Obituary of David Andrew Nixon
It is with broken hearts, and thanksgiving for his life, that we announce the passing of David Andrew Nixon at his home in the loving arms of Catharine, his soulmate of 43 years. David left us on Friday April 16, 2021, in his 59th year after a hard, four-month fight against an aggressive cancer. He proudly triumphed over his share of life’s challenges; but finally, when faced with a battle that he could not win, he met it with Scottish stoicism, love, and gratitude. David was born on September 7th, 1962 in Edinburgh, Scotland. In 1967, when David was 4 years old, the Nixon family set sail on the “R.M.S. Carinthia” and emigrated to Canada, landing in Montreal. They settled in Port Colborne where David met Catharine in 1978. Theirs was truly a love story for the ages. Very few will ever experience the kind of happiness they shared. David expressed his deep sadness over the fact that he would not be journeying together with Catharine into old age.
David enjoyed his daily walks in all seasons with Catharine and his good dog Bobby on the lake, in the woods, by the canal. He was proud of his well appointed kitchen, where he loved to cook amazing meals for family and friends. David loved living on Lake Erie and spent many a summer day swimming, boating and jumping off the break wall. He took great pride in maintaining his hard-earned, fit body with daily visits to the gym and healthy foods. Anyone who has experienced the delicious terror of being lifted off the ground by David, and then helicoptered a few times, before being tossed into the lake, can understand why he’s sometimes known as “Dangerous Dave”. Scary but fun.
Fancying himself something of a handyman, it was important to David that his home was well maintained and in good repair, that his tool bench was tidy, and that the kitchen knives were properly sharpened. After their annual vacations to cottages on small lakes from Parry Sound to PEI, David made sure they left the place in better shape than they found it.
David worked for more than 30 years for a Stevensville printing company. When the plant closed, he enjoyed being able to work part-time for a number of Port Colborne businesses. He worked in security at a retirement home, making deliveries for a pharmacy and in reception at his gym. David was happiest when helping out friends, family, and his community. He found it very gratifying to volunteer at the De Witt Carter School Breakfast Club and with the Port Colborne Lions Club. David valued his many long, enduring friendships, his hometown, his strong work ethic, and a job well-done.
“I’m blunt but I mean well.” David was prone to bluntly delivering the unvarnished truth with no sugar coating whether you asked for it or not. At the same time, he was quick to apologize if he was in the wrong, or sensed that he may have hurt your feelings. David was unreservedly honest and genuine, and capable of acts of heartfelt kindness.
Fiercely loyal to his family and friends, David was just so much fun to be around. He was a brother to us all. We will miss you David. You made us laugh. You fed us. You loved us so well. Thanks for showing us the way.
“If there’s another world, he lives in bliss;
If there is none, he made the best of this.”
Robert Burns
Left behind to mourn are his devoted life partner Catharine Parry and dog Bobby, his sister Rosemary Nixon, brother John Nixon, nieces and nephew Allison, Brian, and Emily, father and mother in-law Joseph and Lillian Parry, sister and brother in-law Jennifer Parry and George Scott, extended family in Australia and Canada, and so very many friends. Predeceased by his parents Eric and Anna Nixon, and his good dogs Barney, Argyle, and Hector.
Many thanks to Dawn, Jocelyn, and Dr. Scher for their compassionate care, and to family, friends, and neighbours whose gifts of food, kind words and thoughtful gestures of support were bright lights in these past months. A celebration of David’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations may be made towards a memorial bench overlooking Lake Erie in memory of David. Please make cheque or money order payable to the City of Port Colborne, and ensure that you include David’s name on the cheque or money order as well as your contact information and e-mail address if applicable. Your donation may be mailed to city hall at 66 Charlotte St., Port Colborne ON, L3K 3C8, or dropped off in the external mail slot at city hall.
Arrangements entrusted to Davidson’s Funeral Home, 135 Clarence St., Port Colborne.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of David
Andrew
Nixon 1962 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Port Colborne, Province: Ontario