Nathan Masaichi Zakahi, 67, of Sunnyside, Washington, went home to be with his Savior on August 22, 2026. He was born on March 20, 1959, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and grew up in Aiea, Hawaii. He graduated from Aiea High School in 1977.

Nathan attended and played baseball at Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana, graduating in 1981. There he met Kelly, who would become his wife, and they later married in 1983. Nathan continued his theological education at Grace Theological Seminary, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree in 1986. Nathan began his pastoral ministry at Waimalu Grace Brethren Church in Hawaii, where he served for 11 years.

In 1997, he moved to Washington to become pastor of Sunnyside Grace Brethren Church, where he served for the next 29 years. Throughout his ministry, Nathan was known for his biblical preaching and genuine love for Christ and His church. He sought to shepherd those entrusted to his care and to point them to the hope found in Jesus Christ.

In the later years of his ministry, he also traveled to Sierra Leone to help train pastors through Grace Bible Institute, continuing his desire to equip others for service to Christ. For many years, he invested in the lives of young people by coaching middle school and high school baseball.

He was an avid fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Rams. He loved playing golf, especially with his sons and grandchildren. He treasured time with his family and took great joy in being a husband, father, and “papa.”

Nathan is survived by his wife, Kelly; his sons, Micah (Amber) and Joel (Sydney); his grandchildren, Charlotte, Ezra, and Claire; and his sister, Rene (Gary) Blevins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Masao and Betsy Zakahi. Nathan’s life was marked by his devotion to Christ, his love for his family, his gift of storytelling, and his keen sense of humor.

Though he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, church family, and the many people whose lives he touched, those who shared his faith rejoice in the sure hope of the gospel, awaiting the resurrection and the fullness of eternal life promised to all who belong to Christ.

A funeral service celebrating Nathan’s life and faith will be held on Thursday, September 3rd, at 11:00 a.m. at Sunnyside Grace Brethren Church.