Nickie Yaksich, age 88, lifelong Raton resident passed away at his home in Raton on August 14, 2017.
He was born on May 18, 1929 in Van Houten, N.M., the son of the late George and Pauline Kovacevich Yaksich.
Nickie retired from Kaiser Steel Corporation after 39 years of service. His last title with Kaiser Steel Corporation was assistant manager of operations of York Canyon Mine was a life member of Raton Elks Lodge #865, and a veteran of the Korean War having served in the United States Army.
Nickie is preceded in death by his parents, George and Pauline Yaksich; brothers Roddy, Paul and wife Enis, and Danny Yaksich; brothers and sisters-in-law George and Emily Krulyac, Eugene and Martha Menapace, Fred and Elizabeth Parker, John and Josephine Rodman, brothers-in law Buddy Vukonich and Chuck Stevens.
Nickie is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Zita of the family home, daughter Nicole Ann Shackelford and husband Phillip of Roswell, N.M., Grandson Colton and granddaughters Nadia Miller and Rylee Shackelford of Roswell, N.M., Step-grandchildren Ryan and Britnee Gerhardt and family, Bridgette Shackelford and Jon Fernandez and Family, Bailey Shackelford; brother Judo Yaksich and wife Bonnie of Raton, sister in-law Mary Yaksich of Raton, Kathy Yaksich of Maxwell. N.M., Helen Vukonich of Raton, Brother in-law Pete Mileta and wife Mary Nell of Raton, Anna Stevens of Colorado Springs, CO. Sophie Madrid and husband Shorty of El Paso, TX. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins of the Perovich families.
Nickie was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was known for his ability to pitch horseshoes and bochos. He loved to play Mora at the White House and Elks Club, and could beat almost any competitor. He could hardly wait to play poker every Thursday with his poker buddies, and enjoyed a game of poker whenever possible.
Nickie had a deep love and respect for his fellow coal miners. His smile was contagious, his hand shake was strong and his heart was bigger than them all.
Funeral services for Nickie Yaksich will be held on August 19, 2017 at 10:30 A.M. in the Chapel of the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home of Raton, conducted by Rev. Father Zacharich Lynch of St. Michaels Eastern Orthodox Church of Pueblo, CO. Internment will follow in Fairmont Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers , donations to Fairmont Cemetery. P.O. Box 1851, Raton N.M. 87740 would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements and Celebration of Love for Nickie Yaksich are under the direction of the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home of Raton.
Nick was dear dear friend to my mother as well as the two of us.
A fine man that we always enjoyed so much for many years.
Good men are hard to come by and that’s why they are missed so much.
Sorry to hear about Nickie
Crews and Pat Bell