Nicholas Riley McCluskey

Nicholas Riley McCluskey, age 35, tragically passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2019, in Larkspur, California. Nick was born on July 6, 1983, in Tacoma, Washington, to Michael Duane McCluskey and Deena Michelle McCluskey. He graduated from Decatur High School in 2002 where he was a star athlete, competing in football, wrestling and soccer. He was also named one of the top five athletes in Western Washington by the Seattle Times. Following high school, Nick earned a scholarship to play soccer and attend college at Seattle University. Nick's soccer coach, Peter Fewing, was quoted as calling Nick the "heart and soul" of his team in 2004 when the SU Redhawks won the NCAA Division II National Championship.

Nick graduated from SU in 2006 with a Business degree and began a successful career in medical sales, starting with DePuy Spine (2006-12), Stryker (2012-14), and most recently with Medtronic Spine & Biologics in the San Francisco Bay area for the last five years. Nick was the ultimate competitor in every aspect of his life and worked hard to be the best in everything he set out to do. And Nick was the best. He was respected and admired by everyone he met. More importantly, Nick's generosity and love for his family and friends knew no limits. Words cannot express how greatly he will be missed.

Nick is survived by his grandparents, Mike and Joan McCluskey; his parents, Mike and Deena McCluskey; his brother, Taylor McCluskey; his sister, Kelli McCluskey and his dog, Dozer.

Please join us in celebrating Nick's life and birthday on July 6, 2019, at 1:30 pm, at the Thunder Dome Car Museum 1920 Garrett St.

Enumclaw, Washington 98022

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to your local Humane Society or Children's Hospital to commemorate Nick's love for dogs and children.

Sign Nick's online

Guest Book at www.Legacy.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Jun. 30, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Nicholas McCluskey

Sponsored by The Family.

16 Entries

Allen Nakagawa

June 24, 2025

June 2025: I think of Nick often, of missed opportunities & fun activities. It could be harrowing in the OR but he had a way of alleviating the tension & maintaining a good relationship with the surgical team. He planned for the inconsistencies & whatifs, never missing a beat. Outside of work or close to it, you might be surprised by his practical jokes (BTW they were well planned too). Need a friend, a ride going in the opposite direction, advice, BBQ advice, planning a trip, etc., just ask Nick. He wasn´t just a friend, he became family.

Allen Nakagawa

June 24, 2024

06/24/2024 I think of Nick not only as an invaluable spine rep in our OR but as a friend with diversified interests. He never gave up, whether in the OR or with his friends. And I miss most of his pranks (or unsuccessfully avoiding some of them). Wish you were here.
Allen Nakagawa, UCSF Retiree

Allen Nakagawa UCSF Retiree

June 29, 2022

06/29/2022 Nick passed away the year I retired; was on vacation when I was notified. Think of him often-have a photo of him in my vaccine wallet, see it daily. Still can´t believe he´s gone having interacted with him so much in the OR & outside. Think of his family as well. Miss you Nick. AllenN

Doug and Kim Barker

October 7, 2019

I know we are very late to post anything here but just heard about Nicks passing. How I remember the days that Mike was hitting balls to the boys in the front yard and kicking goals as well. All the boys challenged each other and Nick being the oldest was the one to beat. I am so sorry for your loss and was broken hearted to hear of this tragedy. My heart goes out to Deena, Mike, Tyler and Kelli.

July 13, 2019

Dear Deena,Mike,Taylor and Kelli:

We were heartbroken to hear about Nick. We were out of town or we would have been at his memorial. There are no words that can make this less painful but the memories and the love you had for each other and your family had together will live on in those memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Margo and Gary Peterson

Tony and Donna Chursky

July 12, 2019

Dear Mike, Deena, Taylor, and Kelli:

Words cannot express the sorrow we feel at the loss of your beloved son. Nick lived larger than life. He always had a twinkle in his eye, and he was such fun to be around. We loved to watch him play soccer because he played with extraordinary energy and conviction. Our lives were richer for having known him, and Alex especially will miss him greatly.
Tony and Donna Chursky

Marcia Hallmark

July 6, 2019

Dear Deena and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Nick's passing! My prayers are with all of you...

Alysha McCormick

July 6, 2019

Nick,

It was truly an honor to have been your teammate. Your tenacity for success, no matter the obstacle is courageous. Your unwillingness to give up is inspirational. Your selfless actions in putting your customers & your teammates before yourself is admirable. You made your mark on this world with the utmost grit and grace.
I will always treasure the stories we shared in this fight on earth together. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Rest in peace, my friend.

Nick Johnson

July 5, 2019

Mike, Deena, Taylor and Kelli,
I was informed of Nick's tragic death by Brittany and Gavin. I remember good times with all the kids playing in the cul-de-sac, Nick competing in high school and club sports. I lived next to Teddy and Cindy when Teddy was his soccer coach. Teddy told me several times how he respected Nick. So very sorry for you all. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Allen Nakagawa

July 4, 2019

Nick, I cant believe youre gone! We had just worked together a week before I retired. Remember that case in OR24, DrMummaneni & that stubborn Stealth#6 unit? Youre one of my best friends, youve done so much for everyone. Good people dont go early. Well, you looking down at us & will be with us all the time.
Note to family: Id like to send flowers annually please, AllenN

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Cathey Massey

July 1, 2019

My thoughts and prayers for the family as Nick was such a great guy.

June 30, 2019

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all and we are so sorry to hear of your loss of nick he was a real nice young man. The Kanesta

Kim Freet

June 30, 2019

Our hearts are broken. Our love and prayers go out to our friends Deena McCluskey, Mike McCluskey, Taylor McCluskey, and Kelli McCluskey. Not to mention the entire family, we love you all and will be joining you Sat. Please know we are always available to help in anyway. Nick was a huge part of our family in the early years and we have the very best memories of him. Simply put he was an outstanding human. Loved him as a boy and young man.
Freet Family, Marty, Kim, Matthew & Stacy

Michael McSweeney

June 30, 2019

Our family is sharing your grief. The shocking news of Nick's death in today's Seattle Times stuns and saddens us. We remember the lively, happy, exuberant little boy in Mrs. Wilbert's Readiness Kindergarten class as if it were yesterday! A few years later, Nick re-entered my life when I was a teacher and an administrator at Saghalie Junior High. Nick was special on so many levels...not just athletic. He was kind to all as well as polite, funny, and dependable. Mike and Deena, Taylor and Kelli: We are so very sorry. Your Nicky was a true treasure.

Radine Lozier

June 30, 2019

Deena, Mike, Taylor and Kelli we are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love Steve and Radine Lozier

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