DR. NICHOLAS THOMAS VALOS

November 25, 1954 November 17, 2023

My greatest accomplishment was being a husband and dad.

Dr. Nicholas Thomas Valos was born November 25, 1954, in Bakersfield, California. He passed away peacefully on November 17, 2023. Nick was a third-generation Bakersfield boy and the only son of Nicholas Valos (of Bakersfield) and Mary Karasthasis (of Fresno). He grew up attending St. George Greek Orthodox Church and was the little brother to all his Greek cousins, who affectionately called him Nicky.

As a proud Driller from Bakersfield High School, Nick continued his undergraduate education at Bakersfield College and UCLA, then pursued his medical degree and training at USC, culminating in his career as an orthopedic surgeon Fight on! But, as they say, Once a Driller, always a Driller! Nick eventually returned home and spent 25 years on the sidelines of BHS football games as the team doc. He worked in private practice at Bakersfield Orthopedic Medical Group for 20 years and eventually moved to Kaiser Permanente until his retirement. Those who knew Dr. Nick could tell you he always worked with integrity, sincerity, and kindness. Not only was he regarded for his exceptional medical skills, Nick was also dedicated to mentoring others, especially one of his daughters who proudly follows in his footsteps. Dr. Nick's commitment to medicine was deeply principled, as he approached every patient with the same compassion and understanding he would want for his own family.

Dr. Nick had a remarkable career and felt privileged to serve his community for 33 years. However, his greatest joy came from being a devoted husband to his best friend, Pammie, and loving dad to his four children - Nicholas, Kehaulani, Philip, and Victoria. Nick, the Greek, met the love of his life, Pamela, a beautiful wahine, and convinced his Hawaiian princess to come home with him to Bakersfield. They were married in 1986 and spent the next 37 years building a wonderful life together. Their love was exceptional, an example of unwavering devotion and support; their marriage served as an inspiration to all who knew them.

Nick loved The Three Stooges, Dodgers baseball, and any activity with his family in tow. He always took the time to make each of his kids feel special and loved; even when doing the simplest things, they were always together. In 2019, Nick traded his slacks and scrubs for Aloha shirts and slippas. Retirement in Maui was filled with beautiful sunrises over the ocean and Haleakala, making the perfect cup of coffee for his honey, learning Greek for their future travels, enjoying cycling around the island, playing senior-league softball, and golfing with his Maui buddies.

When they visited Bakersfield, Nick embraced his role as the best Papou to his five grandchildren: Alexis, Nicholas, Luke, Niko, and Lokelani, as well as his favorite grandpup, Tris. He looked forward to breakfast with the guys at Pappy's every week and morning coffee runs to Dunkin Donuts. Nick was known for his hilarious individual text messages, which always featured him as a Memoji for the occasion.

Nick was a faithful servant of God, attending Greek Orthodox Church wherever he may be. He raised his family to know and love God. Nick was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Mary Valos. He is survived by his loving wife, Pamela Valos; his children Nicholas, Alexandra Kehaulani (Justin Schweitzer), Philip (Katie Rourke), and Victoria; and his grandchildren, Alexis, Nicholas, Luke, Niko, and Lokelani. Nick also leaves his memory with many loving cousins, in-laws, and friends. Pallbearers will be: Nicholas Valos, Philip Valos, Justin Schweitzer, Tyler Savage, Dr. James Deal, and Dr. Peter Plessas. Honorary pallbearers will be: Harry Chicklenis, James Vlamis, Thomas Bobo Valos, Thomas Savage, Fr. Thomas Felactu, James Schneider, Steve Green, Tony Hashim, Doug Thomas, Dr. James Clark.

The family would like to thank the amazing team of doctors at Kaiser, especially, Dr. Joy Jurich, Dr. Kyaw Tun, Dr. Aung Htoo and the amazing nurses at AHH for their excellent care in his time of need. Thank you to Dr. Marvin Campos for your friendship. Thank you to Dr. Ravi Patel and his caring staff. A special thanks to our amazing cousins Tommy & Alexis, and the Schneiders for their continual support and love.

Nick's life will be celebrated on Friday, November 24, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 401 Truxtun Ave., officiated by Father Jim Pappas and Father Thomas Felactu.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. George Orthodox Church (Dr. Nicholas T. Valos Memorial Fund).

www.bakersfield.com/obits

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Published by Bakersfield Californian on Nov. 21, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Nicholas Valos

37 Entries

July 8, 2025

Still makes me sad, he was such a great man.

Scott Hostmyer

June 27, 2025

He did major surgery on my shoulder in 99 and I came out way better than I anticipated. He had such a gift of ease and quiet confidence. Thank you for your healing hands and healing spirit.

