OBITUARY: Ralph Hiroshi Nishimi

Ralph Hiroshi Nishimi

June 3, 1929 – June 1, 2021

NISHIMI, RALPH HIROSHI, passed away on June 1, 2021 two days shy of his 92nd birthday, in the comfort of his home in Sacramento, CA.

Ralph was born in Los Angeles to Masao and Chitose Nishimi, in 1929, the year of the Great Crash on Wall Street, that Ralph, later in life always noted was lucky for him! He was the oldest of 3, his brother John Takashi (Nancee) having predeceased him in 2010, his sister Alice (George) Hirota still resides in Cerritos, CA.

He went to grammar school in Los Angeles, CA before moving to Sacramento, CA in 1937. Like so many Japanese Americans, his life was interrupted by Executive Order 9066 at the age of 12. He spent time at the Walerga Assembly Center before being interned at Tule Lake in Northern California. Upon returning from camp, he graduated from C.K. McClatchy High School. He continued his education at Sacramento City College and the University of California at Berkeley where he would graduate with a Business degree in 1951.

After his graduation from Berkeley, Ralph found himself serving in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. As an aide de camp, he spent more of his time with one of his lifelong sports passions, baseball. While playing a solid second base and enjoying good plate disciplines, he used to tell his boys he was a “tough out”. After his honorable discharge in February of 1954 and armed with his Cal education, he embarked on a nearly six-decade career in the Financial Services industry. His career was highlighted by extended stints with various Independent Broker Dealers where he served as a Financial Advisor, Regional Director and a Founder of what is today one of the Nation’s leading Independent Financial Advisory firms. With all of his success and accolades, he never lost sight of the importance of the Advisor-Client relationship and its role in people’s lives.

Ralph was always community-minded and was involved in many different organizations. He held officer and membership roles in the Exchange Club of Sacramento, the Kennedy Legion Post, Japanese American Citizens League and Boy Scout Troop 250 Leadership. He was also a life member of Sacramento VFW Post 8985, Toastmasters and the Elks Lodge. And when he wasn’t coaching Little League or volunteering for another organization he was partaking in his other lifelong sports passion, golf.

He was a member of the Sacramento Nisei Bowling league before finding his way to the golf course. He became a member of the Kagero Golf club and subsequently a founder, President, Tournament Chair of the Sacramento Nisei Golf Club. He was involved and organized tournaments and play throughout Northern California for over 30 years including the very popular Sacramento Nisei 4-Ball Tourney. At his best, he was a low single digit player who was as gritty a competitor as they come. Few things brought as much joy to him in his later years as teeing it up with his sons all over the West, but especially in Hawaii.

Along with his wife, and oftentimes family, he enjoyed global travel, cruising and Hawaiian vacations. He visited many countries in the world but would always be happy to return to Sacramento. He is survived by his loving soulmate, Ruby Mizuno Nishimi, with whom he recently celebrated their 65th anniversary, daughter Dr. Robyn Nishimi, sons Ryne (Shelly) Nishimi, Randy (Denise Fass) Nishimi, six granddaughters and 1 great grandson.
Private services will be held to honor his life.