of Little Rock, AR
January 7, 1994 - April 14, 2017
Nicholas Alexander Kellar, age 23, of Little Rock, died of an accidental overdose on Friday, April 14, 2017, following a long, hard battle with addiction. He was born January 7, 1994 at Fort Gordon, Georgia. He was the son of Rory and Suzanne Tipton. He attended Arkansas Baptist High School until transferring to Maumelle High School for his senior year. He was baptized at Geyer Springs First Baptist. He was only 23 years old and should have had a long life adventure ahead of him. We write this not to dishonor his memory, but to shine a light on this epidemic that is ruining so many young adult lives.
Nicholas was unconditionally loved by his family. He was a sweet young man and once you knew him, you would never forget him. Outwardly he looked like he had it all; intelligence, love, talent, beautiful brown eyes and blonde hair. His smile that people smile with him. He was fun, had well thought out opinions, and could match wits with anyone. His fashion sense was definitely unique, but he enjoyed his wild shoes and endless collection of flat billed hats. Inwardly, however, Nicholas was fighting deep depression and dealt with pain, fatigue and repeated illness brought on by an immunity disorder. We loved him with all our hearts, but it was not enough to protect him from this world.
He had the potential to accomplish anything he wanted, but drugs crept into his life around the age of 15. Around the same time, he was diagnosed with an immune disorder that resulted in repeated illnesses and required frequent antibody infusions. Once the patterns of drug abuse emerged, we tried everything we knew to help him. Nicholas fought hard to beat his addiction, but I am not sure that even he understood the internal demons that were beating him down. He did know that his family and friends would do (and did) anything that might help including hospitalization, rehab, counseling, and finally suboxone treatment.
For two years, it appeared the battle was won and we again had our beautiful, smart, sweet, funny, and loving son that liked twisted movies, music, engaging with others and enjoyed life. He was figuring out what he wanted to do in this life and was working on a business degree at Pulaski Tech. He was looking forward to our next ski trip (he loved snowboarding).
Unfortunately, relapse rates with opioids are extremely high and deadly. That addiction, along with depression, was more than he could overcome. Understand, this addiction is NOT who Nicholas was, but it is a disease that people need to know about and fight. He was our son, grandson, brother, and our life and he mattered.
Instead of an ambiguous ''died suddenly at home'' we opted for openness by honestly saying ''died of an accidental overdose'' in order to publicly expose the demon and disease of addiction that will continue to hit so many families.
I struggle with understanding God's purpose in the death of my beautiful son, but maybe if even one person is positively affected by his story then this unbearable loss will make more sense.
Nicholas leaves behind, his mother, Suzanne L. Tipton and his father, Rory A. Tipton both of Little Rock; his brother, Blake Tipton of Fayetteville; his maternal grandparents, Glen and Sandra Vantrease of Maumelle; and his great-grandmother, Dallas Schadt of Grovetown, GA. He is also survived by his uncle, Edward Moody of Kansas, his great-uncle, David Schadt of Grovetown, GA; his great-uncle K.T. Dolan and family of Maryland; his aunt Renee Wichmann and uncle Dave of Ft. Mill, SC; cousin Jessica Wichmann of Ft. Mill, SC; and numerous others that loved him. Nicholas is preceded in death by his grandparents, Bill and Jenera Tipton of Sherwood.
Visitation will be Thursday, April 20, 2017, from 6:00pm 8:00pm at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Pkwy in Little Rock. Memorial Service will be on Friday, April 21, 2017 at 1:00pm at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, 12400 I-30 in Little Rock. Burial will follow at Riverwood Memorial Gardens in Maumelle.
My Dear Sweet Nicholas, So many years had passed without us being in touch, but I pray you know how much we loved you and we never forgot about you!! Every year l hang on my Christmas tree the things you had made me when you were so very young!! As I look out my window, I can see a little guy with beautiful blonde hair and a smile that could melt my heart chasing little frogs!! Memories I will never forget!! The struggles you faced break my heart and I am so proud of your mom for speaking out and trying to help other's!! I just found out this morning you had passed!! You were loved by many and I wish with all my heart and soul I could hug you, just one more time!! I love you, Aunt Robin
So sorry to hear about Nick. I knew him thru Fairview Kennels. He was always so good to my Jewel & very nice to me. My prayers go out to the family.
