Nicholas J. Gardner

Nicholas John Gardner, 36, also known as Little Wolf or Wolf, passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2023, in Portland.  Nicholas was born in Machias on November 17, 1986, son of Cecil Larkin and Elizabeth Gardner Francis. 

Nicholas was an amazing person with a big heart whose life ended tragically.  He lived his life to the fullest his way and on his terms.  Nicholas was an adventuring soul who hiked from the east coast to the west coast and settled back in his favorite places in Maine.  He was extremely caring, funny, and loved his family.  Nicholas was known for his jokes/pranks, his infectious smile, and his kind compassionate free spirit. 

Nicholas completed his first year of college at Three Rivers in Norwich, CT.  He was a proud member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe. Nicholas was a seasonal fisherman and a life-long traveler.  His interests were art, ballooning, painting, astrology, traveling, and had a love of trains. 

Nicholas was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Theresa Neptune Gardner and Nicholas John Marshall; his paternal grandparents, Cecil and Mary Larkin; and a niece, Isabella Rose Francis, daughter of Ralph Francis III.  He is survived by his mother, Elizabeth “Lisa” Francis and stepfather Ralph Francis Jr. of Sipayik; his father, Cecil “Scott” Larkin and soulmate Niki Gibson of Sipayik; siblings Ralph Francis III and Tina Francis; his aunts and uncles, favorite and special aunt, Viola Francis and Paul, Daureen and Leo Flores, Lori Cantara, Kenneth Larkin and soulmate Maggie Mitchell, all of Sipayik, Dale and Veronica Larkin of Harrisburg, PA, Erik and Jennifer Francis of Sipayik, Corinne Francis of Sipayik, Stacy Francis and Daryelle Ford of Arkansas, Peggy McNeal of Texas, and Mark Sligar of Sipayik; nieces and nephews, Cheyenne, Jayden, and Zach; special cousins, Amanda Farrell, Seth Larkin, Takoda Larkin, Theresa Stevens, Heather O’Berne, Jeremy Stevens, Andrea Stevens, Dale Larkin Jr., Lakota Larkin, Maquoddy Larkin, Erik Jr., Tyler, Samantha, Justin, and Ricky; special family members Sharon, Lakisha, Mike, Bianca, Donte, Angela, and Lou; his Godparents, Lois Soctomah and Martin "Butt" Nicholas and Wife Debora all from Sipayika; special friend Haze who was his spiritual brother that tried to bring the best out in him; and special friends, Courtney Priest and children, Alex Trott, Britney Foss, Kayla Giguere, and numerous friends/juggalos who he considered family in the Portland community.