June 3, 1959 - March 1, 2022
It is with great sadness and love that we share with you the peaceful passing of Nick, on March 1, at home in Guelph surrounded by family.
He will be deeply missed by his loving wife and partner of 43 years, Karin, children Malcolm (Maureen), Jocelyn (Philippe) and grandchildren Charlie, Katie and Laurie. Nick will be lovingly remembered by his in-laws, Jane, Elizabeth, Andrew and Clare, his extended family and his many and diverse collection of friends. Predeceased by his parents, Peter and Elsie and his brother-in-law Matthew.
Lover, partner, father, grandad, son, uncle, campfire builder extraordinaire, birder, beer lover, F1 fanatic, reggae ambassador, MC, IT specialist, handsome dude, natty dresser, DJ, hiker, stone collector, stargazer, environmentalist, Pokémon player, secret keeper, chauffeur, punster, mentor, role model, all of these things only begin to describe our Nick.
Nick was born in England and raised in Georgetown, Guyana by his adoptive parents Peter and Elsie. After primary and secondary school in Guyana he completed his A Levels in England. Nick was a proud recipient of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. In 1977 he came to Guelph and completed his BSc at the University of Guelph, where not surprisingly, he fell in love with the city and his lovely wife, Karin.
His logical mind, his dry sense of humour and his tech smarts helped him navigate his professional life in IT. Beginning as a manager of the Univ of Guelph computer store, then moving to the private sector and finally settling in at Wellington Catholic District School Board where he has spent the last 25 years in IT Services supporting teachers, secretaries and students.
His personal interests focused on several different areas including reggae and nature. Beloved and respected by the local and international Reggae community as a dedicated ambassador of Reggae music and culture. For 41 years, Nicky Dread was the mind, heart, and voice behind CFRU’s The Crooked Beat show as well as many other public events. In recognition of this commitment, he received a number of International and National awards. See article in Guelph Today by Dan Caudle.
A perfect fit for Nick’s altruistic side and love of music was his involvement in the Hillside Music Festival, where he served as a board member, volunteer and MC Coordinator for over 20 years.
His love of nature, the environment, rocks and the stars rounded out his personal interests. He eagerly included his children and grandchildren (and anyone who would listen) in his discoveries while camping, hiking or gardening. Buckthorn beware, Nick always carried his secateurs.
The thing about Nick that might surprise a few people was his devotion to Formula 1. On Sunday afternoons, after the races, he loved discussing the outcome of the race with friends and family, particularly at The Wooly and Baker St. pubs.
We are overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and appreciation of this special man. Nick touched so many lives; we are only now discovering the reach and impact he has had directly and indirectly on so many.
The family is planning a community celebration of Nick’s life in the spring (details TBD) and a private family celebration on his birthday.
In remembrance of Nick’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Ontario Nature, the Guelph Black Heritage Society or a charity of your choice that would honour Nick and his life’s interests.