Patrick (Pat) Nicholson

POULSBO - Patrick (Pat) Nicholson passed away on April 4, 2023 after a short hard-fought battle with Lymphoma. He had recently celebrated his 66th birthday. Pat was born on March 24, 1957 in Ballard, Washington to Irene “Renie” Dakan Nicholson and Calvin Sabo. Pat attended Chico and Silverdale Elementary Schools. He learned to play the trombone at Central Kitsap Junior High and Central Kitsap High School bands. He thrived under the instruction of Bill Clark and Morris Pederson. Pat graduated from Central Kitsap High School in 1975 and enlisted in the United States Air Force. Pat served our country from 1975-1980 as a member of the USAF band. Upon his discharge Pat attended Olympic College prior to moving to Oahu. Upon his return he continued his education at Western Washington University. Pat began his 35 year career with the Central Kitsap School District as a custodian at Central Kitsap Junior High in January of 1985. He later served as head custodian at Green Mountain, Brownsville and Hawk Elementary Schools. He retired as Custodial Foreman in January 2020. Pat was instrumental in introducing “green” cleaning in his schools. He became a leader in the green cleaning movement. Pat was awarded the 2009 C.L.E.A.N. (Custodial Leaders for Environmental Advocacy Nationwide) Award, given by the National Education Association. Pat painted his floor scrubber in the likeness of a tiger, named “Fang” and painted Converse shoes to match. In 2012, Pat was the Washington Education Association Educational Support Professional of the Year. Pat served on the National Education Association Board of Directors, Washinton Education Board of Directors, and was active in his local union. Pat met his future wife, Kirstin Martinson while working at Green Mountain Elementary and where she was a teacher. Pat and Kirstin were married on July 20,1996 at his sister’s home on Erland’s Point in Bremerton, Washington. Pat was an avid gardener especially when it came to Ozette potatoes, popcorn and Hatch chili peppers. He enjoyed picking native blackberries. Pat loved to spend time with family and friends. He had a passion for reading, learning, and was very artistic. Pat did not give up on anything he believed in. Pat’s loss is felt by many. He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to Kirstin and his family, his work ethic and cleaning brilliance, his quick wit, and his passion for learning and knowledge. Pat is survived by his wife of 26 years, Kirstin, his mother Renie Nicholson, his siblings, Dennis (Shirley), Mick (Lin), Kath Mitchell, Zip (Sabrina) and Ann (Damon) Nicholson. Additionally he had many beloved nieces and nephews—Winter (Jason) Niemeyer, Andy (Breezy) Mitchell, Max Mitchell, Arthur Nicholson, Maria (Richard) MacGregor, Tim Nicholson, Sean Nicholson, Casey Nicholson, Emily (Lamonte) Copeland and Chloe Nicholson and great nieces and nephews Hudson, Reo, Sophia, Theo, Ada, Jackson, and Addie. Pat was preceded by his brother-in-law, Jeff Mitchell, his father and his step-father.

A celebration of Pat’s life will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 1:00pm at the Central Kitsap High School Auditorium, 10140 Frontier Place NW, Silverdale, WA. In Pat’s honor, feel free to wear your Converse tennis shoes, kilts, Hawaiian apparel or anything else that reminds you of Pat. If you wish to make a donation, please do so in Pat’s name to the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society, the Kitsap Humane Society, or a charity of your choosing.