Nicolas S. Palomares

Nicolas was born in Harlingen, Texas on March 22, 1933 and married Flora Ruelaz on December 24, 1957. Together they raised four children Yolanda Keiliihoomalu, Michael, Mark, and Michele Blackmore.

Nicolas served his country for 28 years and fought in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was a member of the 101st Airborne Division known as the Screaming Eagles. Once Nicolas retired from the Army, he taught ROTC at Camelback High School for 18 years. Not only did Nicolas teach at Camelback High School, but he was a Mentor to many young men and women who went on to serve their country as a result of his guidance. Nicolas’s rifle teams also consistently won shooting competitions against other high schools and his ROTC program was considered a model for all to emulate.

Nicolas retired from Camelback High School and became an avid hiker. In fact, Nicolas hiked Piestewa Peak for 30 years and he would hike it two times on his birthday. He was known as the Ambassador of Piestewa Peak. His motto was, “If I don’t do it today…I will never do it tomorrow.” This attitude describes Nicolas perfectly as he had a “Never Say Die” attitude.

Nicolas will be greatly missed by his wife, Flora Palomares, his four children, 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind a brother, Amado and sister, Carmen Flores and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He instilled love, honor, honesty and most of all a “Live Your Life” attitude to everyone that he met. Nicolas departed from this world knowing that he had a good life and was at peace with that. He will be deeply missed, but his memory and smile is embedded in all of us. He will never be forgotten.

A memorial service celebrating Nicolas life will be held at a later date at Freeway Baptist Church. Please check back here for further information as we will update it once scheduled.