October 01, 1926 - January 17, 2013
John "Nick" Nikula Obituary
(Age 86)
Entered into rest on January 17, 2013 in Spokane, WA. He was born on October 1, 1926 in Whiting, Indiana. Nick?s love for life, family, and friends was beyond compare. He was the son of Slovakian immigrants and was raised during the depression era in rural Indiana. He set out on his own at an early age to Chicago. It was there that he found his life?s passion, his music. Nick enlisted in the Navy during WWII and served as a quartermaster in various duty posts including submarines. While stationed in Seattle, he met the love of his life, his future wife and lifetime mate, Frances. Nick and Fran were married the summer of 1947. Within three years and having two children, he put himself through college and graduated from Seattle University with a major in Education. Nick?s flair for art and design was larger than his school teaching desires. In 1955, he left teaching and started his own business ?Kolor-Glo Sign Productions,? where he pioneered the use of florescent paint in his designs and projects. In the late 1960?s, Nick went to work for a major store fixture company as a store designer. In the early 1980?s, he started his own company, ?Vogue Store Fixtures,? where he created new concepts in store design and d?cor. Nick and Fran were avid boaters and enjoyed being part of the Spokane and Priest River Yacht Clubs with the many friends they shared good times with. Nick and Fran lived on the shore of the Pend Oreille River at Laclede, ID for nearly 30 years. In retirement, they wintered for several years in Arizona and were blessed with many new friendships. Nick?s love of music was exemplified by his mastering of the chromatic harmonica. He brought so much joy to countless people with his songs. To this day he is serenading the angels. Nick is survived by Frances, his wife of 65 years; children, Mike (Kelly), Robyn (Sam), and Rex (Ann); nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, all loved very much by Grandpa. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on February 1, 2013 at 10:00 am, located at 219 S. Rockwood Blvd., Spokane, WA, followed by an inurnment ceremony at 2:00 pm at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, WA. A celebration of Nick?s life will be held at the VFW, Post 51, at 4:00 pm, also on Friday, February 1, located at 300 W. Mission Ave., Spokane, WA. The family wishes to thank the very special people of Hospice of Spokane for the loving care they provided to Dad and his family. Also, a heart-felt thank you to the dear friends who were always there for Mom and Dad in this time of need. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of Spokane, P.O. Box 2215, Spokane, WA, 99210.
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