Nicholas “Nick” James Werve, 64, passed away July 30, 2006 at his home in Greenbank after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born Nov. 11, 1941 in Kenosha, Wisc., and grew up in Omaha, Neb. His parents were Marvin and Leonilla Werve.

Nick was a Marine Corps helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He worked as a crop duster and corporate pilot until joining TWA in 1967, retiring as a captain in 1997.

Nick had an energy and zest for life unmatched by most. He was a mountain climber, search and rescue member, hiker, skier, hunter and outdoorsman.

Nick was a true Renaissance man. He made jewelry, sewed outdoor clothing and packs. He was an amateur astronomer, a renowned story-teller, a golfer, a classical and flamenco guitarist. He wrote music, poetry and sang. Nick used his welding, tiling, carpentry and cabinetry skills to build a beautiful timberframe home for himself and his loving wife, Vicki. He put in a vineyard, hoping to be able to produce his own wine.

Nick was a friend to many, actively keeping up-to-date with people from every aspect and time period of his life. He was a volunteer at M-Bar-C Ranch, a member of the Marine Corp League and Whidbey Woodworker’s guild.

Nick is survived by his wife, Vicki Werve; sons Marvin “Nate” Werve and Colin “Bart” Werve; Nate’s wife, Dunja, and children, Vanessa and Veronica; Bart’s wife, Aimee and children Dylan, Amber and Daisey; his sisters Tricia Myers, Martha Kiefer, Theresa Corcoran and Colleen Mortensen.

His sister Mary and parents preceded him in death.

A memorial service is planned later this month.