Nathan Robert Pliska

Nathan was born on June 18, 1979, in Portland to Stephen and Mary Lysne Pliska. He grew up in the heart of southwest Portland, where his love of soccer began at age five and never waned. A graduate of Wilson High School (now Ida B. Wells-Barnett High School) in 1997, Nathan was known even then for his sharp mind and infectious sense of humor. He was a gifted athlete and lettered in soccer, basketball and track while in high school.

He attended Oregon State University with great enthusiasm, earning degrees in Political Science and History in 2001. A proud member of Sigma Chi fraternity, Nathan built lifelong friendships and cemented his fierce loyalty to the Oregon State Beavers.

Nathan went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from Lewis & Clark Law School in 2007. He dedicated his professional life to serving others as a public defender in Clark County, Washington, where his clients and colleagues alike admired his fierce advocacy, integrity, and compassion.

On July 29, 2006, Nathan married Carrie Hoffman Pliska, and together they welcomed their daughter, Emery, in 2010, followed by their son, Rylan, in 2012. Nathan relished fatherhood. He was a joyful and involved parent, proudly coaching his children's soccer and basketball teams, telling legendary stories, and passing along his love of sports, history, and great food.

Nathan had a deep and often hilariously blunt knowledge of American history particularly the Civil War which he shared with both gusto and accuracy. His radiant humor and quick wit were constant companions to those lucky enough to know him. A superb cook, he was renowned for his seafood boils and perfectly grilled steaks. He loved cheering for the Portland Trail Blazers, passionately supporting his Beavers, and enjoying life's small moments with his beloved pets, Tex, Herman, Trixie, and Willy.

Nathan is survived by his children, Emery and Rylan Pliska; his former wife, Carrie Hoffman Pliska; his parents, Stephen (Molly McCormick) Pliska and Mary (Buck) Windom; his siblings, Sarah (Adam) McLain, Zachary (Keturah) Pliska, Carrie (John) Kor, Matt Windom, and Mike (Sara) Windom; and his adored nieces and nephews, Caden McLain, Graham and Eli Pliska, and Emilynn, Isabelle, and Allison Kor. His legacy lives on through their memories of laughter, love, and endless storytelling.

A memorial service to celebrate Nathan's life will be held on Sunday, June 1, at 3 p.m., at Zeller Chapel of the Roses. Afterward, a reception will be held at Oregon Historical Society Reser Westphal Pavilion.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to The Dougy Center, an organization dedicated to supporting grieving children and families.

Lastly, the family wishes to extend an important message: if you are reading this and struggling with substance abuse, please know that your family and friends love you, support you, and want only the best for you. The absence left behind by addiction is profoundly painful.

Nathan will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and cherished forever.