Paul Joseph Nicklas, age 70, of Eureka, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, surrounded by family, after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Paul faced cancer the same way he lived his life — with focused determination, inspiring courage, compassion for those around him and unshakable faith.

Faith for Paul was foundational, grounded in the simple acceptance of the love of Jesus. As often said: “It isn’t about being ‘religious,’ it’s about being REAL.”

Paul was born in San Francisco on March 9, 1947. He came to Eureka on the train when he was nine months old, with his parents and big brother. The family settled in a house on California Street where Paul grew up. He attended St. Bernard’s Elementary School and graduated from Eureka High School, Class of 1965.

As a youth Paul delivered newspapers, cooked at Sambo’s and spent time on fishing vessels. He earned his BA in Business Administration at Humboldt State College in 1971 while working at the Simpson Sawmill.

In 1969, during his junior year at Humboldt State, Paul became an insurance agent. Within a year he bought his first office on C Street in Eureka, where he began his 47-year-career with Northwestern Mutual. During that time he earned his designation to become a Chartered Financial Consultant. Paul delivered value and compassion to his clients until the last week of his life. In 2001, Paul relocated his office to its current location at 1864 Myrtle Avenue, where he expanded his real estate as “Paul J Nicklas & Associates” and “Eureka Corporate Housing.” He often referred to it as his “Campus on Myrtle.”

Paul was married to Cynthia on Nov. 7, 1976, and they were married 41 years. Their first son was born in 1977 and their second son was born in 1979. They welcomed their third son in 1991. Paul loved to waterski, drive fast cars, and travel internationally. He enjoyed taking his boys on road trips over Route 66, or just cruising around Humboldt.

Paul is survived by his wife Cynthia and their three children, Phillip, John, and David; his six grandchildren, Isaac, Leonie, Hanna, Clara, Kai, and Aria; his brothers Philip Nicklas and John Nicklas; and his sister, Margot Lee.

Paul is proceeded in death by his parents Henry Nicklas and Joan Humphreys, as well as his older brother Dale Glynn.

We would like to thank the Ida Emmerson Hospice House for their compassionate care during Paul’s short stay, and everyone that came to visit. The many cards, flowers, phone calls, donations, hugs and love that Paul received over the course of his illness, and especially during those final days, meant more than words can express. Thank you all!

There will be a memorial at 11 a.m. on February 24th, 2018 at Faith Center, 1032 Bay Street, Eureka. Reception to follow and will be announced.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Paul Nicklas’ family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.