Honoring Van Allen Nickerson's Legacy

It's with the heaviest of hearts that my dad, Van Allen Nickerson, passed away unexpectedly. I haven't gotten an exact reason yet... just gone with a "due to natural causes and unknown time."

I hope you can respect me taking my time because it becomes more real with every phone call, every text, every ounce of reality that hits when I go to call him and I realize he's not here.

When someone dies, no one tells you what to do... the proper steps to take... you keep searching and searching for answers. At first, it's just a bunch of dead ends... an "I'm so sorry I can't tell you much more until you get a death certificate... because until that... who are you?"

Van was not only a fierce soul but a loving brother, father, friend, cousin, uncle, prayer partner, and to me, he was my everything. When he wasn't telling you one of his wild adventures, making you laugh, playing his congas, or charming you with his smile, he was sharing the legacy of the Nickerson family and the beautiful history of Golden State Mutual.

My dad always preached "honor thy parents," which he did by working on a documentary in honor of his father for over a decade. And that's what my new journey in life will be... to honor my Papa, finish the documentary, and continue on with the Nickerson legacy.

As most of you know, I hate asking for help, but lord, this one is bigger than me. I need your prayers and support now more than ever. I have a lot to cover from his arrangements and fill the big shoes I used to dress up in to get this documentary out and throw my dad the best celebration of life EVER. My dad was a man of his word, and I'd like to pay back the amazing Martinez family who rented my dad his final home in 2023. They built my dad his own oasis and made sure his last years of life were content and comfortable.

I'm not quite ready to say goodbye but am ready to make sure my dad's send-off is the best! Whatever you can contribute... from advice, love, a story, recommendations will help. Thanks for everyone who's helped me get this far.

The memorial is set for April 12th in Los Angeles.