Im so very sorry for your loss my son to has an addiction and i have tried so hard to help him but its gotten to the point that he hates me the more i love him the more he hates me and says Horrible things to me so i have just let him go and i gave him back to God he is homeless and i have let him come home several times but it always turns out bad! 😓 thank you for sharing your story it will help alot of people! Im praying for you and your family God Bless
i don't know your son or your family, but you're all in my prayers. My son is has struggled with addiction. Thank you for honoring your son by bringing to light what so many families struggle with. May God bless you and your family!
I know your heart is breaking as is mine over the loss of your sweet son. I lost my little brother from the same thing, Opiate overdose. He got hooked on them after a back injury from Bull Riding. He never got off them as far as me or Daddy knew. He took some before bed for pain and didn't wake up the next day. I think he got tired of the pain or lost track of how much he had taken. Either way , his wife will never be the same after that morning. I am glad for your story, it was so touching and right on point. I'm sure he is proud of the Celebration of Life everyone experienced at his service. And I know he was loved very much by all. May God Bless you and keep you and hold you up during your time of sorrow. Bless your whole family.
I pray God will give you and your family "peace". I certain it is hard for as a parent we never dream of burying a child especially at a young age. His life and his death was surely not a mistake just look how his story and yours has touched so many people. I hope you will continue to tell this story from coast to coast. I feel this is now your assignment. You have and can help so so so many families. God bless you and yours. In the mighty name of Jesus!!!
I lost my sister June 13 for the same reason. I love your honesty and I pray you find some peace. It's a long, hard, and sad battle for all those involved but he's free now. No more pain or depression just love. When you begin your battle please keep me informed I would like to help in anyway I can. God bless you all.
Thank you for your candidness. My heart goes out to you and yours. As a mother , burying a child is the hardest. You're in my prayers
Thank you so much for sharing, with what can only be very painful dialogue for your family.
....what you've done with this loss will surely save others by calling out the epidemic. God bless you all.
So sorry for the loss of your son. Sending thoughts and prayers to you. It takes an amazingly strong family to put their emotions aside to try and help the next person going through the same thing. May god bless you and the entire family.
Thank you for sharing. My heart goes out to all of you. He will be missed my prayers for you.
Thank you for sharing this message with everybody. I truly pray it will help others in recognizing and dealing with their struggles. I can't imagine the grief you must feel. Our prayers go out to you and your family.
I did not know your son (or any of you) - my friend posted Nick's obit on Social Media. A discussion ensued and we ended up agreeing that it could have been anyone of us. There is a "fine line" between overcoming addiction and not overcoming.
Heartfelt condolences to all of you ~ Blessed are those who mourn - May you find comfort in knowing that Jesus has his arms wrapped around Nick and Nick is "whole and healed" in Heaven. One day, when the Lord calls us all home, there will be a grand reunion.
Please know that your Honesty may help to save another, your selfless surrender of your sorrow so publicly has reached so many (more than you know) here in New York (and perhaps, worldwide.
What the devil intended for evil, God is using for His Glory and our good. (Romans 8:28)
Know that Love and prayers are reaching you & yours from all of us.
Much love,
Shelly in NY
My heart goes out to you and your family. I am so sorry. My three grandsons are dealing with drugs especially my 16 year old . I really don't know how bad the other two are in to them it just breaks my heart. I am keeping my Faith and I pray for these kids all of the time.
THANK YOU for your candidness. Your message is obviously written with love. I am so sorry for your terrible loss. I, too, am a recovering opioid addict. The most dangerous addicts are the "functional" ones--they look great on the outside, but suffer on the inside. I, too, suffer from autoimmune disease that requires multiple medications and monthly IV infusions. I am a 43 year old wife and mother of three with 2.5 years of sobriety. I am a veterinarian, soccer-mom, friendly neighbor, middle class person. THIS DISEASE DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE, and that is the message we must illuminate. Thank you and may God give you His peace.
My heart breaks for you. Thank you for sharing the truth about addiction and depression. No family is exempt. Prayers for your family.
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing. We have had alo of losses due to this same thing. His obit is awesome, telling of this horrid thing happening. Thank you for sharing. My thoughts and prayers to the family.Hugs to all of you.
God grant you peace at this time. I remember when Nicholas was just a boy pushing his lawnmower up our steep street going to a lawn job and coming back a couple of hours later. He was a hard worker and made me feel good just to watch him grow up.
To the family of Nicholas Kellar, my heart aches for your family at this time of loss. I found your sons obituary on face book and want you to know that you are making a huge impact across the states (world) by sharing your story of grief. Drug addiction robs us of our loved ones and it needs to be addressed. I pray that the Lord will guide you and your family through this heartbreaking time. Nicholas is now free of any demons and is an angel watching over you all now. God Bless you all and thank you for sharing with others.
Suzanne, our most sincere condolences on the loss of your precious son. Words cannot adequately express our sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Arkansas Society of CPAs.
What a loss you have suffered - such sweet smile and a very handsome man - no we can never assume what God has in his plans for any of us - I keep going back to what my Pastor said - God knows what the rest of your life is going to hold from the moment of your first breathe of your life- it is all planned out an yes I am sure as you have questioned - Why my son ? - Well it appears to me that his legacy is in your hands and in your hearts and you have done well with it and for your beloved son - Prayers for you as you continue on this journey of life as we all know it .
My heart goes out to Nicholas' loved ones for your heartbreaking loss. The frankness of his obituary touched me about this fine young man who struggled with demons he did not deserve. I lost all of my own siblings to the same tragic battle so I well know the war. I commend you and thank you for what a beautiful, selfless way to tribute your son, to open the eyes of others.....
Sincerely,
Tim Cobb
Loretta Lynn Enterprises
How incredibly brave and selfless of you to write what must have been the most difficult thing to put into words. You did a beautiful job appreciating his many good qualities and attributes and recognizing his inner demons. Your brave tribute to your son and acknowledgement of his qualities both good and bad may save another's life. May God bless you.
I came across this today,& was overwhelmed with emotion.Im a mother of 4 & Nana of 16.My heart goes out to you & your family on this long journey,it will be a ongoing journey.Thank you for sharing him with all of the total strangers on here.Some of us understand more than we want or wish to.So sorry😪
Your openness is truly touching. God bless you through this time. I do not know you or your beautiful son. Your honesty has touched me and I have so much respect for you. Thank you.
Leslie Ward, MD
Hey Suzanne and Rory just heard of your son's passing. Just wanted you to know we will be praying for you in the weeks and months to come. Not sure if you remember us; we were in Sunday school class with y'all many years ago at GSFBC.
Thank you for sharing your sons story. I can only imagine your pain and loss, but pray God hand may change the lives of others with this same illness. God bless you.
A very brave thing you did and I feel you honored your son by sharing his struggle! Someone will benefit from this and your son will not have died in vain! God bless you and yours!
Prayers for your family. I lost my son 12 years ago at age 24 of an accidental overdose also....I know this was hard but I commend you for your honesty. God Bless I like you hopes it saves just 1 if not more
My heart breaks upon hearing that you have lost your beautiful son. My daughter has long suffered from depression and drug addiction. Thank you for your honest and beautiful obituary. He was blessed to be surrounded by his family's love and support. Wishing you peace.
My heart to you all for this poignant obituary.
It is so selfless that you share this so others might not suffer the same tragic loss.
Dear sweet family you are in my prayers and thoughts. We also lost our daughter Katie to an accidental overdose 5 years ago on April 3 2012 at home. Your sadness and your story is all to familiar. May God bless you and hold you in His hands and wrap His arms around you as you face the hours and days ahead of you.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my 31 year old son march 27th,similiar story, so I know your pain. We have to declare war on this horrible problem. If you need to talk to someone who walks the same road the funeral home has my email. Again I'm so sorry.
so very sorry for the loss of your son
With sincere sympathy&condolences
Paula Roddy
R.I.P.Nicholas
Im so sorry for your loss but thank you for sharing your son's struggles. We are going through similar trials now with a grandson. Our prayers are with all that loved Nicholas. God Bless!!
Thank you for sharing your story. My heart felt condolences go out to you. So many of us are experiencing similar stories. We are losing our fun, bright, loving children to this terrible disease of addiction.
