Nicholas Lee Schoolcraft

Nicholas Lee Schoolcraft, 65, of Ellensburg, passed away at his home on Saturday, August 15, 2020 following a short battle with lung cancer.  Private family services have been conducted.

Nick was born on January 30, 1955 in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania to John Wilber & Esta Fae (Clemons) Schoolcraft. Following his graduation from high school, he joined the United States Army where he worked as a helicopter mechanic, serving a total of ten years before his honorable discharge as a Staff Sergeant in 1982.

Following his discharge from the Army, Nick moved to Alaska where he earned his degree in psychology.  He then worked as a drug counselor for many years before retiring in 2007.  He was a strong advocate for helping those begin their recovery, serving as a sponsor for many individuals through the Narcotics Anonymous program.

Nick moved to Ellensburg in 2007 with his companion, Lori Lembke, and has made his home here since that time.  He will be remembered for his humor, kind smile and giving heart.

He is survived by his longtime companion Lori Lembke of Ellensburg; daughters Toni Marie (Richard) White of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin; Margaret (Peter Goodreau) Schoolcraft of L’Anse, Michigan and Ravin Schoolcraft-Doyle of Anchorage, Alaska.  Also surviving are his grandchildren Hailee, Jonathan, Ryan, Cooper, Izabella, Trinity and Gabriella; one great-grandson, Hudson as well as his sister Cindy and brother Ivan.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Joe.

Memorial contributions in Nick’s honor are suggested to the Kittitas County Veteran’s Coalition, 507 N Nanum St. Suite 117, Ellensburg, WA 98926.  Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellensburg has been entrusted with caring for Nick’s family.