Ben Nathan Nichols

My deepest sympathy to Ben's family and friends. God Bless!

My eulogy read as follows: Today we are here to say 'goodbye' to an amazing man, who I am privilaged to have had as a father. He was an inspiration and an example to us all. with a great sense of humour right to his last words. When a nurse addressed him as Ben he advised her that he was 'Big Ben'! He has impacted on so many lives - family, friends and so many more. Nursing staff were in awe of his determination - he left us only when he was ready. He was a Father, Grandfather and friend to us all and loving husband to Pat. We all have our own memories, which we will cherish always Goodbye Dad, rest peacefully. I will love you always. xxx

My Eulogy Some of you may know that I have not been well, it gives me great comfort to know, thanks to my sister Elsie that Papa knew how well I am doing in my recovery. Dispite the sometimes overwhelming challenges I have faced I can honestly say with confidence that from now on I am moving forward and Daddy I promise I am determined to make the most of everyday of my life for me my loved ones and in honour of your memory. I am so proud of you dad, you lived and died on your own terms. Both doctors and nurses were in awe of your courage and determination and you life will serve as a great memory and inspiration to us all. In the last hours of your life even when the doctors said you were gone, you decided that you had a few more things to say. The first words out of your mouth when you saw me were "did you pay the bill", you see we were at lunch the first time you stopped breathing. Also dad as you wishted they did spend the day in Toronto. Each time you stopped breathing you decided you had a few more words to say. I love it when the doctor said this is it and you sat bolt upright and said " I am not going yet". My dad had his first heart attact when my daughter Vanessa was 6 months old, he said his wish was to live long enough for her to remember him, three years and nine months later David was born, same wish, then 6 years after Dino was born. I told him he needed a new wish, as much as I love my children 3 were enough, so he set his sites on graduation. Well he was so proud of you, all my children and after once again stopping breathing he awoke to tell Dino that he knows he will graduate and be a paramedic. He also knew that Dino was the one who gave him mouth to mouth in the restaurant and gave hime the gift of his final hour. I did not tell any of you this but he said "Dino is my hero and I am so proud of him". Well daddy it was time for you to joing mum, together forever. Finally thank you so much for bringing us all so much close, your legacy will live on for years to come in our hearts and souls xo