MR. WATARU “WALTER” NISHIDA, beloved husband of the late Miyoko “Miyo” Nishida of Lethbridge, passed away with his family at his side at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, August 30, 2010 at the age of 85 years.

He is survived by his children; Paul of Lethbridge, Terry (Teresa) of Chilliwack, B.C., Michael of Nanton, Maureen of Lethbridge and his grandchildren; Logan and Lauren of Chilliwack, B.C. He is also survived by his brother Eddy Nishida of Lethbridge and sisters Marion Nelson of Edmonton and Katie Kamitomo of Raymond.

Walter was predeceased by his wife Miyo in 2008, son Tim in 2003 and brother Tak in 2009.

Walter was born on January 1, 1925 at Woodfibre, B.C. As a young man he loved to play baseball and practiced Judo. He was sent to an internment camp at Kaslo. B.C. in 1942 and after WWII arrived in Raymond to work on a sugar beet farm.

In early 1950, Walter worked as a painter in Southern Alberta and was the Art Director at CJLH TV in Lethbridge until he opened up Wally Signs in Medicine Hat, AB. While in Medicine Hat he provided for his family and developed his love for golf.

Walter and Miyo were married on August 31, 1957. He moved his family back to Lethbridge in 1978 where he was a partner in A-Plus Signs and later opened up his own business, City Signs, where he worked until he was in his seventies. Walter spent his retirement years golfing, gardening and traveling. He worked hard all of his life to provide for his family.

Walter was a man quick to dance or laugh despite his long struggle with Pemphigoid. He accomplished much in his life, including raising his 5 children, and was a commercial artist for more than 50 years. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather.

A Private Family Service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made in Walter’s name to the Canadian Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation, 27 Beechwood Avenue, Suite 302, Ottawa, Ontario, K1M 1M2.

Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777. E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca