Dennis John Nickles

Suddenly and tragically on February 26, "Pipe", Dennis John Nickles, left our world. Dennis was predeceased by his loving and beautiful wife, Suzie Ferguson.  Dennis leaves behind a multitude of family and friends who admired and loved him deeply. His wonderful children Katie Nickles (Rich), Lindsay & Courtland Wilson and was the God Father of Dustin Pugsley. All of whom will continue to cherish him forever. His grandchildren Taylor, Kendra and Brayden will greatly miss their beloved "Papa".  Loved and cared for by his Parents, Joan and the late Douglas Janson.  Dennis's brothers and sisters will miss him with each passing day forever. His siblings are Dana (Jill) Nickles, Cathy (Paul) McDonald, Leslie (Billy) Watson, Craig Seward (Isabelle) and Michael (Danielle) Janson. "Piper" also had many wonderful nieces and nephews who adored him and will forever long to see him again, Renee and Lonie Nickles, Jason, Chantalle and Jamie Lynn Watson, Matthew McDonald and Jack & Piper Janson. He was also blessed to be a great uncle to Ethan and Mya. He was also a special friend of Sue Whitton. 

 Dennis was always the one who made us all laugh until we cried. Humour was his strength and he could hold a room in stitches for as long as he wanted. He was always the guy who stuck up for everyone, especially the "underdog".  He always gave so much of himself to help guide others through their own challenges in life. Pipe taught people ways to be stronger than they thought they ever dreamed they could be, simply with his genuine kindness and unique personality. Dennis made sure that nobody ever felt like a stranger or an outsider in any group. Everyone was a friend to him and they were drawn to him with his infectious and magnetic personality. Surly we shall all remember him fondly and be a little more lost without him to anchor us. 

 Dennis chose to become a Construction Boilermaker alongside of his father Doug. Eventually his brothers Dana, Craig and Michael, along with their nephew Matthew would also join Pipe on the job sites.  Working closely with immediate family and countless great friends, who also became family, was undoubtedly a deeply rewarding experience for all. Dennis performed his work with great precision, pride and honour. As a result, he served as a mentor to many and would also earn himself a legendary reputation amongst Local 128 members. He fiercely defended all his brothers and sisters both on and off the job. Never afraid to speak his mind, he was a leader amongst his peers and well respected by all. 

In his earlier years, Dennis was a competitive member of the Blue Water Tae Kwon Do Club during a time when most people never even heard of the martial arts. He learned a lifelong love of intense physical training and mental discipline that would serve him well for his entire life. Long after his Tae Kwon Do days, "Pipe" found reasons to rekindle his love of running claiming it was both his "therapy and his saviour".  He was a familiar participant in local running events, appearing as a recreational runner but always with the heart and spirit of a competitive athlete. His positive vibe along with his many beautiful tattoos made him a stand out at every event. He could often be spotted walking his dog, doing push-ups or running in Canatara Park which was alway his gym of choice his entire life.  

 Our Dennis had another great passion he embraced during all of his days, Music. Whenever he could, there would be music playing.  From classic rock and folk to the heaviest metal you could imagine. He loved it all and loved it even more when it was loud. Live music was a particular favourite where the rest of the world fell away from him. He had the privilege of becoming very close personal friend with his absolute favourite guitar player of all time, his younger brother Craig. Particular artists and special songs will surly remind us all of times we had together with Dennis. With any luck at all, some songs may even bring Dennis back to us for a brief moment, as only music has the power to do. 

 In lieu of flowers or donations, we the family ask only that you pay tribute to our beloved son, brother, father and friend by being kind to others and encouraging those that are struggling and forgiving to others as well as yourselves. So in that spirit that embodied our Dennis, we ask you all to laugh a little harder, turn the music up a little louder and stay a little longer. 

 All are welcome to join our family in a celebration of Dennis's life. The event will be held on Friday, March 10th, 1pm, at the Pt Edward Arena Community Centre.