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University of Washington

Nathan Van Mechelen Obituary

Nathan Louis Van Mechelen Sept 15, 1956 - Aug 21, 2013 Proud warrior for family, friends, and social justice, Nathan passed peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. Nathan was born in Seattle and grew up in its suburbs. After graduating from Mount Rainier High School in Des Moines, WA, Nathan joined the U.S. Navy. Following six years of service, Nathan attended the University of Washington, earning a B.A. in English literature. Nathan worked as a watchmaker, teacher, and TSA agent. He was also a talented artist whose work in multiple media celebrated the themes of his Cowlitz Tribe. Nathan was an outdoor enthusiast who loved biking, windsurfing and kayaking, and a social activist who worked tirelessly for progressive causes. Nathan is survived by his beloved wife of twenty two years, Nan Marie (Kister); his son, Jacob, and daughter, Jenny; his parents, Dan and Bernice Van Mechelen of Olympia, WA; his brother, Rod Van Mechelen, also of Olympia; and his sister, Becky Schultz, of Orting, WA. A graveside service will be held this Saturday, August 31, 2013 at 11 AM at Mills & Mills Memorial Park (formerly Olympic Memorial Gardens Cemetery) on Littlerock Road in Tumwater. A picnic/potluck will follow the service at the Black Lake Grange, 6011 Black Lake Blvd SW. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society (LLS.org).

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Published by The Olympian on Aug. 29, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Nathan Van Mechelen

17 Entries

George Fix

October 24, 2013

I always enjoyed seeing Nathan coming to work, always a smile even when pain was gripping him. He was a person you could turn to when things didn't make sense and get them answered. I will always miss Nathan.

Donald Fowler

October 15, 2013

You will be greatly missed by all.

Grant Schott

October 14, 2013

I regret that I just found out of the loss of our noble friend, Nathan. Otherwise , I would have tried to attend the service. I started working at PDX in early 2011 for AFGE on the TSA campaign. Nathan was one of the first members and he e-mailed updates to the members, attended meetings religiously, and helped keep the core group together when a rival union, NTEU, was gaining strength. Nathan was a kind, considerate gentleman, a committed activist, and a hard worker. I'm glad I knew you Nathan.

Dee Dee Krakowski

September 24, 2013

Nathan will be truly missed by everyone who knew him. I really enjoyed working with him. My condolences goes out to his family.

Teresa Barrett

September 21, 2013

Nathan was a joy to work with. I am going to miss seeing his smiling face whenever I came to work. Nathan will be missed. My prayers are with you and your family. God Bless.

Terry Dunn

September 20, 2013

Nathan was one of my closest, dearest friends at TSA. We enjoyed many great conversations.

David Triglia

September 20, 2013

Nathan was a top-notch Officer. As his Supervisor and his friend, I fully respected his work ethic and kindness. He was sincere and an inspiration for everyone. A good man. God bless.

dave rowe

September 19, 2013

Nathan is a quiet steady hand to the tiller we steered through checked baggage at PDX for Homeland Security. Reliable, trustworthy, strong of moral and ethic. I expect the resurrection to be kinder to the Van Mechelens than to my family. Your hopes are secure,dbrowe

Don Headrick

September 19, 2013

Nathan was a pleasure to work with. I know he will be missed by many. Gone but never forgotten, forever part of the TSA family.

Phyllis Watson

September 17, 2013

I worked with Nathan at the TSA. What a brilliant wit and compassionate soul.

He told the worst jokes ever, but never failed to weigh in with his thoughtful analysis of social and political issues. He always offered a sound argument and it was usually based on treating everyone with compassion and dignity.

I've missed him every day that he has been gone from work and now from us.

August 30, 2013

I work with a family memer of Nathan's and would just like to send my heartfelt condolences to the family. I am so very sorry for your lose of such a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time or sorrow. Rest in knowing he will always be with you in spirit and as your Guardian Angel. May his spirit be your guide through this difficult time. KM

Kenneth Ryherd

August 28, 2013

I worked with Nathan, before my retirement from TSA. He was a fine Man and great to work with. My thoughts and prayers go out the his family and many friends. God Bless Nathan, rest In peace.

Crystal Huck

August 27, 2013

I had the pleasure of working with Nathan at TSA for many years, he was such a hard worker he always talked so lovingly about his kids and wife to me and was so smart. He was such a good man, who had the spirit of a warrior!!
He will missed by all! My thoughts and Prayers go out to his family! RIP Nathan!

Jennifer "Jenny" Clark-Welch

August 26, 2013

When Nathan and Nancy were married, they included me. All I did was pass out scrolls to the guests, but I was so honored to be a part of their special day. Nathan always made me feel like what I had to say was important. He was a special man and I will miss my cousin dearly.

Franz Kaiser

August 25, 2013

Nathan was my brother-in-law. I always saw him as a devoted father and husband, kind, caring and welcoming to all. He will be missed.

Michael Hubbs

August 25, 2013

The Tribe is a place of family, big and small. The Tribal family has lost a son, that it can never replace. The Family has lost a son, brother, and uncle to many who loved him dearly. Both families have lost a family member that was "one of a kind". He will be missed by those that knew him. And he will be missed by those that now, will not get the honor of meeting this good and just man. As for me, I will miss his kind manner and words.
Michael J. Hubbs

Rod Van Mechelen

August 25, 2013

One time when we were children Nathan got in trouble for something and Dad would not let him move on until he gave in. This dragged on and finally Dad demanded to know why Nathan would not give in. "Because Van Mechelen's don't quit!" he said. Nathan always had a warrior's spirit and the world is a poorer place without him.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results