Obituary: Nick Blattner

If your path crossed his, chances are you learned something. Maybe he taught you to sail, helped you think through a project, or simply took a genuine interest in what you were working on. Nick was reserved by nature and never pushed himself into other people’s lives, but if you knew him, he was always happy to step into yours for a while. He asked thoughtful questions, looked at problems logically, and worked through possibilities alongside you. Conversations with Nick were never small talk. They were opportunities to learn, solve a problem, or discover a new way of looking at something. His loyalty ran deep. Once he committed himself to a person or project, he stayed with it until he found a way forward.

Nick met his wife, Renee, while they were working together as lifeguards before college. Together they built a life of learning, adventure, and unwavering trust in one another. When they decided to bicycle across Europe, they realized they didn’t know when they would return. What began as a goodbye party before their trip became a wedding, beginning a marriage that would shape the next 50 years.

Nick believed that if something was worth doing, it was worth learning to do well. He never let not knowing become a reason not to begin. He sought out knowledge, listened to people with experience, and wasn’t satisfied until he understood not just how something worked, but why. Whether learning a new technology, reimagining the homes he and Renee shared, or preparing for their next adventure, he approached each new challenge the same way. Renee shared that same spirit, and together they built a life filled with adventures, projects, and a quiet confidence that, together, they could figure things out.

Nick believed in working hard and playing hard, and he lived exactly that way. He built a successful career in technology before retiring after more than 40 years in the industry. Retirement led to a second career as a general contractor, built on decades spent thoughtfully redesigning and renovating every home he and Renee owned. When the work was done, he was happiest on the water. Sailing and watersports were lifelong passions. He learned to sail before he started school and never lost his love of wind, water, and the next adventure. There is comfort in knowing that Nick drew his last breath at Hood River while windsurfing, one of the many things he loved to do.

Some of the happiest memories shared by family and friends happened around Nick and Renee’s table. Nick never cared much for large crowds. He preferred a handful of people gathered on the deck, music playing softly while he worked the grill. Good food, drinks in hand, and great conversation were always the main course. Those evenings reflected the life he and Renee built together.

Nick is survived by his wife, Renee; his brother, Chris (Cynthia McCann); nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends, sailing companions; and Carlie, the last of the three dogs he and Renee shared through the years. He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Doretta Blattner.

Nick’s greatest legacy isn’t found in the things he built, but in the way he lived. Seek knowledge. Ask thoughtful questions. Don’t let not knowing stop you from beginning. Learn to do it well. Work hard. Play hard. Gather people around the table. And when someone’s path crosses yours, take the time to think through their ideas and challenges with them.

In the days ahead, we hope you’ll tell stories, laugh together, and remember the many golden evenings spent around Nick and Renee’s table. Laughter doesn’t diminish our grief. It helps us carry it.

We’ll save you a seat at the table, Nick. Until we meet again, fair winds and following seas.

A celebration of Nick’s life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 12:30 p.m. at the Port Ludlow Beach Club in Port Ludlow, Washington. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Nick’s honor may be made to the Columbia Gorge Wind & Water Association to help make The Columbia River Gorge a better place for Wind-Riders or Wylde Wind & Water to provide water safety education and water sports opportunities to both kids and adults in the community.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Ave. Hood River. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com.

Columbia Gorge News, Aug. 12, 2026