Stan Nakayama, Castle Pines, CO, passed away unexpectedly in a car accident on May 5, 2023. Though gone too soon, he leaves behind a legacy in the many lives he touched with his kindness, guidance, and humor. He was born on May 22, 1952, to parents Shunzo and Shizue (Sandie) Nakayama.

From an early age, he sought out opportunities to support and encourage others. He was a Drum Major for his high school band, assistant coach for his daughter's youth soccer team, and a mentor to countless professionals across his career. He attended Northwestern University in Chicago, where he was introduced to Chicago style pizza and enhanced his love of hot dogs.

Like his parents, he had a strong work ethic from the start, scooping ice cream at Baskin Robbins for his Uncle. He began his professional career in the beverage container industry at Coors in March of 1976 and went on to work at Stuart Ironsides, Ball, Henkel, and Quaker, ultimately retiring in December 2021.

He was always driven to find ways to improve efficiency and quality, while reducing costs. During his career he developed many inventions, process improvements and innovations. He was part of a team at Coors that developed and secured a patent in waste water and lubricant separation using Ultrafiltration. He was also instrumental in helping his plant make a successful transition from soluble oil technology to state-of-the-art solution synthetic technology. Most recently, he was part of a team that developed closeable aluminum bottles, and a signature process to "neck" those cans that drove him (and others) crazy for months.

He was known for his tireless work ethic, his meticulous attention to detail, his unique sense of humor and his unwavering kindness. He could be counted on to bring donuts or a bag of hi-chews to various plants he visited, and made sure to connect with each individual shift, at any hour of the night where his support was required.

His love for his profession was not restricted to what he did while at work. He was even an ambassador for the aluminum can industry, and visited local schools dressed as "Stan the Can" in a costume he made, and encouraged recycling programs.

Stan is survived by wife Paula, daughter Lisanne (Ed), stepdaughter Erin, mother Shizue (Sandie), sister Donna, and 6 grandchildren, Blake, Braden, Mak, Calen, Kyler, and Taevin.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, June 25, 2023. If you would like more information, please click this link: http://evite.me/Zzz3YsFRFz . In lieu of gifts or flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association in Stan's name.