Nicholas M. Rerecich

"Nick" passed away on Monday, December 15, 2008 at his home on Bainbridge Island, Washington. He was 87 years of age and born on Bainbridge Island in 1921 to Anton and Maria Rerecich.He attended grade school on the Island and graduated from Bainbridge High School in 1939. After graduation, he worked as an apprentice cabinet maker in Seattle until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII. During the war he served as Chief Electrician aboard a naval destroyer that participated in the Normandy Day Invasion. After returning from WWII, Nick married Jean Swihart in 1946 and they resided on Bainbridge Island until her death in 1971. They had one daughter, Linda Coultas Richards. Nick later married Barbara Owyen in 1974. Nick and Barbara continued to live on Bainbridge Island in their home on Eagle Harbor Drive. He was proud of his Croatian heritage. His family operated a commercial fishing vessel, "The Liberty" out of Eagle Harbor for many years as a part of the "Croatian Fleet". He fished aboard "The Liberty" in both Alaska and Puget Sound during his earlier years. Nick always enjoyed woodworking and started his own construction company, Bainbridge Better Builders, one of the first on Bainbridge Island. He operated the company for over 50 years and constructed many Bainbridge Island commercial buildings and custom homes. He was a member of The Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of American Union for over 65 years. Nick enjoyed the sea and sailed much of the Northern hemisphere including Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and the Panama Canal. He was also an avid fisherman throughout his life. In fact, he was quite proud of his 3rd place prize in the local salmon derby, just three weeks ago. Nick was preceded in death by his first wife Jean, his brothers; Tony, George and Dominick. He is survived by his wife Barbara of Bainbridge Island, daughter Linda Coultas-Richards (Guy Richards), sister Carmen Berry of Bainbridge Island, his grandchildren; Alec Coultas (Brie) and Shannon Jacobson (Eric), great-grandchildren; Haley and Emma Coultas, Finnley and Scout Jacobson. There are also many other loving family and friends. A visitation will be held on Friday, December 19, 2008 from 4-6 PM with Recitation of the Rosary at 6 PM at St. Cecilia Catholic Church on Bainbridge Island. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, December 20, 2008 at 10:00 AM, also at St. Cecilia's. Interment will take place at Kane Cemetery on Bainbridge Island. A reception will follow the graveside service at the church - Conger Hall. Memorial contributions can be made to a charity of choice. Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home.