May God bless your family during this time.
Thank you for sharing Nicholas's story.
I lost my son in 2014 of complications from an automobile accident caused by opiode addiction and I share your pain. Like your Nicholas he was the light of many lives. I pray for your comfort and acceptance and that a means will be found to control this epidemic. Please do t hesitate to contact me if it will help or relieve some stress.
I'm so sorry for your loss, and applaud your honesty and bravery. May God comfort you all and your family.
I didn't know your son but after reading this incredibly sad obituary I felt compelled to write to you. I am so sorry that you are having to experience this nightmare. Nicholas sounds like a wonderful young man. I lost my father and my younger brother to the horrible disease of addiction. Thank you for being brave enough to write the truth. That Nicholas was not his disease. I believe it will help many people. I will be praying for you all. May God be with you during this time of extreme loss.
My fifteen year old daughter is struggling with depression. We are working hard to stave off the allure of drugs. Your obituary had meaning. It matters. It strengthens my resolve to help her. I am so deeply sorry for your loss and only hope you find the strength to carry on.
My deepest condolences to family and friends of Nicholas. Enduring the death of a loved one is an extremely difficult experience. That is why the Bible refers to death as an "enemy" (1 Corinthians 15:26). However we at assured that, soon, our Creator will see to it that the enemy death will be brought to nothing. Jehovah God has promised to soon "swallow up death forever.....and to wipe the tears from all faces" (Isaiah 25:8). With deepest sympathy. Cathy
I did not know Nicholas or any of his family but my heart goes out to all of you. Life seems so unfair.
I will always remember Nicholas as Hope's first friend at AR Baptist. At one of his birthday parties in grade school, there were all these little boys, and Hope. She cried the first year they were not in the same classroom. He will be missed.
Thank you for your honesty in sharing his story. it WILL make a difference.
Thank you for sharing Nicholas' story, a difficult and brave decision. My son left this world 11 years ago and I have not been so brave. I share your heartache and pray for peace and comfort.
I am the mother of a recovering addict and wish you and your family peace in knowing that your son's life was not lived in vain. The people's lives he touched in his short life will forever be changed for the better. May God hold you all in His hands until you meet again!
Rory, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. My prayers are with you and your family.
Sending praying your way. You wrote a beautiful dedication about your son. It was shared on my Facebook page and hit very close to home. I lost my fiance in November to an accidental overdose. He had also been in recovery. You are so brave to tell your story and I hope it helps someone. Keep the good times in your heart and don't focus on the bad. I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your son Nicholas. My heart aches for your family as the constant struggle with addiction is not a struggle one goes through alone although most think it is just the person addicted. There is no one that has not been touched by some type of addiction however most just think of drugs and alcohol.
Whether drugs, alcohol, smoking, eating, OCD, cleaning, horders, working...whatever....there is an internal imbalance that we struggle with and just can't STOP! Those that say they don't understand how this happens or why they can't JUST STOP have never examined their own life.
Whether it's to stop and straighten a crooked picture frame, not eat that one piece of candy or have just one more drag.......it's a constant battle!
No one can make someone stop but we pray somehow they find the strength to fight the battle every single day.
Some battles are harder than others and some people can cope better than others. Some addictions are inflicted by circumstances, some are inherited, some by nature and others by society. I pray for all!
It sounds like your son was well loved and I pray he is at peace. I know your life has been shattered and know your battle to understand continues. You've done a wonderful thing to share your lose in this manner and I pray you find some peace in knowing your son loves you.
I myself have many addictions as well as many family members. I pray for strength and courage for all addicts (every human being)!
I'm so sorry for your loss.
I don't know you, but I understand your pain.
You touched my heart, and I hope you also touched my sons heart.
I'm praying for you and yours.
I just read your son's obituary and am so touched by your honesty. As a parent, I cannot imagine your pain, but know that God's loving arms will encircle all of you during this time of grief. My prayers will be lifted for each of you.
I am so sorry for your loss! What you wrote is so beautiful!
I'm so sorry for the death of your precious son. Thank you for the heart wrenching honesty you displayed in the obituary. Your son's life and his tragic death will make a difference because your family has made the choice to disclose the truth related to his passing. Again, thank you for your bravery! Blessings on transitioning to a new life without your baby-I can only imagine.
I remember Nicholas in 4th grade Sunday School and.AWANA. He was a smart kid. May God comfort you and honor your hope in help for others.
I did not know this young man, I read the obiturary on FB. I just wanted this family to know I think they are amazing in every positive possible way. This tribute exudes the love you have not only for Nicholas, but for humankind as a whole. It is also a true testament of your living by God's will. Please continue to allow God's work to be done through you as you have done during this time of sorrow and pain. I pray for your peace, comfort and strength. God Bless You.
God bless you all. I pray this reaches those that need it. Prayers for your family.
Thank for sharing Nicholas's journey with us. I pray this will help others who struggle. Prayers & condolences for your family. 💔
I saw Nick's obituary on my Facebook feed; your message is going far and wide. I did not know him, but as a recovering addict, I know him. My love to you all for your bravery and wish you strength and clarity in the wake of your loss.
To the family: thank you for sharing his story. I pray it helped other families. I work at uams. Center for addiction services. To God be the Glory
To the family of Nicolas,
I did not know this young man but my prayers are with your family. I commend you for writing a very moving and truthful obituary that sends a powerful message to parents and others about the disease of addiction. As a parent of a teenager, the exposure to drugs and alcohol is my worst fear. Your son, did not die in vain. May God bless you today and forever.
Thank you for sharing, and I am so sorry for your loss. I'm s mother of a 25 year old struggling with the same battle. I wish you comfort and peace during this time. Nothing can replace your loss but your strength in sharing has reached many. Prayers for your family.
Suzanne and Rory, I was saddened to see this. I guess I had your son frozen in time as a little boy. More and more are affected by addiction. You are brave for sharing your experience. Take comfort in your happy memories and know he is in the arms of Jesus.
My heart goes out to you even though I don't know you. I lost a grandson page 22 or your ago of the same problem. I agree with you this needs to be public I am in hopes that this Will alert others to try and eradicate this terrible addiction. My heart is heavy and my prayers are for you God bless you all
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for sharing your son's story. What a beautiful young man.
My thought and prayers are with your family! A beautiful and honesty tribute for someone who was loved!
I'm so sorry for your loss, but your messsge is reaching so many. Thank you for sharing. May God bless your family,ease your pain and wipe your tears.
My friends granny Nonie lived in Maumelle. A friend of mine sent this obituary to me. It is being shared on FB. Your message is reaching many, many people. And touching so many lives. You are a brave, strong, courageous and loving mother. An angel to be able to think of others at this time. Sharing your sons story has and will help others in the same predicament. A friend of our daughters, Steve, his daughter passed from the same thing about four months ago. She was also 23 and lived in Ohio. I am praying for you and all your family for comfort and strength. May your son Rest In Peace. He is in the arms of the angels and no longer in pain. Free from his addiction, cleansed in the blood of the lamb. May God Bless you and all his family. And let your words spread and heal others far and wide. For this I Pray. Amen
I'm going to miss you man. I'm sorry I never came back home to visit you man or got to snowboard with you in Aspen. I'll see you again on the other side. I love you man.
To Mom :
I Thank You for sharing your Family's Testimony.
( You Feed a Multitude)
May your Son rest in Peace and find Comfort in God's arms.
Thank You.
Be Blessed
Prayers for your family.
Thank you for sharing your story, I do not know your son. This is happening in so many families, it is an ugly disease. I believe your story will help others -- even family members. May Nicholas rest in peace and know that he is free from this disease.
Your family is in my prayers. What a brave and loving tribute to Nicholas and his family. Truth spoken brings LIGHT to darkness. You have illuminated a dark place. God will honor this truth in many lives.
I understand what your son went through. I'm going through the same thing. I pray for your family and that God gives you peace. Love in Christ
What a beautiful tribute. I applaud you for your honesty and sharing your story. This is what people need to hear- the horror and devastation of drug addiction. The chains of addiction are truly scary. I am truly sorry for your loss...your son sounds like he was one of a kind. Thank you again for sharing.
Rory and Suzanne, I'm so sorry for your loss. I have a very good friend whose son is 24 and has been battling addiction and is in California. He is doing well now but this is at least his third relapse. It is such a wide spread epidemic that so many are fighting. I think sharing can bring awareness and maybe help someone else. I can't imagine how hard this is and am praying for comfort and peace. Lisa
Thank you for your bravery in being honest about Nick. We need to remove the stigma of this horrible epidemic, which has touched so very many lives. My family is dealing with it as well, and there but for the grace of G-d, go I. Deepest sympathy for your loss and just know by doing what you are doing, you're saving others.
Thanks for sharing this message. I pray God will heal your pain and your testimony will help others.
May God bless your family in this time of grief. And may your honesty help others who are struggling. We remember Nicholas as a great kid with a fun personality and beautiful smile. God bless.
Nick, thanks for being there to make me smile when I really had nothing to smile about. Your humor and giving spirit will be remembered and missed forever. I hope you have finally found peace brother. Praying for the family.
I knew Nicholas as a little boy in my children's choir and he was such a terrific little guy! He was very bright, and always put his whole heart into everything - he was a joy to know. I'm praying for your family.
May this sweet soul finally find peace in the arms of the angels, and your family find comfort knowing his pain is no more..love in Christ
My Condolences, Thoughts & Prayers for Family & Friends from Zebra family.
God Bless You All.
â¤ï¸ðŸ™ðŸ»âœï¸â˜®ï¸ðŸ‡ºðŸ‡¸
Thank you for being so honest. I appreciate that so much. My brother is an alcoholic. It's something we've delt with for years. Thank you for telling your sons story. It encourages me that we aren't the only family trying to deal with addiction. I'll be praying fervently for you all.
I'm so sorry for your loss! I pray that others will read this and help them!
Those were beautiful words you wrote about your son. I have two sons of my own-11 & 13. I love them like you love your child. I believe that your son will live on in your heart and memories. Nothing will be the same from here on.
I did not know your son but I do know your pain. I lost my 23 year old nephew Derrik the same way. I pray God brings you peace in knowing he is no longer suffering. Thank you for writing this. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I admire your courage in telling your son and family's truth. May God continually strengthen you all in the days ahead.
I cry when I think of what you all are going through. Both of my boys fight addiction and it hurts deeply. I used to be ashamed as if I did something wrong but after a few years, I've realized there is nothing to be ashamed of. This is happening to so many families and I don't mind sharing my story. It took lots of courage to write an obituary like this and you are like so many of us parents who love unconditionally and just want everyone else to know That addiction is real and it does not discriminate It affects all kinds. Rich Poor. Black. White. You name it. I pray someone does read your son's obituary and it hits home and they flush those nasty pills and turn away from this kind of life. May God bless you and yours. Please know even though I do not know you or your son, that you are being lifted in prayer and thought of. Deepest Sympathy!
This breaks my heart. I remember that beautiful little boy in my children's choir. May you know the peace & comfort only found in the One who loved him even more than we did.
Thank you for sharing this truth. I pray a tidal wave of love support and comfort anound in your lives. I'm grieved by your loss, strengthened by your courage, and forever changed.
So sorry for your loss. This obituary truly touched my heart. It mentioned the struggle to understand God's purpose regarding Nicholas' death. I do not claim to know everything. However, I do trust Romans 5:12 that explains, "Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because they all sinned." This all happened after Satan managed to get Adam and Eve to rebel against God. However, 1 John 3:8 gives us hope in Jesus because it teaches "For this purpose the Son of God was made manifest, to break up the works of the Devil." I really hope this brings some level of comfort to your grieving hearts.
I truly did not know your son but you are not alone and you are definitely right if this touches and saved one life it was worth it. May God give you comfort and may your words touch many lives that need it.
There are no words to comfort. Only honoring your beautiful son is the peace I can offer. Speaking of his life will save others and that is Gods plan.
He has a friend in Heaven already- my baby boy, Will We will see our boys again. God bless you.
Suzanne,
As a mom, my heart is broken for you. I can't begin to imagine the pain you feel. Nicholas was a beautiful boy. I can't think of him without thinking of the choir program he had the lead part in at GSFBC as a young boy. He was the youngest one but he was the best. He sang perfectly and quoted his lines without mistake.
