Harry William Nicolet, July 23, 1927 - Nov. 4, 2011
Harry William Nicolet passed away peacefully Nov. 4, 2011 at Alaska Regional Hospital with his family at his side after sustaining injuries from a fall that was due to his Alzheimer disease.
Nicolet was born in Cordova on July 23, 1927 to James and Pearl Nicolet. He was married to Lois Steinbrook of Cordova from 1948 until her death in 1974. They had two daughters, Robin and Debra.
In 1975 Harry married Cordovan Cathie Simpler, and until his death, they enjoyed 36 years of marriage. They had three children, Pierre, Amy and Kara.
Harry lived his entire life in Alaska, dearly loved it, and thoroughly enjoyed sharing numerous outdoor activities that included skiing, hiking, fishing and hunting with his family and friends.
He commercial fished the Prince William Sound and Copper River. He served a short stint in the Navy during World War II.
He was a member of the Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge and the Pioneers of Alaska, Igloo #19 in Cordova.
Harry was employed by Standard Oil Company in Cordova, Kodiak, Seward and Anchorage and retired in 1966. He then began his career with New York Life and reluctantly retired in 2004. Throughout his many years at NYL, he continuously achieved the Million Dollar Round Table status.
He had a knack for conversation and he was well liked by everyone who knew him. Harry was well known for his beautiful smile and his warm and friendly demeanor.
Harry’s survivors include his wife Cathie; daughters and sons-in-law Robin and Peter Blake, Debra and Gene Wirkus; daughters Amy and Kara; son Pierre and wife Megan; grandchildren Scott Blake and wife Tara, Brandon Blake and wife Daryl, Michelle Spinks, Sheila Pontier, Fischer and Dawsynn Nicolet; great-grandchildren Katie Anaya and husband Matthew, James, Harry and Danielle Karns, Taylor Rae and James Blake, Matthew, Dylan and Hunter Blake; great-great grandson Matthew Anaya; nephews Mike Taylor, Gary Taylor and wife Carol; cousin Lois Enos; sister-in-law Charlette Carroll and husband Virgil; brothers-in-law, Tom Simpler and wife Arlene, Robert Simpler and wife Sharon, many nieces and nephews, and his dogs Toby and Tillie who were always at his side.
Harry was preceded in death by his brother Ralph, first wife Lois, parents James and Pearl, sister and brother-in-law Edith and Bob Taylor.
A service was held for Harry on Nov. 9 at Central Lutheran Church, 1420 Cordova St., Anchorage. A public visitation was held on Nov. 8 at Janssen’s Evergreen Memorial Chapel, 737 E St., Anchorage.
A graveside service will be held for Harry as he is laid to rest next to his father, mother, brother and sister on July 23, 2012 at the old Cordova Cemetery in Cordova, Alaska. In remembrance of Harry, memorials can be made to the Alzheimer Resource Agency.