Nicholas Paquette

Type of Donation:       organs, tissue and corneas

Age and Location:      Age 23 - Boynton Beach, FL

Donation Date:           3/16/2014

Sponsor:                      Honored by AdventHealth

NICHOLAS’S STORY

Nicholas Paquette was a genuine and loyal young man who was beloved by all who knew him. His humor, kindness, and giving nature had a way of drawing everyone around him close; they wanted to know him and wanted to be liked by him. While typically a man of few words, and known for deadpan expressions or funny faces on camera, Nick was just as famous for making you laugh until your sides hurt. He was also known for his radiant smile and sparkling blue eyes set in a handsome face. "Even though the pain of losing Nicholas remains," his mother Lori says, "we do find comfort in knowing his life had such a positive impact on so many. Without a doubt, Nick's memory will always bring a smile to those who knew him."

Nicholas began to study karate as a child, excelled and eventually achieved a second-degree black belt. He became known as ‘Sensei Nick' at the dojo, helping to teach both children and adults. Nick built a strong sense of community there and was well loved. Shortly before Nick passed, he had chosen to pursue a career as a medical assistant after finding he had a knack for it while working in a dermatology office. Nick would light up talking about his newfound interest in the medical field. The doctors and staff he worked with, along with the patients he cared for, all agreed he had a promising future ahead. His plan was to pursue a career in medicine as a student at Florida Atlantic University.

When he wasn't working, Nick spent the majority of his time around his friends. More specifically, he and his friends could usually be found working together on their cars. He managed to take a rundown little Honda and slowly over time save up the money to fix it up and make it a car he was proud of. He bonded over cars with a group of his close buddies that he had known since childhood. One of his favorite shows was Top Gear, as it combined both his affinity for all things automotive and his love for British style humor. 

When a tragic accident took Nick's life days after he celebrated his 23rd birthday, his heartbroken friends and family found comfort in his decision to be an organ donor. His kind and generous spirit continues to live on through this noble act, and gives his loved ones courage to carry their grief in balance with pride and honor. His gift of life paved the way for a special friendship between his family and a grateful liver recipient, and there are many other stories that could be told by the eye, tissue, and organ recipients that Nick's choice made a positive impact on as well.