Nicholas Pickolick

Nicholas Robert Pickolick was born in Butte on Sept. 25, 1944, to Anna (Kriskovich) and Frank Pickolick, and he died Friday, Aug. 14, 2015, in Missoula. Growing up, he enjoyed camping, fishing, playing baseball, Boy Scouts, and activities with friends and family. He learned piano at an early age and later played clarinet in the Butte High Band. These experiences introduced Nick to a lifetime love of music.

After graduating from BHS in 1962, Nick attended Montana State University (U of M) in pre-pharmacy. A few quarters later, he joined the Air Force and took basic training in Texas before he went to school to learn to be an OR Tech. His next assignment was at Fairchild AFB where he ran the minor surgery clinic and worked ambulance.

While stationed in Spokane, Nick met Caroline Darscheid, and they were married June 15, 1968. That fall they moved to Missoula where Nick resumed studies. By the early 1970s he realized pharmacy was not his passion, and soon after Nick became the first male admitted to the St. Patrick's School of Nursing program. His Air Force experiences made the transition to the nursing curriculum quite smooth, and he graduated as an RN in 1974.

Nick was hired by Missoula Community Hospital, and he spent his first year in the ER. An opening in surgery drew him back to his first love, and he spent the next thirty-five years in that department. Countless patients benefited from his calming spirit and gentle touch.

After retiring, Nick achieved his long-time goal of becoming a school bus driver. For two years, he thoroughly enjoyed his daily adventures transporting Hawthorne K-3 kids and Porter students home each afternoon.

Nick had many interests he loved to pursue. He liked to travel and record places and events along the way through photography. He was an avid sports fan. From a very early age he was a supporter of the Green Bay Packers, and as a proud Montana Cheesehead, had the opportunity to attend a game at Lambeau Field. He also supported the Grizzlies and Osprey.

Trains played a huge role in Nick's life. He grew up across the street from the Union Pacific freight depot in Butte and gloried in riding the rails. Later he built upon the childhood gift of his first American Flyer S-Gauge set by amassing an amazing collection of engines, rolling stock, and accessories. He belonged to Train Collectors Association, Inland Empire S-Gaugers, and the Missoula Model Railroad Club. Attending shows throughout the Northwest was great fun and gave him the opportunity to connect with many friends.

Music held a special place in his heart. He belonged to church choirs throughout his life and was a long-time member of Blessed Trinity (John XXIII) music ministry as a singer and drummer. He also took guitar lessons and spent a lot of time practicing both drums and guitar.

Nick was an animal advocate all his life. He grew up with a series of dogs and birds, and after marrying Caroline added large orange cats to the menagerie. He seldom met a child or animal he didn't love.

Family was his greatest treasure. Nick and Caroline welcomed Christopher on Feb. 14, 1982, and Nick never tired of watching him grow and learn. Nick was his biggest supporter as Chris played soccer, baseball and basketball and was absolutely thrilled when he showed an interest in learning piano and clarinet and later displayed true talent on guitar. He relished opportunities to attend Chris's concerts and shows and proudly shared his CDs with friends.

When Chris married Anna Cohen in 2012, Nick acquired the daughter he had always hoped to have. Recently, he was eagerly anticipating the grandchild to be born this fall.

The past three years Nick had been plagued with a series of ailments, mostly orthopedic in nature. Several surgeries, many doctors' appointments and a trip to Mayo Clinic did not provide solutions to the problems. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter-in-law, grandchild-to-be, cousins, former co-workers, patients, and friends near and far as well as four beloved pets.

Nick was an active member of Blessed Trinity Parish (formerly John XXIII) where he had served on the parish council and was a choir member. A vigil will be held Sunday, Aug. 23, at 7 p.m. at Blessed Trinity Church, 1475 Eaton, with the funeral Monday, Aug. 24, at 11 a.m. at the same location. Lunch will follow. Inurnment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery.

Memorials in Nick's name may be made to Blessed Trinity, 1475 Eaton, Missoula, 59801, for new art and music or AniMeals, 1700 Rankin St., Missoula, 59808.

Nick's greatest wish was to be remembered fondly by family, friends, co-workers and patients for his laugh, touch, love and sincere wishes for their well-being. Condolences for the family may be left at missoulafuneralhomes.com.
Read Nicholas Pickolick's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.