Nicholas Michiel Priznar

Priznar, Nicholas Michiel
Passed away peacefully, at 61, on May 16, 2014, at Hospice of the Valley-Eckstein Center, Scottsdale, AZ. He was born to the late Michael and Frances Priznar, July 26, 1952 in Albany, New York. Nick graduated from the Keveny Academy in Cohoes, NY in 1970, and received a degree in Geology from the University of Arizona in 1979. He married Gail (Martell) of Sierra Vista, AZ in 1978 in Tucson, AZ, where they lived before relocating to Phoenix in 1989. Nick served in the U.S. Marine Corp (30 DEC 1971-16 DEC 1975), stationed in Yuma, AZ where he was honorably discharged. He was an exploration geologist with the Phelps Dodge Corporation and worked for the Arizona Department of Water Resources (1986-88), before becoming a Geologist with the Arizona Department of Transportation in 1988. He worked these past 26 years to ensure that the state's roadways, highways and bridges were safe and solid for those traveling them. Nick enjoyed taking trips with his wife to visit family, and explore and hike different parts of the country. He had a lifelong interest in rocks, gemstones and minerals, and he loved hunting, fishing and gardening. He was an active member of the Highway Geological Symposium. Nick is survived by his wife of 35 years, Gail, and children: Amie Priznar of Denver, Colorado, and Michael Priznar of Phoenix, AZ. Brothers Frank Priznar, Tim Michael; sisters Regina, Christine, Peggy, Roxane; in-laws Paul and Marlene Martell, Aunt Joanne Siracusa, nieces Lauren, Kaitlyn Sarah and Devony; nephews Gregory and Damian. We, who knew Nick Priznar, and the state of Arizona, have lost an immeasurable treasure too soon, but our lives have been enriched for having known him. A visitation celebrating Nick's life will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, May 22, 2014, at Messinger Indian School Mortuary, 7601 E. Indian School Road. Funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, May 23, 2014, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 11300 N. 64th Street, Scottsdale. Burial to follow at 2 p.m., at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek, Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Hospice of the Valley-Eckstein Center, Life Care Center of Paradise Valley, Barrows Neurological Institute, St Joseph Medical Center, John C Lincoln Hospital, Highway Geological Symposium or the Arizona Geological Survey.