Nick Hope

1924 - 2025

In Loving Memory of Nick Hope With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Nick Hope-a remarkable man of faith, strength, and resilience-who passed away peacefully after a battle with pneumonia and other complications. Nick's life was an extraordinary testament to the power of forgiveness, perseverance, and unwavering faith. Nick Hope was a four-time Holocaust survivor who endured unimaginable atrocities but never allowed them to define him. Born in Ukraine, Nick survived the 1933 Holodomor under Stalin's regime, where he tragically lost two of his precious brothers. His suffering did not end there. He was later forcibly taken by Hitler's SS to perform slave labor at an ammunition factory in Wolfratshausen, Germany. After an explosion and being falsely accused by the SS of sabotage Nick was then sent to Dachau and subjected to some of the most terrible slave labor for three months. From Dachau concentration camp came the deathly sub camp called Allach. From here Nick was then forced by Hitler's SS, to work at the BMW factory on the 801 Aircraft engines for close to three years. Each day from here Nick was transported by foot under a barbed wire tunnel to the old BMW factory, where he endured grueling labor under tremendous stress and humiliation. Hitler's plan was to strip people of their humanity-to make them nothing more than numbers. Nick's identity was reduced to a number, 44249. After a simple mistake, by Nick, while working on the BMW 801 aircraft engine, this was spotted by Eisenbart, Hitler's worst SS officer. Eisenbart screamed "SABATOGE!!" and immediately Nick was threatened with two choices. Nick made his choice-but was tricked. Instead of being spared, he was mercilessly beaten with a cat o' nine tails whip until he lost consciousness and nearly died. In the final days of the war, Nick was forced once again by Hitler's SS on a three-day death march before finally being liberated by American forces on April 29, 1945. Despite facing some of the darkest chapters in human history, Nick's faith remained unshaken. He believed that God had a plan for him-a plan of forgiveness and great purpose. One of the most profound moments of Nick's life came after the war when he crossed paths with Eisenbart at an unemployment office. Faced with the man who had inflicted so much pain upon him, Nick had the power to seek revenge-but he chose forgiveness instead. Rather than turning him in or taking justice into his own hands, Nick forgave him. This extraordinary act of grace and strength shaped the rest of his life. His ability to forgive, even after such deep suffering, was a reflection of the greatness of his heart and the strength of his faith. Nick built a blessed life in Calistoga after settling there in 1961. He became a cornerstone of the community, building over 150 homes, numerous spas, and much of the town's cement work. His craftsmanship and hard work helped shape the town, and his kindness and integrity left an even greater mark on the lives of those who knew him. Nick Hope's life was a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of faith and forgiveness. He taught us that even in the face of unimaginable darkness, light and love can prevail. His story and his spirit will continue to inspire generations to come. Nick is survived by his two loving sons, Victor and George; his cherished daughter, Jenny; and his three beloved grandchildren, Janessa, Jacob, and Joseph. His legacy of faith, forgiveness, and resilience lives on through them. Nick always taught us, "No matter what happens in life, however hard-just keep going." May he rest in eternal peace. A memorial service to honor Nick's incredible life will be held on March 30, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Saint Helena SDA Church, 1777 Main Street, Saint Helena, California 94574. Now the most difficult bit. we would definitely appreciate any help you can offer. A GoFundMe account has been established for those who wish to support and contribute to the funeral expenses, flowers, and also very sadly a rather large debt, has accumulated, surrounding my father's medication, doctors and hospital fees. Any amount of help would be greatly appreciated for this very special and honorable event. Thank you and God Bless you. GoFundMe Link https://gofund.me/ff0c903c