Rest Easy, Harry
Harry taking a coffee break between baking pies.
I met Harry Nagamatsu back when I was an undergrad at the University of Washington. He had just opened up Atlantic Street Pizza in the University District, after which his pies became a regular staple in my college diet.
One of the things I remember the most about Harry is that if you ran into him at the most unexpected place and hour, he’d begin his conversation with you as if there was nothing chance about the encounter. This image is about the last one I have of my pizza-slinging buddy.
It was around October of 2005, I think, when I was involved in a traffic accident in downtown Seattle (it wasn’t my fault) at about two in the morning. I was was waiting in the cold Seattle rain for the police to show up, when Harry pulled up to the curb and started telling me about some pet project he was working on. It was as if our conversation was a seamless continuation of our last, and the time and events that passed between them never existed.
Before Harry pulled away from the curb, I told him I’d stop by the shop and see him soon. There was no question in my mind that I’d make it over there to get myself another slice and continue our conversation.
Sadly, I never did see Harry again.
I learned that Harry passed away on November 19, 2006 after battling complications with this kidneys and heart. He was 53 years old. Although Harry is gone, his kindness, generosity and good humor will always be remembered.
Harry Michio “O” Nagamatsu
January 31, 1953 - November 19, 2006
jadepark
11/25/2006
man. that was a good tribute. you make me miss him and i never knew him.
Tara
11/26/2006
I agree with Jade… you make him sound like someone I’ve known all my life when I haven’t. It really is a shame you didn’t get the chance to go see him… this is when Carpe Diem comes to mind the most.
Michello
11/26/2006
Mike Lo. Thanks for the heavenly shout out to Harry. I got a call from Seattle letting me know about Harry’s passing. Harry was a great guy, with a generous heart. I remember stopping in at Atlantic Street Pizza with you, Gus, Sponge, and Raph Lo to pick up pizzas when our funds were low. I always bragged about Harry’s pizzas when I went home to Chicago, and even smuggled a few home on flights to visit my family and friends. Thanks Harry for your wonderful friendship, kindness and generosity during my years at UW and in Seattle.
suki
11/26/2006
Makes me feel like I would’ve loved knowing him. :/
sherry
12/05/2006
i met him once years ago when i went in for pizza. i forgot i’d ever met him until i read your blog. sorry to hear that your buddy passed away. im sure someone up above is taking good care of him. he’s probably serving pizza in the sky.
i cant believe this happened so recently-i guess if i’d shut up for a minute to hear you talk…