On January 10th, 2026, we lost Mike Nicholson following a sudden and severe stroke.

Mike was a man who lived a life that was rarely easy and often not perfect. For many years, he was a fixture in the Lower Trinity Ranger District as a wildland firefighter. He wasn’t always the easiest man to describe, and he certainly had his rough edges, but he was a brother to his crew and to me. He was the kind of person who belonged on the fire line—stubborn, tough, and deeply loved by the people who worked in the heat and smoke alongside him.

But the most important fight of Mike’s life wasn't against a fire. Years ago, Mike put in the work to get sober and fought a hard-won legal battle for custody of his son, Ezra, pulling him out of a bad situation to give him a better future. Brandee, the mother of his children Evan and Kira, spent many years with Mike long before his marriage to Sheileah. She was there to see that grit firsthand and witnessed the lengths Mike would go to for his son.

While Mike’s later years were marked by a difficult battle with addiction—a struggle that complicated his relationships and took time away from those who cared for him—it never changed the pride he had for his kids. He loved his wife, Sheileah, and he truly loved Ezra, Evan, and Kira.

Why I Am Raising Funds

My name is James, and Mike was my best friend. I’m starting this fund because I want to make sure my niece and nephews aren't left to navigate this loss and the financial weight of it alone. Because this happened so suddenly, there were no plans or funds in place for his final arrangements.

100% of these donations will go directly to Mike’s three children to cover his cremation, burial, and memorial expenses.

My goal is to give Ezra, Evan, and Kira the chance to say goodbye to their father without the stress of these costs. We want to honor the man who, despite his flaws, was a protector of our forests and a father who fought for his own.

How You Can Help

If you ever shared a line with Mike at Lower Trinity, or if you knew the heart he had beneath the struggles, please consider donating. Sharing this link with the fire community and his friends would also be a huge help.

Thank you for helping us look out for Mike’s children.