Nicholas Wallner (August 30, 1929 - September 25, 2021)
La Jolla, CA
Nicholas Wallner passed away peacefully in his home in Portland, Oregon on September 25, 2021, at the age of 92. Nicholas (Nick) was born in Chicago on August 30, 1929, to Austrian immigrants, and the small family moved to Pasadena, CA while he was a young boy. After excelling in high school, Nick earned a highly prestigious appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. After earning a BS in engineering from the "Boat School" he was assigned to serve in the U.S. Air Force as a jet fighter pilot, where he flew an F-86 Sabre Jet, an aircraft specifically designed to counter Soviet MiGs in high-speed dogfights. While based in Dallas, TX, Nick met and later married Sally Elizabeth Sullivan, a stewardess for American Airlines. After serving tours of duty in Japan and Northern California, the young couple settled in Southern California and welcomed four children into their home. Nick's children remember him as a loving and incredibly devoted father who encouraged them to always stay positive and pursue their dreams. Nick was extraordinarily optimistic, energetic, and inquisitive. After completing his military service, Nick graduated number one in his class in the MBA program at the University of Southern California. He then worked tirelessly in the field of mergers and acquisitions for over 50 years, where he ultimately served as the President and CEO of several major conglomerates, including Intermark Inc., The Hawaii Corporation, and US Filter Corporation. He would subsequently "become his own man" and complete almost 100 transactions as a principal. During this time, Nick was one of the early originators of leveraged buyouts and proudly considered himself a consummate "Deal Man." He also obtained a PhD in Finance and his dissertation became an important finance book entitled "The Leveraged Buyout Manual." Nick was especially passionate about mentorship, where he is considered by many that knew him as a legend. Nick seemingly never met a person he did not want to help. He was a phenomenal teacher and friend to all that knew him. Countless people's lives were enriched as a result of Nick's generosity, kindness, and good counsel. When not doing deals or helping others, Nick led an active social life. His homes in Palos Verdes, La Jolla, Honolulu, Lake Tahoe, and Portland were exceptionally warm and beautiful, and were always a welcome haven to all of his friends and family. "Big Nick" was also a devoted Chargers, USC, and Navy football fan, and he and "Little Sal" were well known for their lively annual Super Bowl party. Nick also loved to learn and explore and was fortunate to have traveled to over 100 countries across the globe. Nick was one of kind, bigger than life, and a true rock, and he will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Nick is survived by his loving wife, Jeanette Guiloff; his children, Scott Wallner, and his wife Maria Master, Bruce Wallner, and Kimberly England, and her husband Gordon England; his step children, Lisa Picasso, Gina Somerscales, and her husband Kevin Somerscales, Francesca Picasso; and Melissa Guiloff; his grandchildren, Ashley Armstrong, and her husband Colin Armstrong, Kathryn Oshay, and her husband Matthew Cornelius, Brynn Wallner, Court Wallner, and Madison Wallner; his step grandchildren, Levi Somerscales, Seth Rensch-Picasso, and Lucia Somerscales; his grandchildren by marriage, Lynette Kruger and Gregory England; and his great-grandchildren, Graham Armstrong, Elliot Armstrong, Olivia Armstrong, Eleanor Armstrong, Benjamin Cornelius, and Elizabeth Cornelius. Nick was predeceased by his father, Nikolaus Wallner, his mother, Mary Wallner, his wife, Sally Wallner, and his beloved son, Mark Wallner. A memorial celebration for Nick is scheduled for 12:00 pm, November 13, 2021, at the La Jolla Cove Bridge Club in La Jolla, CA. Donations in Nick's memory may be sent to the American Cancer Society. Among many others, the family would especially like to thank Dr. Joe Andrews and the Oregon Health and Science University for their outstanding care for and kindness to Nick. Please sign the guest book online at legacy.com/obituaries/ lajollalight
Published by La Jolla Light on Nov. 11, 2021.
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