The Greek Who Always Gives MoreApril 29th, 2009
At age 23 George Nicolatus walked in the the SLC Chamber of Commerce and announced "I want to make this city better than what it is now." That was the begining of Nicolatus' 46-year crusade to do just that.
by Anand Rao download a printable version of this story
to regularly play golf
The year was 1946. A warm Monday afternoon at the Salt Lake City Chamber of Commerce. George Nicolatus, all of 23 years, walks into the office and announces himself in a loud and clear voice, "I want to make this city better than what it is now. What can I do for you?"
The surprised silence that followed was broken by the then Executive Secretary Gus Backman, who walked up to the young man and took him out for lunch.
"I had no idea who he was," recalls George. "He took me to the Hotel Utah. Seats me at a table, there were hundreds of people out there waiting to start lunch. This man walks up to the head table says a prayer and introduces me to the crowd as the young man, who was there to make Utah a better state."
That was how George Nicolatus made his presence felt for the first time in Utah. Starting that day, George has served on every committee of Salt Lake County and has contributed in its every major development. Born to very poor Greek immigrants, he has been a shoe-shine boy on the streets of Stamford Connecticut, who stole coal from the rail road to feed his stove. From that abject poverty, through dedicated hard work and strength of character George Nicolatus grew up to hold some high positions including the Senior Vice President of First Security bank that later became Wells Fargo, Project Manager for the construction of the original Salt Palace, which has Energy Solutions Arena in its place now and the appointed co-chairman on the committee of the construction of Abranavel hall.
Upon returning from India after serving in the Second World War, he decided to marry and settle down in Salt Lake City. The rest is history.
Serving the society has always been his top priority. His philosophy was clear, "A person has an obligation to society. You got to leave the community making it better than what it was when you were born in it. That's the true worth of life." Living by that standard, George always had people seeking him out and asking him to take on different responsibilities. Salt Lake County Sheriff merit commission officer, State President and National Vice President of prevention of blind, Trustee and officer of Salt Lake holy cross hospital that's now the Salt Lake regional hospital, , Assistant Chairman of the United fund, Salvation Army, University of Utah Museum board, Catholic charity fund, Salt Lake County board of appeals, Salt Lake County planning, Downtown planning and zoning, the Ballet committee, the Symphony committee, Chambers of Commerce and many others most of which George has lost count.
Having seen and contributed to the growth of the city, George also keeps track of the changes the city has seen. "Salt Lake City has changed in so many great ways. When I first came here I could sense the domination of the religion. It was strange for me to see in the papers apartments for LDS, jobs for LDS. That has definitely changed now."
Did that affect the Greek Orthodox George? "Never," he says. "I worked for many LDS organizations. They were very hospitable with me. I was always allowed to perform well. When Willard Eccles offered me to work with him at First Security I remember telling him that I would give him so much that he wouldn't be able to afford me. I always believed and lived by that model of giving more of me than I ever received. We later became dear friends with the whole Eccles family."
While serving on the Chamber of Commerce, George was instrumental in getting women owned businesses take an active role in the Chambers. Now, the women's entrepreneurship committee is a strong network of enterprising women. Every one of them should be grateful to George for making that a possibility. Being an immigrant himself, George took a strong position for minorities and women. "The Tribune and Desert News supported me," he says. "I encouraged qualified minorities and women to become involved in all my committees. No one was given Carte Blanche because of color or race."
Now, George lives the picture perfect life of a satisfied retiree. In his beautiful house looking up at the Emigration Canyon, the 86 year old works out regularly, plays golf, visits his friends and meets a lot of younger people inspiring them to live well by doing good to others. At every given chance, in helping institutions by raising funds or helping out strangers with directions, he leaves an indelible impression on every one he comes in contact. Here is a role model you wouldn't go wrong following. Keep inspiring Mr. Nicolatus. Yours is a story we would like to see continue forever.
Reader Comments
Irene Green
My coments on the story about " The Greek who always gave more" are really to tell him that I saw in the Sunday paper in the Memoriam section that his wife Viola was mentioned. At least I believe she was his wife. Not being able to find a "mailing" address for him, I found this article and therefore I hope he gets thhe following message. I worked with Viola Nicolatus at the Boy Scout Service center back in 1982 & part of 1983. She was one of my very favorite people and was of great help to me. At that time, I was experiencing some very difficult personal problems in my life, hadn't worked in public for almost 20 years. I wanted hime & his family to know that Viola made a great impact on me and I will always remember her many kindnessess. My great-grandfather, a Murphy by name, was an early settler in the Salt Lake Valley, and was of also a helpful nature. My last name was Hafen when I worked at the Boy Scout Service center.
JAN ERICKSON
HAVING THE PRIVILEGE OF KNOWING GEORGE FOR THE LAST 5 1/2 YEARS AND BELONGING TO A SUPPORT GROUP WITH HIM, I CAN TELL YOU HE IS STILL INSPIRING, GIVING. AND MAKING FRIENDS BETTER OFF FOR HAVING HIM IN THEIR LIVES. WHAT A CLASSY GUY!!!
Ted Cordingley
I'm proud to call George a friend. He is every bit as generous as your story indicates and more. I am among a group of golf buddies that play golf with him and all of us look at George as inspiration for what we still can accomplish in our senior years. Thanks George...
Pete Sauer
I am proud to call this gentleman a dear friend. We play golf together often and my life has been enriched from knowing him.
