Joaquin Blas San Nicolas

Joaquin Blas San Nicolas was born on September 28, 1950 In Oka, on the beautiful island of Guam.

He is the second youngest of eleven children of Joaquin Castro San Nicolas and Esperanza Castro Blas San Nicolas.  After the death of his father when Joaquin was only three years old, he was raised by his mother and older siblings. 

He was an outgoing and popular kid who was the star quarterback for his high school football team.  He enjoyed working at the family ranch in Didigi with his brother Edward.  After high school graduation, he completed the apprentice program at Guam Naval Station, where he trained for and worked as a power plant electrician.  He would selflessly and willingly give his entire paycheck to his mom to help provide for her.  

He lived his life with a strong faith and trust in Our Lord, Jesus Christ.  He served as an Altar Boy at St. Jude Thaddeus Parish in Sinajana, Guam and as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Frances of Rome Parish in Lake Elsinore, California.

He met the love of his life, Lourdes, in 1969.  They were married in 1973 and together they raised three children with so much love and faith. 

He joined the U.S. Navy in 1971 and was assigned to a Seabee unit as a construction electrician immediately after basic training, by-passing the extensive schooling normally required.  He furthered his knowledge by attending the Navy’s Advanced Power Production School.  He worked with Seabee units in Adak, Alaska and Midway Island; was a crew leader at Chase Field Naval Air Station in Texas and was part of the Naval Mobile Unit, NMCB-4 in Diego Garcia and Port Hueneme. In 1978, as a second class petty officer, he was selected as Pacific Fleet Seabee of the Year, being described by RAdm Clements as “(having) a great deal of sensitivity and a sense of accountability for your men that is often not found in far more senior petty officers.”

After discharging from active duty in 1979, he worked as a high-voltage electrician, planner and estimator for the civil service while also serving in the U.S. Naval Reserves.  He was reactivated for Operation Desert Storm and deployed for nine months.  He retired as a Chief Petty Officer, E7, in 1996.

After he fully retired in 2006, he and Lourdes traveled across the country in their RV visiting relatives and seeing numerous sites.  He loved the open-air of the great outdoors. He proudly spoiled his grandkids, taking them camping, going on hikes, watching their sporting events and performances, showering them with love. 

Faith, Family and friendship were very important to Joaquin.   He is described as a loyal friend, favorite uncle, second dad, supportive brother, devoted and loving husband, and the best dad and grandpa anyone could ever wish for.  He had a mischievous smile, sharp, quick, witty sense of humor and was an expert story-teller.  We will miss your stories, your laughter and your light.

On September 3, 2020, Joaquin went home to be with Our Lord in heaven. He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Maria San Nicolas, Dolores San Gil, Ana Gogue, Edward San Nicolas, Teresita Palomo and Juan San Nicolas.  Joaquin is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Lourdes; children Patrick San Nicolas and wife Aimee; Jessica San Nicolas Cortez and husband Armando; Chonney San Nicolas Gano; grandchildren Patrick Jr, Malia, Kainoa, Kiana, Hayley, James, Mia, Brianna, Mickala, Cianni; great-grandchildren Landon and many more; siblings Maria Sablan, Ricardo San Nicolas and wife Pacing; Joseph San Nicolas and wife Edwina; Felisa Unpingco.  And many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

I'm Free 

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard his call,
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I've found that peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My Life's been full, I savoured much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch,

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.

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