & Fiscal Services by Mayor Kirk Caldwell and served in this capacity until his retirement in December 2020. While working in the public sector, Nelson became a member of the Association of Government Accountants.
Nelson's easygoing disposition, integrity and humility earned him the respect of everyone he came in contact with. Always athletic, he enjoyed playing golf and riding his bike later in life. Nelson loved to travel especially exploring the sights and food in Japan. His other pastime was listening to music which is evident by his large collection of vinyl records.
Nelson is survived by his wife Michelle and his two children, Nicole (Branden) Masaki and Maxine (Justin) Ching. He is also survived by his father, Nelson Sr. and brother, Neil.
A Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at the Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary, 2233 Nuuanu Avenue. Visitation begins at 8:30 a.m. Service to follow at 10:00 a.m.
FACE MASKS ARE REQUIRED AND PLEASE NO FLOWERS.
Arrangements Provided By:
Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC
