born 4.03.1944; died 4.06.2019
Charles Roger Nicklett was born on April 3, 1944, in Los Angeles, California. This was, of course, during World War II, and his father was a pilot in the United States Army Air Force. At that time, he was a Prisoner of War, in Nazi Germany. Thelma Dean Nicklett, Chuck’s mother, was living in an apartment below her mother-in-law and sister-in-law and, before Chuck was born, enjoyed being a typist for the war effort.
As a youngster, in Oroville, California, little Chuck had fun playing with friends, both before and during school, helping his parents out with the younger siblings, and swimming at the neighborhood pool.
In high school, Chuck continued to swim, and also to play on the varsity tennis team and ran in the Cross-Country team. Naturally, he enjoyed friendships with kids his age, as well as liking classwork.
After graduating from high school, Chuck received an Associate of Arts degree at his local community college. He earned a living by driving taxis and working at local construction jobs.
While still living in California, he roomed with his friend, Sam, for several years. They enjoyed one another’s companionship, as well as being able to split many expenses.
Charles and Thelma Nicklett, Chuck’s parents, moved up to the Seattle, Washington area with Gary, Chuck’s brother, in the summer of 1970. Many years later, in 1985, Chuck followed them north. He chose Kirkland as the city to put down roots and bought a condominium there, where he continued to live until his recent death.
Chuck enjoyed many hobbies! Among his favorites were stamp collecting, searching out and collecting brass animals and mythological creatures, playing pool at the Senior Center as well as trying out new and different local restaurants.
He enjoyed his cat for several years, and, after she died, he began to feed peanuts to the squirrels who started coming around the neighborhood.
Chuck was a prayerful man. He had an ecumenical faith and enjoyed worshipping at several different Christian denominations. Most recently, he enjoyed worshipping at the Methodist church where his parents attended until their recent passing, Aldersgate Methodist Church.
He is survived by his sister, Susan Godsell, of New Port Richey, Florida; his brother, Gary Nicklett, of Lake Tapps, Washington, three nieces, Erica Lynn Godsell -Baumgartner, Natalie Ruth Nicklett and Emily Ruth Nicklett, one nephew, Zachary Godsell, a grand-niece, Hazel Ruth Nicklett-Salzano and a grand-nephew, Dylan Baumgartner.
He will be sorely missed by his family and by his best friend, David Christy as well as his neighbors and other friends in Kirkland.
In lieu of flowers, kindly donate to the American Heart Association, if you are so inclined.
Chuck’s memorial service will be at Barton Family Funeral Service at 10:00 AM, May 24, 2019 at 11630 NE Slater Avenue NE, Kirkland, WA 98034.
Chuck’s cremains will be inurned in the columbarium at Kirkland Cemetery, located at NE 80th Street and 120th AV NE in Kirkland, Washington. The cemetery is open from 8:00 a.m. until dusk.