David Bruce Nickel, age 70, passed away peacefully at home with his family and pets by his side on February 3, 2018. Born in Stratford, son of the late Gustav (Harry) and Irene (Lesouder) Nickel. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 47 years and longtime caregiver, Alyn (Ross) and children, Jennifer Nickel (Andrew), Todd Nickel (Julee) and Kathrine Nickel (Kevin). Proud grandfather to Tristan and Aspen Norville, Jackson, Avery, Addison and Leighton Nickel. Survived by his aunt Ferne Robinson and sisters-in-law Cheryl Nickel, Trudy Nickel, Michelle Eaton (Joel) and Andy Ross (Gary Mitchell). Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his older brother Bill Nickel and his twin brother Paul Nickel.
In addition to his family, Dave had a great love of animals as evidenced by many, many furry friends over his life. He also leaves behind his 2 golden retrievers Riley and Pyper, but will join his special friends, Bruno, Maggie & Rex in the afterlife.
Dave was the definition of a people person who loved to hold an audience. His stories and jokes are legendary among his family and friends. He was a 33 year employee of The Stratford Beacon Herald as an advertising sales rep and later Advertising manager. After a very brief retirement, he would found Perth Promotional Products – PPP (aka – Popcorn, Popsicles & Pepperoni sticks – a few of his loves in life) where he could continue to meet, greet and provide trinkets of all kinds to his many loyal local customers. His volunteer efforts were extensive including stints on the board of directors for several local charities, coach of many hockey and baseball teams and a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus.
A fiercely competitive soul, Dave was not shy about winning at fastball, tennis, racquetball, table tennis, cribbage, euchre, hearts, fantasy baseball, fantasy hockey, fantasy football or any other endeavor that could potentially crown him champion. He could often be heard asking “who wants to get whipped?”. He organized many tournaments, drafts, pools and competitions in an effort to gather friends and family as well as add to his trophy case. The Hammer Invitational fishing trip tournament, the Pinhead hockey pool, the Saint Nick Annual euchre tournament and the Nicklympics were just a few of his historic creations designed to bring competitors together for some fun.
A loyal man, Dave had a 55 year relationship with his beloved Triumph TR3, which he affectionately referred as “The Beast”. He was a 40 year member of the downtown 5:01 club, a 40 year participant in the Camp MacMac fishing trip, a 30 year owner in the Four Mile Bush League and a longtime member of several coffee clubs.
In keeping with Dave’s wishes, cremation will take place along with a private family service. A celebration of life will follow in the spring.
As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations can be made to the Stratford Perth Humane Society or Heart and Stroke Foundation through the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St., Stratford. 519.271.7411. www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of David B Nickel 2018.source
Death notice for the town of: Stratford, Province: Ontario