Nickola Mavar

Burlington - With profound sorrow we are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dearly loved Nickola Mavar Jr. "Nick" or "Nicky" departed this world on June 13, 2024, as a result of an unexpected heart attack in King Salmon, Alaska, while preparing his gillnetter for salmon fishing for the Bristol Bay season, as he had done every summer since he was twelve years old. Born on October 21, 1964, to Nickola Sr. & Maureen (Whelan) Mavar in San Pedro, California, the family made their way to Anacortes in 1965. Nick's legacy of kindness and devotion to his family will be forever cherished.

He was the second of four children raised in a tight-knit family along with his older brother Brian and younger siblings John & Colleen. Nick shared a special bond with his father and made a point to express his love and appreciation for him as often as possible when they spoke multiple times most days.

Nick grew up in Anacortes, WA, and graduated from Anacortes High School in 1983. Nicky loved all sports, especially basketball where he played as a youth for Saint Mary's Catholic Church and later as a point guard for his AHS team. He attended his 40th high school reunion last summer and relished in memories, laughing and reconnecting with his former classmates. He went on to study at Western Washington University where he completed two years before following his heart, and his family's legacy, in the commercial fishing industry.

In 2000 Nick welcomed his first-born son, Myles, and in 2005 his daughter Emme was born. Nick's children brought him immense joy. He was extremely proud watching them both grow into respectful, kind and loving human beings. Both Myles and Emme were stars in the eyes of their dad and Nick always wanted the very best for them.

Although a less than average life span, Nick did not live an average life. He spent 17 seasons on Discovery Channel's extreme fishing reality show "Deadliest Catch" on the F/V "Northwestern" where he worked and filmed with people who became his closest friends and were more like family to him. He was recognized for his deep gruff voice and known for his tenacity and hard work ethic as well as being the constant "peacemaker" to his many fans all around the world. In the summer months he captained his salmon fishing boat "Miss Colleen", lovingly named after his only sister. He mentored many young fishermen along the way, including his son Myles and nephews Hunter Mavar & Jake Anderson.

Nick met Julie Mains (Hanson) in 2017 on a blind date and was smitten. They were quickly inseparable, and he loved to share the story of their meeting, and his love and devotion for Julie was profound as he began a new chapter in his life. When they married in 2021 Nick gained a second daughter, Jensen, who he loved and treasured equally. Nick expressed his feelings for Julie and their children every single day to anyone who would listen. Nick was truly a happy man and felt so fortunate to have found his lifelong partner and his closest friend. Nick & Julie enjoyed traveling to sunny locations, spending time with friends and family laughing, storytelling and playing cards. Skagit Golf & Country Club was their home away from home and they golfed and socialized there often.

Nick loved to love people. He had hundreds of "best friends" because he made everyone he knew feel they were just that, and literally never met a stranger. He loved reading the daily newspaper, pedicures, The Golf Channel, a good suntan, anything Tommy Bahama, his mom's Croation cookies and strawberry milkshakes. He was infamous for losing his wallet and/or phone and typically after a day or two would somehow manage to (most) always find them. He was such a sweet man.

Nick is survived by his devoted wife Julie Mavar, his children Myles Mavar and Emme Mavar, his stepdaughter Jensen Weynands, his parents Nickola Mavar Sr. and Maureen Mavar. His brothers Brian Mavar (Cami) and John Mavar. His sister Colleen Mavar, whom he affectionately referred to as "Princess" or "Kid", (Kevin Kilpatrick). His mother-in-law and father-in-law Gary and Linda Hanson, his brother-in-law Darrin Hanson (Lisa Adams) and sister-in-law Leah Hanson (Dean Petruk). His nephews, Landon Mavar, Tyson Mavar (Angie), Alec Mavar (Meghan), Hunter Mavar, Sam Hanson and Jake Anderson. His nieces, Tate Atchley and Ellie Hanson, as well as many great nieces & nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles in Ireland, Croatia and the USA. Also surviving Nicky are loving godparents Martin & Georgia Balov and godson Brandon Franulovic.

In a fitting tribute to a man who loved to give, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider contributing in Nick's name for a lasting memorial to him at Skagit Golf & Country Club / Nick Mavar Memorial 16701 Country Club Dr. Burlington, WA 98233 or Anacortes Croation Club 1202 7th St. Anacortes, WA 98221 earmarked for the continuing outdoor patio project. Both were near and dear to Nick's life.

Nick's life and legacy will be memorialized Friday, September 13th with a Catholic mass beginning at 10am at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Anacortes. A wreath release and tribute will follow at The City of Anacortes Seafarers Memorial Park at 11:30am. Nick's celebration of life will begin at 2pm with a program starting at 2:30pm at Skagit Golf & Country Club in Burlington. A special thank you to Kirk Duffy and Hawthorne Funeral Home for their local assistance. Please share your thoughts and memories of Nick by signing the online guest register at www.hawthornefh.com.


FOTO: Private