Linda Witt Fallgatter

March 14, 2024

Pam and family I just saw about Nick's passing. My deepest condolences to all of you. He was a great doctor, husband, man and father.

Deborah Bradford

December 14, 2023

I worked in surgery as an Registered Nurse at Mercy Hospital ( many years ago). Dr Valos was always so professional and kind. He was an excellent surgeon. He would also share his excitement about his wife (Pam) and his children. I felt like I knew each one personally. Dr Valos will be truly missed.

Frances Villanueva & family

December 4, 2023

My deepest condolences to Pam and family.

Lauren Stroble

December 1, 2023

Our condolences to the Valos Family. Great memories of our times with baseball... the Witt family.

Brian Kemp

December 1, 2023

Sending healing prayers
Always an awesome Doctor, Many thanks Dr Nick!

Sharon Smith Saalinger

November 30, 2023

My heart is saddened to read of Dr. Valos' passing. He took care of my foot issues before he began working for Kaiser. I knew both he and Pam as I worked for the doctor that delivered their children. Had the pleasure and surprise to be cared for by Alexandra @ SCOI. Kind of full circle. If we were out on a drive and drove by, if Nick was outside, he'd come to the car and chat. Precious family. My sincere condolences to you Pam and the family. You were always special to me. God keep you in His loving care as you go through this journey. Love and Prayers.

Dr. Guillory-Smith

November 30, 2023

I practiced anesthesiology in Bakersfield for 11 years (1998-2009) and have the pleasure to work with Dr. Valos. He was a good surgeon and very personable... I wish there were more doctors like him here in Florida where I practice now

Linda DeStefani

November 29, 2023

I didn't know Dr. Valos but being from a Bakerfield born Italian/ Portuguese farming family, we all "knew" of each other. I knew how much Nick was admired by our community. I appreciated the remark given here by K Dub for telling his private situation because it honored Dr. Nick in such a real way. My heart is sorrowful for Nick's family and friends because just reading the comments here shows how much he and his love given to others will be painfully missed.

Ginger Pride RN

November 28, 2023

Very sorry for the loss of Dr. Valos for his family and for those who met and treated by him. I met him when he was a new ortho here in town; his favorite surgical nurse was of course Miss Pam. Always kind and caring!! When my younger daughter broke her ankle, he did a closed reduction. When the oldest, dislocated her knee, his group took care of it. He would frequently mention his love of the ocean. Dr. Nick was a blessing.

Janell Priddy

November 25, 2023

We are so shocked and saddened to hear about Dr. Nick passing. He was my orthopedic surgeon and my husband`s and we cherished him and respected him so very much. He was always so kind and caring and took his time with you like you were his only patient. We know how much he did love his family. He always talked about you all and was so very proud. We will keep you in our prayers and thoughts and as you move forward know that you´re not alone, God will be there for you in those hard times of grief. Thanks for sharing your husband and your dad with the rest of us. We were truly blessed.
With our condolences
Rick and Janell Priddy

Gena cook

November 22, 2023

I would like to send my condolences to the Valos family. Dr Valos was a wonderful surgeon to work with as well as to be a patient of. Pam please accept my deepest heartfelt love and prayers to you
and your family. I haven´t seen you in many years but always remember your friendship and happy personality. Love always Gena Cook.

K DUB

November 22, 2023

Nick was a great man. I was a patient with little money and no insurance. He made a great deal with me and treated me with top notch care with the agreement I would pay what I could afford. It took me a few years to pay in full, but I paid it off. He trusted me, and I trusted him. Forever grateful. Sad and shocked to hear of his passing. Truly wonderful and charismatic person.

Earl Absher

November 22, 2023

Incredible doctor. He did my right knee replacement long ago. I was hoping he'd do my left knee someday.

Denise Jones

November 22, 2023

My sincere condolences to his family. He was such a NICE man! I looked forward to talking to him every time he came to the Infusion center. He always took time to talk to me and give me encouragement for my daughter(who's pre-med). I was shocked and I am sadden. he's greatly missed

LESLIE K GINN

November 22, 2023

Dr Valos was my doctor years ago, he was always so nice and caring I now see his Daughter and she is so sweet and kind. Sending prayer to the family for there loss of a great man. father, doctor, friend.

Claire

November 22, 2023

Dr. Valos was the most caring physician and surgeon I know. He was always kind, to both patients and staff, of which I was both. I am grateful to have known him in both roles. He will be greatly missed by all. Condolences to his family and friends. God certainly has a special place in Heaven for such a kind soul.

