Obituary of Nicholas David Doan

Nick was born December 19, 1979 at Dominican Hospital, Santa Cruz to David and Loree (Ambord) Doan. Last week there was a quiet but joyful birthday celebration of his 34th year attended by numerous family and friends. The next evening, he left us peacefully after a 3 plus year battle with cancer on December 20, 2013. Nick played Santa Cruz Little League baseball and was a two time all star pitcher. Early on it was obvious he had a natural instinct and ability for the game. In high school, he participated in basketball, football and baseball at Santa Cruz High, but dominated in baseball, where he was the star pitcher, leading Santa Cruz to a SCCAL championship in 1998. He continued his education and played baseball at Cabrillo College, where they won a Coast Conference North Division Title in 2001. Nick received a full Athletic Scholarship to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo as a starting pitcher and graduated in 2003 with a BA in Communications. He also played professional Baseball in the top league in Sweden with his brother Ryan for the Karlskoga Bats in the summer of 2001 and was named MVP of the league for both his pitching and hitting abilities. Nick participated in the top softball division in Santa Cruz for the team Kung Pow, winning many championships, including a championship game saving catch in the outfield to secure a spring 2013 title. He also joined the San Jose Men's Baseball League for the Santa Cruz Mets, where he excelled both as a star pitcher, and clutch power hitter, resulting in several championships for his team. Nick went to work for his family business, David Doan Construction. In addition to working in construction, he volunteered as the pitching coach for both Scotts Valley High, and his Alma Mater Santa Cruz High. He married Kate Dickson, also from Santa Cruz, in 2007. Perhaps his greatest accomplishment was the birth of his daughter, Cali age 5 and son, Hudson age 9 months. Nick had a natural gift as a father and his kids are what gave him drive and strength. Nick was happiest spending time with friends and family. He was an avid fisherman, golfer and traveler. He spent many days golfing with his dad, brother and friends. He also enjoyed bike rides, hour long trampoline sessions and playing catch with his kids. He loved family vacations to Hawaii, Mexico and Shasta and Shaver Lakes. Last but not least Nick was a diehard Giants fan, never missing opening day or playoff game, even as recently as game 7 of the NLCS in 2012, watching the iconic moment of a Giants celebration in the pouring rain. The three and a half years Nick had brain cancer, he fought it with power and pride. He maintained his precious smile and contagious laughter. We love you Nick Doan. You are already missed but forever in our hearts. Nick is survived by his wife Kate Doan, children Cali Ann and Hudson Nicholas, his mother Loree Doan, brother Ryan Doan, grandparents Walter Ambord (San Clemente), Elizabeth Ambord (Claremont), uncle Mark Ambord, aunts Julie Ambord, Debbie Foster (Ron), uncle Greg Doan (Marianna), many cousins, his in-laws, Judy Evans, Jim Dickson (Carrie), Heather Harris (Skye & Kingston), Evan Dickson. He also leaves his extended family, Kim Miller, her daughters Marie, Anna, Irene and their spouses and children and dozens of close friends Nick called his "brothers". He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents and his father David. A memorial service will be held January 4, 2014 at Holy Cross Church, Santa Cruz at 12 pm. A celebration of life BBQ will follow immediately at Harvey West Clubhouse, 326 Evergreen St., Santa Cruz. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Nick's honor may be sent to: Kate Doan, 114 Coalinga Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060