Karl Edward Nicolaysen

October 29, 1964 - December 26, 2021

ESCONDIDO, CA — Karl Edward Nicolaysen of Escondido, the beloved youngest son of Arthur M. Nicolaysen, M.D. and Kathleen Nicolaysen, passed away December 26, 2021, aged 57 years, from respiratory and cardiac failure after an extended illness.

He is survived by his mother, brothers Art C. Nicolaysen and Brian Hay of Escondido, and sister Karen McDowell of Aptos.

From his earliest years, Karl was behind the curve, and had many obstacles against him. Born three months premature on Oct 29, 1964 in Oceanside, Karl spent four months in the neonatal intensive care unit at Tri-City Hospital. His pediatricians there, upon reviewing X-rays of his lungs, saw the beginnings of fatal illness (hyaline membrane disease) and recommended prompt treatment with streptomycin. This was begun, even though streptomycin therapies available at the time (1964) were known to cause deafness in infants.

After returning home from the hospital, tests of Karl’s hearing showed a profound loss (-95 decibels). With hearing aids, however, he could hear sounds and respond to them. In time, at the age of 9, he began attending special education classes in the Escondido schools, transitioning to day programs after 1986.

As an adolescent, Karl was able to walk and enjoy a measure of independent living. But as an adult, he was beset by multiple head injuries in day programs, and subsequently needed the use of a wheelchair to participate in program activities.

Karl’s learning skills were highly adaptive and idiosyncratic. His family likened his ability to get through situations to

“a cat with nine lives.” Teachers and caregivers both spoke positively of his sweet nature. Among those who helped Karl adapt were Wade Wilde, Dietsch’s Hearing Aid Center, and Rady Children’s Hospital. Thank you for your part in giving Karl the means to connect with and participate in the community.