Nicholas "Nic" Fredrick Blassingame Sr.

if music is the most universal language - just think of me as one whole note

if science has the most perfect language - picture me a MC2

since mathematics can speak to the infinite - imagine me as 1 to the first power

what I mean is one day … i’m gonna grab your love and you’ll be … satisfied

These words written by Nikki Giovanni perfectly describes Nic - a man who loved music, perfected the science of husbandry and fatherhood, forever remained consistent and captured the hearts of each life he touched as a faithful son, grandson, nephew, and friend. 

Born Nicholas Fredrick Blassingame on November 22, 1980 to Wilma and the late Neal Franklin Blassingame Sr., Nic was the instigator of so much joy – especially to his mother – until the day he passed away. Wilma was certain to receive a phone call or text every day from her son simply to express, “I love you.” Though there are no new messages, Wilma cherishes a lifetime of a loving mother/son relationship.  

Nic consistently excelled in a myriad of platforms. As a student at Faubion Elementary School and Whitaker Middle School, he demonstrated a high proficiency in science and mathematics. On the gridiron at Jefferson High School, he shined as a talented defensive back. Nic’s graduation from Rosemary Anderson High School in 1999 culminated his formal education and simultaneously commenced his many achievements as a man. It began with passing on college football scholarship offers to be present as a father to Day’Ozjah – the precious baby girl he and Ayanna had brought to the world.

Never regretting his decision to be present for his first-born child, Day, Nic showed the same dedication as a father to the two children (Nikylah, 12, and Nicholas, Jr., 6) that followed. One of the darkest hours Nic experienced was losing his precious Day at the end of 2018.  Nic’s love for family was also evident in his connections to his in-laws as he affectionately referred to his mother-in-law as “Little Faye” and pointed out that Kathi and Bugsy’s marriage was his example of his own #relationshipgoals. Nic’s family far extended beyond those with whom he shared blood. The West Coast crew, 11 years ago, became an extended band of brothers and their connection expanded beyond the three-month mush ball season. Almost daily they connected to check on one another, plan a trip or prepare to win another mush ball game.

For the past six years Nic worked for Fort Rock Tactical with two of his best friends Marcus Carson and John Lee. This job not only provided for his family, but it created a routine for Nic to regularly express his love for his children and wife. Every morning he would exchange a text with Ayanna to let her know he made it to work safely. Text again if anything funny came to mind while he was at work. And text again to let her know he was on his way home. Once he reached his home, he spent individual time with his children and spouse asking, “Have I told you that I love you?”

Life for Nic was a melody and for every situation there was an appropriate song. Nic appreciated many genres of music, evidenced by his selection of the rock band, Hootie and the Blowfish as his favorite group. He played music all day long and preserved the old school tradition of blasting cuts while cleaning the house. His friends jokingly called him DJ WooWoo and at every event would ask for the playlist he curated. Perhaps this love of music was cultivated when they were 17 and created Mob Seven Struggle Records on 17th Avenue. Nic even had a theme song for his West Coast crew. At the sound of On God by the Diplomats the crew would know how to respond. As much as Nic appreciated good music, he treasured good food. One of his favorite shows was Triple D – Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. When featured restaurants looked interesting, he would research them and add it to the list of places for him to visit. Motivated by the song, Summer in Miami” and a feature of Miami’s Subs on the Run, he and Ayanna were headed to the south Florida city to check another box off his wish list. 

Another life box was checked on March 1, 2019 when Nic married Ayanna and gave her a new name – Mrs. Blassingame. He solidified their bond legally and put a ring on it!  

Much sooner than we wanted, this incredible man left us. Nic – the epitome of a faithful family man and ultimate friend – physically left his lifelong Portland home to join his father and other awaiting family members in heaven on June 16, 2020. Nic will especially seeing his daughter Day and friend Eldrick Bolden.

Though we will miss Nic. We are blessed with the legacy he leaves behind, including his partner of 23 years and wife, Ayanna Blassingame; children,  Nikylah (12) and Nicholas, Jr. (6); mother and stepfather, Wilma and Herman Goudy; parents-in-law, Wanda “Faye” McCorvey, Lolenzo “Bugsy” and Kathleen Poe; grandmother, Geneva Burton; brothers, Ronald Lincoln (Sabrina), Neal Blassingame, Jr. (Mena Kamara), and TreNeal Blassingame; aunt, Verna Matthews; uncles, Leon Lincoln, Don Lincoln, Eddie Lincoln and Dwayne Lincoln; sisters-in-law, Ty-Niece McCorvey (Kristopher Hammick), Felicia Poe (Patrice) and Tamara Poe; brother-in-law, Devon Poe; an abundance of family, friends and the West Coast crew.

A couple like Ayanna and Nic were supposed to grow old together. Unfortunately, a brain aneurysm interrupted that dream. However, it does not erase 23 years of romance that includes rearing three beautiful children, enjoying outdoor activities, countless trips to the Oregon Coast and Las Vegas, and the love ballad that is still spinning.

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