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Anytime I ever felt insecure or was struggling in any way, Nick was always so adamant that I remembered how capable and important I was. He was always so reassuring and loving. He never wanted you to believe that you were less than amazing. His encouragement meant the world
~ Malayna
I worked with Nick at Kroger and we had some great, great times. Mostly filled with laughing because that’s what would happen when you’d spend 8 hours with Nick. We drove the same way home every night, but I would turn off the highway before him. So as if to say “see ya later”, I’d flash my headlights at him and he’d flash his cargo lights back at me.
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My all time favorite memory of Nick is a pretty simple one. I’d just started dating my then girlfriend- now wife- and when I told Nick about it, all he could talk about was that he wanted to meet her and how happy he was for me. Unfortunately he was never able to meet her and she wasn’t able to get to know him, but I talk about him often, so it feels like, in some small way, she does know him. And that makes me happy.
~ Brayden
Nick was the first person to make you feel seen, heard, and loved. He was the most resilient and selfless person I’ve ever known and he continued to put everyone else before himself. His smile lit up any room , he could make anyone laugh, and he had a heart of gold. I will always be grateful for the memories we have and he will always have a special place in my heart!
~ Kloey
When I met Nick, we were both about 14-15 years old.. which is about 10 years ago now! Nick loved my childhood dog chuey (pictured, you can kinda see him LOL) and any time we went a period without talking and catch up, he would ask about Chuey and ask how he’s doing. This always made me smile.
I didn’t go to Riverdale, I actually went to Blackman HS. I had a lot of friends there so I had a tendency to be at all Riverdale events during that time, one being prom of our junior year. There was this huge after-prom party that everyone- and I mean everyone minus Nick- was posting about on social media. At prom, I remember Nick warning everyone NOT to go to the party, that his dad knew about it and it was going to get busted.. Nick was right about that, and we all should’ve listened to him. Lol
There are lots of memories, but the thing that stood out the most to me about Nick was his heart, and how he made me feel. I will never forget how loved and cared for Nick made me feel, and everyone else around him all at the same time. He was truly a one of a kind soul, one who I knew would make a huge impact on those who knew him and even those who didn’t yet. He’s truly the best.
To Nick- You’re so so loved and missed. Myself and Chuey included. You have the best family, who chose to honor you in such an awesome way, and I am so thankful to know them because of you. Thank you for your friendship, and thank you for always being so kind and loving.
~ Jadyn
I have been blessed with so many amazing memories with Nick that it is so hard to just pick one. However, the very first time I went to a Riverdale FFA meeting I didn’t really know anyone. I stood off to the side and listened but didn’t know where I would fit in and too scared to talk to anyone. As soon as Nick realized I was alone he came up to me and introduced me to all of his friends. He made me feel so welcomed on my very first day. Fast forward through the years and I was able to compete in several competitions with my new found friends all because nick decided to reach out and take me in. By the time we reached senior year we got to go to state convention— and being the goofball he is— he and everyone else in the chapter volunteered him to be a part of the Dolly Parton Stampede Dinner Show. He dressed up in a kilt and danced on stage right along with the cast members of the show and brought a smile to everyone’s face. With all that being said, Nick was always the kind of person to invite you in, make you smile and feel welcomed even on your most isolated days.
~Maiah Case
My son, Sidney, has always thought Nick was just the coolest guy out there!! Nick has always been so nice to him. In Middle school, Sidney was diagnosed with fronto-temporal lobe dementia, and basically began aging backwards as far as congnition, memory, interest, fine motor skills…. Although many peers weren’t sure, I guess, how to process the changes in Sidney, how to interact with him…. With Nick - it was almost as if he didn’t even see the changes! He never treated Sidney differently (except with even MORE patience and kindness)! He always made a point to speak to Sidney in the hallway at school and anytime we saw Nick anywhere else. One memory, in particular, touches my heart so much!! Sidney and Nick graduated together, although their curriculum was very different. As our family was leaving the arena following the graduation ceremony, Sidney saw Nick with a group of Nick’s friends at the bottom of the stairs outside. And Sidney made a beeline straight to Nick, interrupting the conversation between Nick and the other guys he was with, and asked Nick to take a picture with him. Nick just smiled the BIGGEST smile, asked the other guys to wait for a minute, and took pictures with Sidney and had the sweetest conversation! Every time I look at that picture, it still brings tears to my eyes! Sidney felt so very SEEN - one of the guys - the friend of someone that EVERYBODY was friends with…. That is who Nick has always been - the one who SEES, and genuinely cares about, the ones who so often feel invisible.
~Carol
