Nick Christmas III

Nick Christmas III, born December 25, 1947, passed away unexpectedly in the early morning hours of February 19, 2011. Nick was born in Vanport, Oregon to Vera Mae (Minor) and Nick Christmas, Jr. In Nick’s final days he was planning to attend the Sabin Elementary School 8th grade class reunion in Portland, Oregon. Nick was the second of six children born to his loving parents. Nick attended Grant High School, Class of 1965, where he was active in academics, received top athletic honors in wrestling to include a state championship and participated in marching band, where he developed a love for playing drums.

Two major corporations employed Nick, The Boeing Company, in Seattle, Washington and Bonneville Power Administration, Portland, Oregon, where he was consistently awarded for his leadership skills. The Boeing Company, employed Nick as a machinist. Nick returned to Portland to work for Bonneville Power Administration, from 1973 to 2009, where he served as both a cartographer and a photographer. Nick also supported colleagues at BPA for many years, as the EEO Specialist. He retired from BPA in 2009 with 36 years of service.

Nick was actively involved in community initiatives to include improving conditions in local neighborhoods, civic service, city and county projects that involved music and photography. Nick volunteered time and service to the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr., celebration, Vanport, Guiles Lake and New Columbia Projects among others. Nick was a consummate drummer and musician throughout his life. He loved music and played a mean set of drums in numerous bands throughout the local community and beyond. He also enjoyed photography, video-graphy, historical restorations and preservation of photos for family and friends. Nick said, “Life begins and ends with the beat of the heart…Keep the beat alive”.

Preceding him in death is Nick Christmas Jr. father, Vera M. Christmas, Mother, and Cheryl L. Christmas, Sister. Nick leaves behind his devoted and much loved children Darryl and Rachel Christmas, Mother Carlene Johnson, Anthony Christmas, Mother predeceased Denise LaCour, Adrena Christmas Franklin and Nicole Christmas and Mother, Jeanette Christmas, Centory and Javary Christmas and Mother LaShonda Christmas; 10 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren. Siblings Rose M. Christmas, Velma Christmas Johnson, Jarvis R. Christmas, Noel L. Christmas and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins and many many friends.

Public Viewing

Saturday February 26, 2011 , 1030 am - 11:20 am at Maranatha Church

Funeral Service

Saturday February 26, 2011 , 11:30 AM at Maranatha Church

Facts Born: December 25, 1947
Place of Birth: Portland, Oregon
Death: February 19, 2011
Place of Death: Portland, Oregon
Survived By Darryl Christmas, Son
Rachel Christmas, Daughter
Anthony Christmas, Son
Adrena Christmas Franklin, Daughter
Nicole Christmas, Daughter
Centory Christmas, Son
Javary Christmas, Son
Rose M. Christmas, Sister
Velma Christmas Johnson, Sister
Jarvis R. Christmas, Brother
Noel L. Christmas, Brother
10 Grandchildren 3 Great Grandchildren Preceded in Death By Nick Christmas Jr., Father
Vera M. Christmas, Mother
Cheryl L. Christmas, Sister