Nicholas Alan Drakulich

Nick Drakulich had been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, and on Tuesday night, April 20, he lost his battle to cancer. He died suddenly, but peacefully, in his own bed.

Nick was the son of Ella and Nick, brother of Steve and Kay, husband of Elaine, and father of Nick, Scott and Corrie. He loved, and was loved by, countless others and will forever be remembered for his wit, his wisdom, his heartwarming smile, and his huge bear hugs.

Nick was born in Portland on April 20, 1950, and he graduated from David Douglas High School, Willamette University, and Northwestern School of Law at Lewis and Clark. He remained in Portland his entire life, building a family and a law practice and growing a community of friends and loved ones. Nick coached baseball and basketball, and loved nothing more than to watch his kids play sports.

He was a connoisseur of expensive cigars, inexpensive red wine and Georgia Bulldog football. He spent a few weeks each year fly fishing around the world, but he most enjoyed the days he spent at a cabin on the Deschutes River in Central Oregon. When he wasn't sorting flies and preparing for his trips, Nick practiced law in Downtown Portland. He and his partner built and maintained a law practice - and a remarkable friendship - for 28 years.

Nick was well-known and widely respected in his profession, and took great pride in the favors he was able to do for family and friends.

Nick retired in March of 2008, just in time to fly to Argentina for a fishing trip and take golf lessons at Black Butte Ranch. This year he proudly watched his son Nick walk down the aisle and his son Scott coach the Lakeview High School football team to the state semifinals. He enjoyed celebrating his daughter's engagement and helping her plan the wedding. He loved supporting Elaine in the pursuit and achievement of her lifelong career goal, and he got a huge kick out of calling himself her "trophy husband."

Elaine and Nick met when they were 10 years old, when he picked her as his dance partner in P.E. class. Elaine cherishes every day of the last 48 years, and is eternally grateful for the family, memories, and life they built and shared.

Nick's oldest son Nick will miss his father. His dad was the first call for advice in any decision and his best friend. They shared many discussions about business, the economy and life. Nick will miss the visits his father often made to his home in the San Francisco bay area where they would enjoy the view, watch football, and take naps.

Scott loves and respects his dad tremendously. He hopes he can one day be half the father to his children that his dad was to him.

Corrie is grateful for every moment she spent with her dad, and will forever cherish their long talks about everything from the meaning of life to the next Georgia game. He was the first person she would call in good times and in bad times, and the last person she would ever want to say goodbye to. He was her favorite person in the world and will always be "number one."

A Celebration of Life was held at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 9800 SE 92nd Ave, Happy Valley, OR 97086, on February 14.