I met Nick during a journey of grief in my own life. He was a friend to me in a time where his goofy sense of humor, love for country music and a wonderful example of what a friend looks like is just what I needed.

Just talking about life as friends do, I enjoyed learning things about him and the people closest to him who clearly were the greatest people to ever live….Nick and Elizabeth. There was rarely a conversation where they were not mentioned. He loved his kids more than life and was so proud of them in every way.

I like spending time with people who build people up, not tear them down and Nick was a constant builder, supporter, and listener as well as one who could empathize really well. The things I remember about him, TYPING IN CAPS, his love for vanilla coffee creamer, Red Vines and Shrimp Night. Football, Nascar and Jimmy Buffet. He was a pleasure to know and a gift to call a friend.

My condolences to Nick and Elizabeth in losing him at this time, and also his grandchildren who won’t get to make more memories with him. I can imagine what a fun Grandpa he was to them.

As you send him lovingly to the ocean waters, it is not impossible to think that he will travel the entire earth over and over. The next time I visit the beach here in California I will wave to him and thank him again for his friendship. I have a feeling heaven became just a little more fun this past weekend.