Remembering Clayton Jay Nakasone: 1950-2016

Remembering Clay Nakasone: tribute to a TRULY "GOODGUY" Clay Nakasone was many things to a lot of people in the music community. But his friendly and approachable manner, unshakable positive attitude and unwavering good nature was influential to all who came across him in and outside of the music business. Below are some thoughts, messages and stories shared by staff and friends about our friend, colleague and mentor.

CELEBRATION OF CLAY'S LIFE HAWAIIAN BRIAN'S
Sunday July 24th (1pm - 4pm)
Call for the store for more information or visit our Facebook page.

Contributions from the staff at GOODGUYS

My first formal introduction to Clayton Jay Nakasone was in 1979, when he hired me for a sales position at the soon to open Easy Music Center in Mapunapuna. Two things about him impressed me immediately: His easy going sincere nature and his always perfect hair. Soon Clay was promoted to Division manager and I to Store manager. Although life at Easy was mostly satisfying, it became increasingly frustrating as our ideas, suggestions and strategies were largely ignored. I, myself, came close to quitting on more than one occasion, but was always convinced to stick it out by my Buddy Clay. Finally, in 1999, we decided to take the biggest leap of faith of our lives and Goodguys Music Sound was born. Through the last 17 years, our small business has had its share of ups and downs and weathered times of economic downturn. It was Clay's experience, knowledge and keen business sense that kept us going. One of his many gifts was the ability to draw customers in and welcome them as though they were family. Regardless of social status, he treated everyone with respect and in turn received respect and admiration from all. The same is true of his many business associates, many of whom have called and written to convey their personal condolences and remembrances. Clay was more than my business partner and mentor, he was also my role model and best friend. There will never be another Clayton Jay Nakasone. In many ways, and as I’ve been told more than once, Clay was the ultimate "GoodGuy"! -Bryan Aoyagi

Mr. Clay (as he was affectionately called) was kind, forgiving, trustworthy, and respected by everyone he came into contact with, in and out of the musical community. He never had a bad word to say about anyone and most importantly, he led by example and not by micromanagement and badgering. He was more of a friend to me than a "Boss". If I had to sum up my relationship with "Mr. Clay" in one sentence, it would be this: "HE MADE ME WANT TO BE A BETTER PERSON" -Vernon Sakata

In the Mid 70's a college friend said to me, "Hey I know a cool guy that works in a music store on King St. You should meet him". That cool guy was Clay Nakasone, the nicest and kindest man I have ever come across. Upon knowing I enjoyed playing tennis, he invited me to join his pals at Kaimuki H.S. tennis courts on Sunday. I did just that and was welcomed with open arms not only by him, but by his "Hilo gang". That was the start of many years of friendship filled with the feeling of living life to the fullest, to treat people with kindness, to love what is in front of you. This is how I remember Clay as being a really really "cool guy". I miss him deeply, R.I.P. Clay, your friend, Bob. -Bob Nishida

Clay was always truly a "GOOD GUY" I remember talking to Clay during the break after leaving Easy Music and before starting "Good Guys",when he told me the name of the new store I said to myself "Wow that's a lot to live up to, but if anyone could do it Clay could" and Clay and Bryan did just that! Clay was the nicest guy, If more people had a friend like Clay, this world would be a much better place. I laughed so much when I was around Clay. He was a great friend, and a kind-hearted man. If you were Clay's friend you'd be a friend for life! Anyone close to him knew this. If Clay had any faults I never saw them. And so for now Clay, Aloha till we meet again someday. Miss you friend. -Randy Dang

A sentence, paragraph or essay wouldn't be enough to pay tribute to the man who made me a believer in having a Good Attitude can help you deal with many things in life. In the beginning I took this as Clay being just overly idealistic. But in time Clay's optimism began to grow on me and many times I was unaware of it happening. In what I consider a short time of knowing Clay he treated me like someone who knew him for much longer. Thank you Clay for the countless life lessons that changed me permanently for the better. I miss you dearly and it breaks my heart to not have you here but I want to forever remember the man who shook my hand at the end of every work day with lots of love and a good attitude! -Chris Mew

Contributions by friends and customers

I didn't know Clay but I remember him helping me a number of times. He was always helpful, kind and professional. Truly a nice guy. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. -Mike Gonsalves

Our friendship began 40 years ago, when Clay worked at Easy Music on King Street. Even back then, I thought of him as a good guy We struck up a friendship which to this day never wavered. I was there when he married Sheryl, and when their sons, Rob and Travis, were born. We started playing tennis for a few years back then, and started playing golf not long after. Our usual golf foursome included Clay, Bryan Aoyagi, me, and brother, Tony Tsuha. Al Whang, Clay's childhood bud, played with Clay on other days. He loved the game, and his attitude on the course was consistent with the way he looked at life.... sometimes good , sometimes not so. He would always say that's okay ... next time I am saddened that there will not be a next time enjoying Clay's company, and I find it difficult to say goodbye to my buddy. Sheryl, Rob, and Travis ... please know that your husband and father left an indelible impression on me and many others he came into contact with. I am honored to have had you in my life, Clay, and to call you friend. You will be missed dearly. -Stephen Tsuha

Mr. Nakasone and Goodguys were were a God send for me and my ohana over the years. They are one of the only musical instrument businesses that did trades ins. 15 years ago I was able to trade a few vintage instruments that were collecting dust in my closet. We traded for a complete sound system that we needed to get our family band started and could not afford one at the time. We have purchased and traded many instruments over the years and still use the sound system till today. Mahalo for giving Da Araz our start. RIP Mr. Nakasone your musical legacy lives on here in Waianae! Mahalo! -Nolan Arasato

I remember meeting Clay while he was working at Easy Music Center on South King street while on a summertime vacation trip to Oahu in July 1979. He sold me my 2nd drum set, which was a Ludwig maple classic Big Beat outfit and it included the hardware and Zildjian Cymbals as a complete package. He was classmate of one of my cousins from Hilo High School and through that connection I was able to score a discount off the retail price of the drums from that time, I set off on a period of 32 years of playing countless gigs, which was mostly at private parties and other celebrations and events in Hilo and around the Big Island. I'll always cherish those memories forever as they helped mark a point in time as to where I was in my life as a musician. It was through this period that I developed my chops and reputation as a really great drummer and I also was able to travel with this kit to Oahu a few times as well with various bands. This Ludwig set was my 2nd one overall and now I've since moved onto a Tama Starclassic Performer set that was bought through another dealer in Hilo in 2011. Anyways, like I said earlier, this will always be the most cherished time of my life, as it led me to where I'm at now as a musician. Thanks Clay for helping me create a lifetime of cherished memories, I'll forever be grateful to you for this. Rest in peace, bro. Yours truly, Todd T. Fukuda from Hilo, Hawaii. -Todd Fukuda

I first met Clay when I was a seventh grader at Washington Intermediate. We'd hang out in Easy Music mostly because it had AC and we bought band supplies. He never shewed us away but instead gave us mini lessons on the piano. I'd hang out there every day and would run to Zippy's to pick up their coffee and stuff. Later in life I started playing Hawaiian music and Clay was always there for me. Big, big lost to all of us but brother Clay we'll meet again. -Clifton Sato