Nicholas Bradford Weber, age 52, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2024 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, after a valiant battle with mental illness. He lived a life marked by courage and resilience, grappling with challenges that were often invisible to others. It would be a mistake to view his life through the shadow of his illness alone, as he was a beacon of love and kindness even during his darkest times. Nick cherished every moment of laughter and every opportunity to help those he loved. He held onto his dreams and aspirations, and approached life with a rare generosity.
Nick was born on January 28, 1972, in Albuquerque to Mark Weber and Margaret Mason. At the age of 17, he proudly enlisted with the United States Navy, where he served aboard the USS Missouri (BB-63) during Desert Storm. As one of the sailors present at the ship's decommissioning, Nick earned the distinction of being one of the last 'Battleship Sailors' of the US Navy. This period in his life was not just an escape from a challenging childhood but also a profound learning experience. The discipline, camaraderie, and sense of duty he developed in the Navy shaped his understanding of loyalty and commitment. Nick was honorably discharged with an unmatched work ethic and lifelong friendships with several shipmates.
Nick's lessons in unconditional love and family, however, are probably best accredited to his aunt, 'Momma' Kathy Garcia. With a gentle touch, boundless compassion, but a firm hand, Kathy provided an unconditionally safe and nurturing environment. Under her guidance, Nick learned the true essence of these values, which shaped his character and interactions with others throughout his life.
Nick was truly a jack of all trades, holding himself to an expectation of perfection in every project he undertook. His home is a testament to his skilled craftsmanship and relentless dedication. Whether he was remodeling the kitchen, laying new floors, or painstakingly relandscaping both the front and back yards, Nick approached each task with a meticulous eye for detail and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His weekends were often spent in the garage, where he also honed his remarkable woodworking skills. Nick masterfully created furniture, toy chests, jewelry boxes, bowls, pens, and even the arbor he and his wife were married under - each a piece of art showcasing his ability to transform wood into expressions of beauty.
Nick welcomed his beloved son, Nicholas Anthony, into the world in 1993, and was overjoyed to greet his daughter, Jordan Elizabeth, about six years later. Despite the ebbs and flows of time and physical distances that separated them from time to time, Nick's love and pride for his children never waned.
Nick married Laura Anne Klumpp on September 10, 2011, at Elena Gallegos Open Space in Albuquerque. Together, they embarked on a journey of companionship marked by mutual respect, shared adventures, and a deep understanding of each other's strengths and vulnerabilities. This union also welcomed Laura's daughter, Taylor Leigh, into Nick's life, whom he loved as his own for over sixteen years. Together they faced life's challenges with a united front, drawing strength from each other during difficult times. Their home became a symbol of their life together, filled with memories, dreams, and the enduring love they shared.
Nick was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, John Weber and Lois Coleman; his maternal grandparents, John Mason and Edith Anne Fulbright; his step-grandparents, John Garcia and Rosemary Brady; and his son, Nicholas Weber.
He is survived by his loving and heartbroken wife, Laura Weber; daughters, Amanda Bell and Jordan Weber; step-daughter, Taylor Weber; parents, Mark Weber and Margaret Garcia; step-father, Jim Garcia; bonus moms, Kathy Garcia and Carol Zink; half-sisters, Jessica Elmore and Angela Garcia; step-brother, Tim Garcia; several aunts and uncles; nieces and nephews; many cousins; as well as other family members and friends who loved him greatly.
A celebration of life with full military honors will be held at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial, 1100 Louisiana Blvd SE, on Friday, May 17, 2024 from 12:30pm - 3:30pm, where light refreshments will be provided. A private family burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Battleship Missouri Memorial (www.ussmissouri.org) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (www.nami.org).
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