I admire the way you have shared openly the struggle that Nicholas and your family have been through. Please know that I will be praying for you in the days ahead.
Jan Perkins
My son is with you all tonight and is struggling with the same demons. I can only hope you being so open about this tragedy can somehow help those currently suffering. You are living my worst nightmare. Please know you are not alone. I wish you strength and peace.
I'm sorry for your loss. I did not know your son but lost mine the same way. Thank you for the awareness you are bravely putting out there. It touched me as I hope it does to many. God bless.
I did not know your son, but my son did. He said Nicholas was an awesome person and was so sad to hear what had happened. Thank you for sharing his story, we all need to hear about this and realize the dangers of this drug. My prayers are with you and your family as you try to understand and cope with the loss of Nicholas. ðŸ™ðŸ¼
Thank you for your candid approach to this serious issue. May God heal your broken hearts.
Suzanne, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your sweet boy from GSFBC. You are Rory are in my prayers.
Suzanne, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss, and did not know your son, but I have a nephew, with 2 small children, who deals with these same issues, and I am going to share this obituary with him, in hopes that it will help him and be a wakeup call. I pray God comfort and give your family peace during this very painful time.
I did not know you son but his obituary was so moving I had to send my condolences. Your sadness at his death cannot be imagined. Thank you for the beautiful and personal sharing of his life. I will pray for your peace and comfort. I also pray that someone reading his story will want to try sobriety, and again, and again if that is what is needed. May Nicholas rest in peace.
Sarah T.
I admire your courage to share your son's story; so many people are the face of addiction and yet, so many don't know. Addiction is a horrible disease that takes the lives of far too many people we love, I hope you and your family can continue to walk this journey telling his story. I wish you better day's ahead. Thank you again for sharing, love Meagan.
I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for your honesty and bravery at this time. I lost my son in 2008 for basically the same thing. So tragic.
I am so sorry for your loss! I think your letter concerning Nicholas' addiction is so courageous and timely. God bless you and your family. I know you won't recognize my name but I worked with your mother, Sandy, many years ago and my heart goes out to all of you.
So sorry for your loss and I will pray for your family. I did not know your son or family but his obituary was shared on facebook and touched me at a time of grief over a family member with an addiction. I pray that your son is at peace!
Suzanne and Rory:
I do not know your family but was so moved by the intensely loving, compassionate and powerful obituary for your son, Nicholas. I cannot begin to imagine the depth of your loss. It is obvious Nicholas was immensely loved by family and friends alike. Please know that your honesty and willingness to speak so openly, while honoring his memory, will touch countless others. God bless you.
Thank you for this important service you've provided to so many with your message, in the face of such adversity. We grieve your loss with you. We loved Nick's spirit, his energy, his smile and his concern for the well being of our pets when he took care of us at Fairview. My partner, Capi Peck, and I were also fortunate to have had him as a guest in our restaurant.
I want to congratulate you for having the strength to publish this letter about your loss. I hear a lot about the Opioid crisis in the country, but it's seldom that there is a name and a face and a family to make the problem come to
life.
I imagined hearing scissors clipping this obit out to be given to young people currently making terribly bad decisions.
Bless you for your courage - I hope knowing that you may have saved someone from your son's fate gives you some solace in this awful time.
I am so very sorry for your lose. I do truly believe that you have made a difference with your words. More people like you should give more awareness. It is a horrible demon that creeps up on our children. I send prayers for you and your family that you are given an abundance of strength to get past these next few horrible days. And I send my love and prayers for your healing!!
Dearest Suzanne and Family,
While the loss of a loved one is never easy, it is most certainly the hardest when they are taken from us too soon. Your recent loss of your son who has left your family at such a youthful age is definitely in the category of those hard losses for which this becomes a painful a reminder of what might have been.
I offer my sincere condolence and deepest sympathy on your loss. May the outpouring of sympathy, the kind acts of friends and strangers and the comfort in knowing that your loss is felt by many, help you through this difficult time.
I ask for God's blessings on you and your family. May you find the courage and strength to move forward in peace and confidence and in knowing that his was a life well-lived.
Yours In Peace,
Cameron G.
