Nicholas John Whiton, 38 years old, beloved husband to Sandra, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 26, 2009. He was born to Ronald Whiton and Patricia Prutzman on May 18, 1970 in Sedro-Woolley, Washington. Nick attended Burlington-Edison High School where he played varsity tennis, learned to speak German fluently and was a class speaker at his graduation in 1988. He graduated with honors from the University of Puget Sound in 1992, and continued on to earn a Master's Degree in Communications from the Edward R. Murrow School at Washington State University, graduating number one in his class in 1994. Not content to have only one graduate degree, he earned a Master's of Education in Counseling from City University in 2005. Nick had an extraordinary combination of intelligence, quick wit and compassion that was immediately apparent to all. Nick's brilliant language skills enchanted teachers and peers and took him to the national spelling bee finals in Washington D.C. in 1984. He was an artist, as well as a poet and word smith. His natural writing ability allowed words to fall from pen to paper without the need to rewrite. Both sketches and poems weave throughout his journals and adorn the walls of his children's rooms. Nick loved to play! He joyfully biked through Europe for three months and subsequently published an article about his travel experiences. He loved softball, ultimate frisbee and mountain biking. He was a phenomenal downhill skier and passionately played and coached tennis. He even turned his avid gardening into a game, challenging himself to memorize the names of numerous flowers and trees. After a five year friendship, Nick married Sandra Libby on April 5, 2004, becoming a loving stepfather to son Reid. They joyfully welcomed their daughter Libby into the world on July 26, 2004. Nick referred to Libby as his "Little Masterpiece." On September 8, 2006 their family was made complete with the birth of their adorable son Darian, who looks exactly like Nick. After working with Burlington-Edison students for 10 years, Nick decided to devote his time to his children as a stay at home Dad. Nick was a remarkable parent – loving, patient, kind and respectful. Nick was a rare gem with sincere concern for others. He was well known for his remarkable gifts of warmth, empathy and laughter. Nick was inspirational and positively impacted all who knew him. He is a precious gift to family and friends that are honored to have been part of his life. Nick is survived by his wife Sandra, daughter Libby, son Darian, stepson Reid, parents Patsy and Dave Prutzman, Ron and Tami Whiton, sister Michal Anne Whiton, and long time best friend, Bryan Benson. The celebration of Nick's life will be held on Saturday, May 2nd , 2:00pm at Bethany Covenant Church, 1318 S. 18th St., Mt. Vernon, WA 98273. The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the NICK WHITON SCHOLARSHIP FUND c/o Kathy Williams, Burlington-Edison Education and Alumni Foundation, P.O. Box 350, Burlington, WA 98233. Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mt. Vernon, WA. We invite you to share memories of our Nick and sign the online guest register at www.hawthornefh.com For more details about the service, the B.E. Scholarship Fund, and Nick's heroic battle with gallbladder cancer, please visit: www.nickwhiton.blogspot.com.