Nicholas Hamby

Nicholas was born in Santa Cruz on June 4, 1993. Surrounded by family at home, he peacefully passed away from complications of Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy on November 27, 2015. Diagnosed at just six years old, he lived with this terrible disease with absolute grace, never complaining during his shortened life. Survivors include his mom, Aimee Hamby, sister, Kayla Jones, brother, Austin Williams, grandma, Gail Goudreau, nephew, Kyree Jones, great-grandma, Jean Hamby, many aunts, uncles, and cousins, his humble servant, Dwight, and dear friends Sissy and Bradley. He was preceded in death by his aunt Rebecca Hamby, grandfather Barry Hamby, Uncle Garry Hamby, and great grandparents Nana Goudreau and Pop Hamby. Special memories for him included many camping trips (Henry Cowell Redwoods, Big Sur, and Mendocino), and vacations to Arizona, Las Vegas, San Diego, Disneyworld, Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Oregon, Mexico and Hawaii. In his early years he loved drawing and reading. He enjoyed good food, thousands of movies over the years, and countless hours playing games. He had gaming buddies in several states that he thoroughly enjoyed. What a blessing and privilege to have had him in our lives. He was an amazing young man whose presence will be felt and also missed forever. He was the family philosopher, and scholar. We all learned more from him in his short life than he ever learned from us. His kind heart and gentle manner made everyone he came into contact with feel comfort. What a love! Nicholas completed home and hospital instruction through Soquel School District from the first through twelfth grades. Over the years he developed wonderful relationships with his many teachers, other instructors, and specialized therapists, including: Donna Renee, Lynne, Patty, Jan, Joe, Naima, Ariana, Molly, Julie, Lauren, Amy, Kaya and Jack. Following high school graduation in 2012 he was able to attend Cabrillo College for three semesters. He loved the philosophy and communications classes he completed and the experience added great dimension to his life. He was extremely gifted and thrived on all coursework and the classroom environment. Nicholas shared special friendships with his many medical doctors: Dr, John Mark, Dr. Robert Moler, Dr. Kenneth Bloome, Dr. William Ebert, and Dr. Jennie Jett, and PSA nurses, Debby, Trina, Jacinda and Ruth. The family plans a Celebration of Life on June 4, 2016, which would have been his 23rd birthday. An announcement with details will be printed closer to that time. For those wishing, in lieu of flowers Nicholas would prefer donations to the local SPCA, World Wildlife Fund or a charity of your choosing. Remember him with a smile and kind thoughts.