Nick Nixon, a Master Naturalist and a Wilderness Lover

An obituary by his wife, Linda Nixon, Class of 2018

A Life of Adventure and Service

Nick, who passed away on April 22, 2024, at the age of 75, was an Air Force Veteran from 1969-1974, a Master Naturalist, a wilderness volunteer, and a loving husband. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2017, but he did not let that stop him from pursuing his passions and sharing them with his wife.

Becoming a Master Naturalist

By the time Nick became a Master Naturalist in 2019, he was already in the middle of Alzheimer’s. But he watched me fully fall in love with becoming an MN in 2018, and he really did not want to miss out. So, former BPTMN Greg Hayden and I made it happen! I attended every class with him and assisted him with any “tests.” I loved taking the class a second time and I loved doing it with Nick. He was proud of becoming a Master Naturalist. He only had about one year of active volunteering, but we did that together too. This was such a special time for us.

A Wilderness Lover

Nick was an avid hiker at Mt. San Jacinto State Park in California. He was a park volunteer and trained in mountain rescue and wilderness first aid. He especially loved the part when he could rappel out of a helicopter to reach a stranded/hurt hiker! He also enjoyed camping, fishing, and birdwatching. He had a deep respect for nature and wildlife.

How to Celebrate Nick’s Life

There are two ways to celebrate Nick’s life if you would like to.

• First, take a hike in the wilderness! Nick’s final wish was to have his ashes scattered at Mt. San Jacinto. No memorial service. Just a hike to spread the ashes!
• Second, if you would like to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association in Nick’s memory, that will support the efforts of this organization to help both people afflicted with this terrible disease and family members and friends that are providing care. As a caregiver, the resources available from this organization were very helpful to me. It’s easy to donate at Alzheimer’s Association | Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Help

Thank you for your condolences and prayers. Nick will be greatly missed, but his spirit will live on in our hearts and memories.