Our hearts ache as we say goodbye to Victor W. Nicholas, a man whose determination and kindness touched countless lives. Victor, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, entrepreneur, and friend, left this world on August 15, 2024, just one day after his 79th birthday. Born on August 14, 1945, in Galena, Alaska, to the late Nick Nicholas and MaryEtta Neglaska, Victor grew up in Kaltag, where he first developed the strong sense of connection and service that would define his life.
Victor’s journey in education began at Copper Valley School, where his thirst for knowledge and skill first took root. After high school, his drive led him to Chicago, where he lived for two years while earning his heavy diesel mechanic certificate. This early achievement was a testament to Victor’s work ethic and his willingness to go far from home to pursue his goals.
His dedication to aviation then took him to Sheldon Jackson College, where he earned an associate’s degree in aviation. Victor’s commitment to his craft was unwavering. He later pursued his second instrument rating at a flight school in Seattle, demonstrating remarkable dedication by walking miles each day to Boeing Field to ensure he received his rating. This perseverance would become a hallmark of Victor’s character throughout his life.
Victor’s adventurous spirit first took flight as a smokejumper, a role that perfectly captured his courage and selflessness. His connection to the skies never waned, guiding him to become a commercial pilot for Harold’s Air Service and Galena Air Service before he spread his own wings, establishing an air taxi service in Nulato.
But Victor was more than a pilot; he was a pillar of his community and a savvy entrepreneur. His general stores in Nulato and Kaltag were proof to his sharp business acumen and deep understanding of local needs. These establishments became vital hubs in their respective communities, providing essential goods and services. Summers found Victor out on the Yukon River, showcasing his versatility as a commercial fisherman.
Victor’s commitment to service ran deep. His leadership roles spanned various organizations, including Gana-A’Yoo, Doyon, Limited, and the Tanana Chiefs Conference. As chief and mayor of Nulato, Victor’s tenure was marked by his ability to listen, his fair-mindedness, and his knack for bringing people together. He made history as the first person to serve simultaneously on the governing bodies of Doyon, Limited and the Tanana Chiefs Conference – an acknowledgement to the trust and respect he earned throughout his life.
At home, Victor was simply “Dad” to Kristy and “Grandpa” to Alexander. His eyes would light up at the mention of his family, and he never missed a chance to brag about his grandson’s latest achievements. The bond between Victor and his grandson Alex was particularly special. Every day, without fail, Alex would either bike or walk to his grandpa’s place to check on him. These daily visits were a source of immense joy for Victor, a tribute to the devotion that flowed between generations.
Victor and his beloved wife Edith shared a profound connection, weathering life’s storms hand in hand, their bond growing stronger with each passing year. Their partnership was a testament to enduring love and mutual respect. After Edith’s passing, Victor never fully recovered from the profound loss of his soulmate and best friend. The depth of his grief was a reflection of the extraordinary bond they shared, and though he continued to live and love his family, a part of him always yearned for Edith.
Victor delighted in sharing stories, often recounting tales of his adventures, his bush pilot days, or his time in Chicago and Seattle. His experiences flying throughout Interior Alaska featured prominently in these narratives.
We bid farewell to Victor, but his spirit lives on in the memories we cherish. He is preceded in death by his soulmate Edith, his parents Nick and MaryEtta, brothers Richard Nicholas, Ralph Nicholas, and Jerry Neglaska, daughter Bernice Joseph, grandchildren Stewart Joseph, Jr., and Tiffani Hildebrand. He leaves behind his daughter Kristy Malamute (Barney), grandson Alexander Malamute, brothers Robert “Bobby” Nicholas (Jackie), Lawrence “Big Boy” Nicholas, and Thomas “Wild Man” Neglaska (Ann), sister Mary “Sister” Hailey (Duane, Sr.), numerous nieces and nephews, and two communities forever changed by his presence.
We invite you to celebrate Victor’s remarkable life on August 20, 2024, at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Fairbanks at 11 am, and in Nulato at 11 am on August 22, 2024. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Yukon Koyukuk Elder Assisted Living Facility, a home for elders in the area that was close to Victor’s heart.
Victor Nicholas – pilot, mechanic, leader, friend, and above all, a man who cared deeply and was deeply cared for in return. His life was a testament to the power of determination and the importance of community. From his early days in Kaltag to his final moments, Victor’s journey was one of growth, service, and unwavering commitment. The skies may seem a little emptier without him, but our hearts are fuller for having known him. His legacy lives on in the daily acts of kindness he inspired, and in the countless lives he touched through his steadfast dedication to his family, his community, and his pursuits.
