Robert Nickoloff

1926 - 2025

Robert Nickoloff
10/14/1926 - 07/06/2025
Robert Nickoloff, affectionately known as Bob, Gramps, and Uncle Nick, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025, at his home in Mill Valley, California, at the age of 98. He is reunited in heaven with his mother, Jessie Ethel Leavengood; father, Louis Elia Nickoloff; brother, William Owen Nickoloff; first wife, Lillian M. McGill; second wife, Patricia Wong; daughter Kathleen Eckrich; and grandson, Paul Nickoloff.
Born on October 14, 1926, in Portland, Oregon, Bob's early life was characterized by hard work and a strong sense of community spirit. He worked alongside his father as an all-around handyman, lumber supplier for the paper mill, and ran a fireworks stand. At just 14, Bob began volunteering for his local fire department, a passion he often reminisced about. He built his first home and met his future wife, Lillian, while attending Franklin High School in Portland.
After a year at Willamette University, Bob honorably served in the Army at the end of World War II, stationed in Japan. Following the war, Bob returned to Willamette to complete his degree in Business Administration. He also married his first love, Lillian and shortly afterwards, they adopted two beloved children, Dennis and Kathleen. Bob and Lillian were fortunate to share 54 wonderful years until her passing in 2002.
Bob's career with the federal government began unexpectedly while he was in college, when the U.S. Treasury Department offered him a job based on a test he took in high school. This marked the beginning of a distinguished career with the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, which later became the Drug Enforcement Administration.
As Special Agent in Charge, Bob and his loving family moved 12 times across the country, with Lillian often expressing her pride in his work. They spent most of their time in the Bay Area, and it was on one of those trips to the bay in the early 50s when they spotted a plot of land for sale in Mill Valley. It was there that Bob built from the ground up the house where they would spend the rest of their lives, cultivating an impressive collection of antiques, a beautiful garden, and regularly hosting cherished family and friends. A passionate decorator, Bob delighted in adorning their home for every holiday, especially Christmas, making their residence the festive gathering place each year. Bob and Lillian loved exploring the Pacific Northwest, visiting redwood forests, camping, and discovering the coastline with their children and grandchildren.
Bob dedicated himself to St. Hilary's Catholic Church in Tiburon. He actively contributed to improvements, ran fundraising events, served as an usher, and performed duties as a Eucharistic Minister, among other contributions. He forged many lifelong friendships within the church community, continuing to attend mass until he was 98.
In 2004, Bob, affectionately known as Uncle Nick by the Wong family, married Patricia Wong, a longtime friend and widow of one of his closest law enforcement partners, Willie Wong. Bob and Pat traveled extensively worldwide and shared a beautiful relationship until her passing in 2008.
Bob was renowned for his extraordinary generosity. He was a dedicated philanthropist, donating to organizations he believed in, including his church. He provided immense support to his family, even helping friends with medical expenses, and notably donated a house to a family in need, among countless other acts of kindness.
After retirement, Bob remained deeply involved with the Drug Enforcement Administration, founding the Golden Gate Chapter of the Association of Federal Narcotics Agents (AFNA). In recognition of his significant contributions, AFNA recently named the "Robert Nickoloff Special Agent of the Year Award" in his honor. He also volunteered as a firefighter in Mill Valley, and was on call to help fight fires in the area. When not at church, fighting fires, or planning AFNA meetings, Bob could be found tending to his garden or exploring wine country with loved ones. He approached wineries with the same keen eye as a Special Agent, particularly enjoying Zinfandel red wine, which he loved to share. For Bob, wine country was a beautiful setting to spend time with people he loved, often enjoying picnics with sandwiches and his favorite Zinfandel by the creek at the former Truett Hurst Winery.
A devoted father, grandfather, friend, and passionate gardener, Bob leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, love, and cherished memories that will forever resonate with his family, friends, and community. He is survived by his son, Dennis R. Nickoloff; son-in-law, Mike Eckrich; grandchildren, Devin Nickoloff (Kelsie Fons) and Clifton Eckrich; stepchildren, Bob (Laura) Wong, Jeanne (Tom) Hoffman, and Chuck Wong (Godson); and step-grandchildren Bryan Wong, Katie Wong (Cameron Alexander), Mike (Kate) Hoffman, Kari (Martin) Dixon, Kelly Hoffman, and step-great-grandchild Clara.
Funeral services will be on August 14, 2025, at 10 AM, at St. Hilary Catholic Church in Tiburon, CA
Flowers can be sent to St Hilary's Catholic Church in Tiburon at the time of the funeral service.
A graveside service will be held at the Willamette National Cemetery on August 22, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in Happy Valley, OR. Bob will be laid to rest next to his wife Lillian.