Gracie Johnstone

November 21, 2023

I was so sadden to hear the news of Dr. Valos passing. My condolences to his entire family. I worked with him when I worked at Mercy Hospital- Truxtun on the orthopedic floor. He was a very Carin doctor; he always listened to his patients. Years later, I again worked with Dr. Valos at Kaiser at the Stockdale facility. He was always kind and professional. As a registered nurse, I admired him; his patients spoke highly of him.

Chris Covey

November 21, 2023

All of my prayers go out to the entire Valos family. I am so blessed to have know Dr Valos for many years and thank God for all of the wisdom and laughs. He will be deeply missed.

Melanie

November 21, 2023

I had the pleasure of working with Dr Valos for many years at Kaiser. He was great to work with .
My prayers and condolences are with the family and friends.

Alexandra, I am so so sorry. Much love and prayers

Nancy Barnett

November 21, 2023

I went all through school with my friend Nicky...from Longfellow through BHS. He was always such a kind and caring person. Rest in peace Nick. You're loved by many and missed by more.

Ron and Lisa Myers

November 21, 2023

Dear Pam, Nick, Alex and Phillip words cannot express how truly saddened we are to hear about Nick´s passing. He was such an incredibly kind and caring man. We feel so honored to have known him. We cherish the memories of times spent together during church events and celebrations. May you find comfort knowing how much he was loved, admired and respected by so many people. He will be truly missed. We are sending our deepest condolences, prayers and love. God bless you and may his memory be eternal.

Ron and Lisa Myers

November 21, 2023

Dear Pam, Nick, Alex, Phillip and Victoria, words cannot express our sadness for your loss. Nick was such an incredibly kind and caring person. We are so grateful he was part of our lives. We cherish the memories of times spend together during church events and celebrations. Our deepest condolences and may his memory be eternal. He will be missed. God bless you all.

Wendy Knight, NP Kaiser Permanente

November 21, 2023

My heart is very heavy today with this sad bit of news. What a wonderful man with such a kind heart. His care of my son was over the top and would likely never have occurred with any other surgeon. My Mother sang his praises as an RN on the orthopedic floor at Mercy Downtown when he was early in his practice with Dr. Iger (another stellar surgeon)
My prayers are with his family who have suffered a great loss.

Rock

November 21, 2023

Condolences to the valos family during this time . Worked in the or with him for many years and adored his style and finesse . Prayers to all . He will be missed

Rock Herrera

Karen Banning

November 21, 2023

I am truly saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Valos. I had the pleasure of working with him at Kaiser and he was wonderful to work with. He was an amazing individual and physician. He was very well liked and respected by his peers and his patients. He was always so kind and positive which was infectious. He will be missed greatly. My sincerest condolences to his beautiful family and loved ones.

Billy Stramler

November 21, 2023

Nick was a very special person. I got know him from school, as a patient, and then as a colleague in the OR. Always kind and considerate of staff, just a good guy. So sad to hear of Nick´s passing. God Bless

Annette Pellens

November 21, 2023

God Bless you all. Our family is so very sorry for your loss. Dr. Valos was an amazing man.

Kristen Rubio

November 21, 2023

I'm so sad to hear of Dr. Valos's passing. I worked with him at Kaiser and he always had a smile and nice thing to say. Prayers to his family.

José and Nancy Elizagoyen

November 21, 2023

Our sincerest condolences to The Valos family and friends

chad Provensal

November 21, 2023

Rest easy, Doc. 1st class all the way!

Stephen A. Montgomery

November 21, 2023

When the kids were young, my brother, Richard, and Nicky were best friends hanging around at Hack & Tack Stables. Being nine years older I looked after them.

Decades later Dr. Nick became my orthopedist. When he left the practice to join the Kaiser Permanente team I became the patient of his then associate, Dr. Alfred Coppola, who, this past year, replaced one of my knees.

Yes! the Three Stooges were a hoot! And, "Once a Driller, Always a Driller!" Class of 1964.

Best wishes on your journey, Nicky! Yours was a life well lived!

Gerri Meninga

November 21, 2023

I´m very saddened to hear of Dr Valos passing. I was privileged to work with him for many years in the OR at AHB. He was a great person and surgeon. My deepest condolences to each of you. Praying for Gods comfort now and going forward.

Dora Spray

November 21, 2023

Dr Valos was a "newbie" at Bakersfield Orthopedic when I started there. Being new his practice was very light but it didn´t take long for the word to get out on what an amazing Ortho and person he was...he will be missed.

Donna Cullum

November 21, 2023

Dr Valos will be missed! It was my privilege to work with him for nearly 20 years at BOMG! My love and prayers to his family!

Harold J. Baer, M.D.

November 21, 2023

I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Nick's passing. He was a terrific orthopedist and a wonderful, compassionate person. I am fortunate to be able to have known him as a friend and physician. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family.

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