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Christopher Ficco Obituary
CHRISTOPHER DANIEL FICCO
August 23, 1952 ~ February 16, 2018
Response on social media to word of Chris Ficco's passing at age 65, Friday, February 16, 2018 in Palm Springs, California of complications related to the flu was immediate and passionate: "…I am heartbroken. Chris did so much for our community…He was a fixture in our town and a good guy…He made amazing things happen. Visionary...He was such a kind and gentle man….Chris was a gem."
Christopher Daniel Ficco was born August 23, 1952 in Denver, Colorado to Pete and Barbara Ficco. He graduated from Wilson High School in Tacoma and attended Clark College in Vancouver, WA.
At age 17, Chris went to work at Melvin's Men's Store in downtown Vancouver where he developed a loyal and devoted clientele who appreciated his integrity and strong sense of style. He later owned the store, eventually going to work for Nordstrom's where he consistently won over clients and exceeded sales goals.
Chris made a profound impact on his community in the early 1990's as board president of Southwest Washington Independent Forward Thrust or "SWIFT" where he, his fellow board members and a team of volunteers raised over $1,000,000.00 for Vancouver area charities. Friends and family have vivid memories of Chris when he went into "procurement mode" for the auction and would spend hours tracking down tantalizing donations that always commanded top dollar bids.
When his dad, Pete died in 1977, Chris took on a bigger role in his family especially as a mentor and guide to his brothers Doug and Randy who both remember Chris as an artistic, creative man devoted to family, friends and customers.
Chris was a spectacular cook and host who thrived when planning and preparing a big meal over a series of days, then joyfully serving it. Holidays will be hard to experience without him.
Chris is survived by his loving husband, Richard J. "Rick" Miller of Palm Springs, CA; son, Nicholas Ficco; step- children, Justin Miller and Stephanie Hockman; brothers, Doug (Sharon) and Randy (Jennifer), both of Vancouver; and numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Family will gather later this Spring to celebrate Chris' life and the many people and causes that were so important to him.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Ficco
Joe Lane
July 1, 2025
I worked for Chris when he owned the clothing store for a year. He was a class act. At Christmas time he told me I could pick out anything in the store for my Christmas gift. I told him that I didn´t need anything. Before I left that day he handed a very nice mens Chanel after shave / cologne gift set. I never forgot that. He was such a great boss.
Kerry Erving
May 18, 2018
Oh My Goodness I am just shocked to hear about Chris passing. Wow just wow what can I say? I worked with Chris at Melvin's till the day it closed. The best boss I have ever had. There isn't enough words I could say to explain how I felt about him. I have not seen him for a very long time but I have bragged about him many times.
Rest in peace Chris I will be seeing you.
Sujan Kim
March 6, 2018
Chris, I will miss you. Chris was a great boss, mentor, and amazing friend. He made work fun and rewarding. I am so happy we got to have lunch the last time I was in Palm Springs, and you were able to meet my husband and daughter.
Justin Underwood
March 3, 2018
Chris- We will miss you greatly! Your humor and wit along with your sense of style influenced my brother and I since we were kids!
Heidi Cooper
March 2, 2018
Chris, you changed my life for the better in so many ways. Our crazy memories and experiences will live on in my memory. You are missed beyond words.
Ilmari Kivinen
February 28, 2018
Whatever, Chris! Rick, I feel a profound loss, and can't imagine how much you are hurting. I miss the crazy times, and cherish the memories of you, Chris, and me doing something fantastic. Stay in touch.
Byron & Lin Jacobus
February 27, 2018
WE WILL MISS YOU; Thank you for stopping and say hi at Water and Air Works to see us when you were in town. I met Cris His first week, I was one of his best customers he new how to dress you for success. I worked with him on the Swift board, he did so much for our city. Byron & Lin Jacobus
Gary Van Allen
February 27, 2018
I have known Chris since he was the store manager for the Melvin's Men's Clothing store, where he later became the owner. Chris was a man of high standards with honesty and fairness as corner stones of his integrity. He was a joy to be around. A true professional in business and a good person personally. His life was well lived. God Bless.
Chris Olson
February 27, 2018
I'm a very saddened to hear the loss of a good friend. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to have worked with you at Nordstrom. I'm glad I was able to meet for lunch even after our Nordstrom days. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Sylvia Lorelli
February 27, 2018
My very dear friend,I will miss you forever.
Barb Blevins
February 26, 2018
Chris, I will miss you very much. My thought of you go back to my visit in Palm Springs when I got stuck in Rick's car and you laughed so hard it made the situation very funny. Will miss your great cooking and your smile. RIP love ya
Walter Davis
February 26, 2018
I was so fortunate to met Chris at Nordstrom and his passion helped transform business. An incredible person he will be missed at so many levels, God Bless you Chris!!
Walt
CINDY NELSON
February 26, 2018
God Bless You Chris. We have known each other for more then 30 years, I will miss chatting with you when you come to visit.
February 26, 2018
RIP Chris..
February 26, 2018
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 119:76.
Calvin Russell
February 25, 2018
A man with great talent, tremendous abilities, and an abiding love for the community in which he lived. His life touched many others, and I trust his contributions will long be remembered.
Norm Harker
February 24, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
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