There are many words to describe Nick: a doting father, a loving mate, a devoted son, a protective brother and a loyal friend.  It is rare to find the description handsome, athletic, funny and personable combining so naturally with quiet and unassuming.  Strong yet tender, he was both a leader and a mediator.  God presented Nick with so many natural abilities, and he always used them to the fullest, never boasting, always in full charge, because he always knew that, whether he was defending a goalie in hockey, or protecting a community, people depended on him.

Nick was humble in speaking of his abilities, but dynamic in executing them.  He celebrated team achievements, and pushed himself in individual accomplishment.  Whether it was boxing or baseball, soccer or softball, he watched, learned, executed and excelled, and at the end of the day he was just glad to spend that time with friends.

Although he was hard pressed to find a sport he didn't like, Nick really enjoyed hockey, since first strapped on skates at the end of his High School freshman year, through his junior year when he skated with his teammates at the Savvis Center to win the Missouri State Championship.  By senior year, he donned the prestigious Captain's "C" on his jersey and was featured as the Channel 11 Athlete of the Month.  Although Nick wanted to be a policeman since he was 2 1/2, it was on this Channel 11 feature where he made his first official broadcast announcement to follow in his Dad's footsteps in his dream of becoming a policeman.  Nick was thrilled when his dreams of serving and protecting the City of St. Louis were realized, and his athletic ability earned him the "Outstanding Achievement in Physical Training" award at graduation on July 19, 2001.

Nick didn't brag, but that never stopped any of us from expressing our tremendous pride in his accomplishments.  The greatest of all of his accomplishments happened on December 4, 2002, when Kirsten gave birth to their beautiful son, Gavin.  Nick was totally fulfilled by his new role as Daddy, and found yet another thing that he absolutely excelled in.  Nick now lives in Gavin's heart, and it is up to each of us to keep Nick in Gavin's mind, by always telling Gavin our cherished memories of Nick.  His Daddy is a Hero, and that Hero is a Daddy.

Celebrate Nick's life--Hug your children, tell someone that you appreciate them, love unconditionally, lend a hand to a neighbor, care about your community, and live every moment to its fullest.