Nicholas Lee "Nick" Van Drunen

Nicholas Lee Van Drunen, 51, of Sun City, Arizona, passed away on March 5, 2026. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Nick spent his entire life in the state he called home.

A deeply creative and thoughtful person, Nick possessed many talents. He worked as a licensed truck driver, cook, and ultimately as a skilled tile setter, the trade that became his primary profession. His tile work reflected both precision and artistry, earning admiration from those who saw the care and creativity he brought to every project. Music was one of his greatest passions. A gifted musician, he played guitar, bass, drums, and piano, and he loved to sing and write songs. He performed in a band and shared his musical gifts generously with others. Nick also had a natural talent for drawing, and he remained curious throughout his life, enjoying learning about history, astronomy, and science.

Known for his gentle humor and playful small jokes, Nick had a sensitive spirit and an inquisitive mind. He faced significant challenges yet continued forward with quiet resilience. In his free time he enjoyed cooking, building intricate model ships, playing guitar, and traveling. He visited Ireland, Italy, and the United Kingdom, and he was rarely seen without his cherished flat cap from Dublin.

Nick is survived by his father, Gilbert Van Drunen; his mother, Kathy Angelle; his stepfather, James Angelle; his sister, Diana Libberton; and his brother-in-law, Robert Libberton. He will be lovingly remembered by his nieces, nephews, nephews-in-law, and grand-nephews. He leaves behind a legacy of creativity, humor, thoughtful presence, and the music he so generously shared.