Nicholas Garber

Nicholas (Nick) Brian Garber of Chico left this world at the age of 18 on January 1, 2009. Nick was born in Paradise, CA on August 2, 1990 to Susan Slocum and Brian Garber. He was a life time resident of Chico, and was a Senior at Chico High School (CHS). Nick is survived by two loving sets of parents, Susan and Keith Slocum of Chico, and Brian and Diana Garber of Carmichael, CA, and three older sisters, Donna Kellogg, Amy Slocum, and Kayley Barnett. He is also survived by grandparents, Eileen and Bob Sargent, Shirley Garber, and Viola Slocum; his aunts and uncles, Anne and Andy Muhl, Louise Mann, Bob and Linda Johnson, Diane Taylor, Virginia and Patty Hancock, Rob Slocum, Kim Butterworth, and Lynda Boxberger; numerous cousins, Rebecca and Julie Muhl, Roger and Kim Mann, their children, Cory and Tyler, Bobby Johnson and son Braydon, Nathan and Chrissy Johnson and children David, Kamryn and Kyle, Chester Taylor, Lynette and Frank Perone, with children Angelique and Abigale, Scott and Kim Boxberger, their children, Dillon, Brandon, Nicole and Nathan, and Todd and Amanda Boxberger, with children, Taylor, Sydney and Caleb. Nick also leaves behind his surrogate parents, Christine and Ken Fisher, and children, Scott, Mark and Kendall. Nick had many friends and buddies, Josh, Brian, Sean, Ben, Gavin, Matt, Dylan, Ross, David, Derek, Aaron, Austin, Luke, Ryan, Solomon, Andrew M, Tony, Daniel, Paul, Matty, Ian, Nate H., Zach (deceased), Drew, Nick, Roy H., Cousins Cory and Tyler, Jake, Jordan, Jon, Jacob, Cole, Evan, Cody, Steve, Colton, Kevin, Henry, Greg, Kyle, Taylor, Phil, Sammy, Eric, Jackson, Alex, Wes, Rex, Terence, AJ, Nate, Kayhan, Tanner, and his special girls Christina, Laura, Riley, Maddy, Ashley, Anna, Alyssa, Alex, Nichole, Christy, Kaylie, Erin, Mai, Maya, Michelle, Casey, Jessica, Jennifer, Bree, Charne, and of course Stephanie. There are so many more that were not listed, but will never be forgotten. Our Nick was many things to many people, but mostly he was about playfulness, friendship, team work, loyalty, courage, kindness, strength, love, intelligence and truth. He is eternally a happy wanderer, and simply a great guy. Nick was known for his many youthful antics with his buddies, frequently played-out in Clifford the Big Red Car, in the black Gorilla suit terrorizing the local stores, Techno Fridays, as a member of the CHS hunting for Big Foot club, being dragged by Leah the Lab on his long board, nocturnal football games, cruising the neighborhood in costumes with swords, sword fights and home videos, long sessions of Magic Cards at the Chico Mall, Legos as a young LegoNick, street bonfires, and always playing and composing beautiful guitar music in his well-known bedroom. Nicholas was quite the athlete and he loved nature, the mountains, and the oceans. He would say he had the best dad in the whole world! Brian and Nick traveled the country and parts of Europe, as accomplished downhill skiers, backpackers (you pack it in, you pack it out), hikers (climbing Mount Shasta at 11 years old, almost to the top), and he snorkled and swam like a fish in the corals of Hawaii with his stepfather Keith. Nick and Brian incurred many flat tires in their off-road adventures, and ripped off several running boards in their battle-worn 4 Runner. Both Nick's mothers, Sue and Diana, let them be boys and silently cringed. Nick played football for nearly half of his lifetime: 4 years with the Chico Jaguars, and 4 years as a Panther at CHS. He happily won championships as a Jaguar with Coach Curtis, but Nick's greatest achievement was helping his Panthers as Middle Linebacker #55 (Garbage Dog) win the Almond Bowl in 2008. Go Chico! For these past 4 years, Nick was also quite amazing and graceful as a downhill skier and racer for the CHS Ski and Snowboard Team. His new Spidy racing suit would have done considerable damage on the racing slopes of Tahoe and at Mammoth for States in March 2009. Our Nicholas and his sense-of-humor that he emulated from his older sister Donna, brought a needed brightness to this world. He will be terribly missed by his family and his friends. Remember to do great Garber things. The family would like to thank the Chico community for the outpouring of love, support, and compassion during this difficult time. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2009, 11 a.m. at the Neighborhood Church in Chico. Viewing is Friday, January 9, 2009, from 5-8 p.m. at the Brusie Funeral Home, 626 Broadway. Memorials may be made to Chico High School Foundation in memory of Nicholas Brian Garber. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brusie Funeral Home.