Suzanne, I am heartbroken by your unfathomable loss. Much respect and thanks to you for your transparency in shedding light on issues of epidemic proportions in our world today. Many of us know firsthand that both depression and addiction are no respecters of persons or families. Cheezy was a precious boy with a sweet spirit, and my heart smiles with memories of him and Jacob together during their AB years. We will always remember him fondly as that beautiful blond haired, brown eyed, dimple-faced boy with a mischievous glimmer in his eyes, and he will forever be an important part of Jacob's life. I'm so sorry for the demons he had to face, but no, that is definitely not who he was. Praying for God to give you peace.
My heart breaks for your families' loss... You don't know me but I know the heartache of addiction. Thank you for your heart-wrenching honesty... I pray that your words reach other suffering from this tragic disease. Hugs & prayers for you & your loved ones during this most difficult time. Sincerely touched.
Suzanne, Rory & Blake,
You are in my prayers, your transparency is so brave. Nicholas was a kind soul and I remember the cute little boy that was in my third grade Sunday School Class. I hope that God wraps you in his arms a little tighter in the coming days. My heart is breaking for you.
Janet
Thank you for your brutal honesty in your precious son's obituary. Too many people sweep this horrible disease under the rug. Our family struggles with a child with addiction also. I pray for peace and strength for you and your family. Thank you again for bringing light to this epidemic.
Hello
I do not know you and I did not know Nicholas. I was very moved when I read his obituary. Thank you for pointing out that it was the dreadful disease of addiction that killed him. It is such a horrible and dehumanizing disease.
Nicholas sounds like he was a very special person with a lovely personality. This lovely person would never have wanted to die in such a way, but the disease won.
No words can convey the sorrow of losing someone so dear. So thank you for your courage in the face of this tragedy.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have a 24yr old son who sounds a lot like your son, but he is addicted to alcohol and unsuccessfully attempted suicide twice. He has been in the hospital, rehab, and counseling but nothing helps. I don't think it is anything to be ashamed of. I think there needs to be more awareness of this issue and maybe more lives can be saved. I will be praying for you.
May God comfort you as you walk through this valley of the shadow of death. You did indeed shine a light on a ruinous epidemic.
We did not know Nicholas, but we’ve had difficult times of loss also. My wife and I lost adult sons in past years. We found that each person grieves in a different way and at different times and see things differently sometimes, so we encourage each of you to allow for those differences in your families. You may not think so in the next few weeks, but as time passes you will be able to think more on the good times that you had together and less about losing Nicholas.
We are of the Christian faith and as we dealt with our pain we came to understand that God is still sovereign.
It is always good to hear people remember and name the one you’ve lost. Nicholas will not be forgotten by friends and I hope they’ll share their memories of him with you.
We are so sorry for your loss. Can't imagine what you are going through. He was a great roommate & most importantly a great friend. You will be missed terribly my friend. Our thoughts & prayers are with you & the rest of the family.
Comforting God,
You have promised that you are near to the broken-hearted. We ask that Suzanne and her family might sense your peaceful presence with them in these days and weeks ahead.
May they find comfort as they remember the happy memories they shared with their son. May they find comfort and glimmers of hope even as they look to the future.
May they sense your arms of love holding them.
Amen
Glenn, Sandra, & Suzanne,
I am so very sorry to learn of Nicholas' passing! My heart breaks for each of you! I'm
praying that you feel God's peace & grace upon you!
Love to you!
Rae Lynn Hogue
Thoughts and prayers for the family.
-From A Former Classmate
Suzanne, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers, for peace and understanding. Nicholas' story is beautifully written - thank you for sharing.
I am so so sorry for your loss. You are truly a blessing for many by being so open and honest about Nick. My daughter graduated the year before him, so we knew him. Continue to stay strong. Prayers for you and the rest of the family.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Nicholas' family. I will miss him a great deal.
Suzanne and family,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your son! You all are and will remain in my thoughts and prayers!
Suzanne, you and your family are in my prayers and thoughts. Earth has no sorry that heaven can't heal. I pray that you find comfort in the wonderful memories you have with your loving son Nicolas.
Love you,
LoRraine
My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Please know I am thinking of you during this very difficult time.
Margie