My dad peacefully passed away at 8:23pm last night, 2/10/19, at Southdale Hospital. I’m so grateful my mom, brother, Travis, and I were all able to be with him to tell him we love him.
I was very fortunate to have an hour and a half alone with him yesterday where I was able to share several loving thoughts. I know there are a lot of people who don’t get this kind of opportunity. My dad has always been there for our entire family, I am also grateful I am still alive to have been there for him.
He was asking for help. I told him I would try to make sure he was comfortable. The nurses were incredible, the level of care and compassion was out of this world. They truly helped in the process and made sure his needs were met. I’m glad he is at peace because he needed to rest. It’s never easy saying goodbye but it’s a reality of life and I know time will help heal us all. There will be a day when we all meet again. Until then, I gave him a deck of cards to take with him, the deck I still had that we used to play with when I was a child.
Spending all my days with him continuously since December, I realized how much I am like my dad. Seeing everything he endured, I now understand where my strength and fight for life comes from. I told him he was being so brave, I would be brave for him. I held his hand the entire day and continued throughout the end. We continuously reminded him it was okay, he was loved, and we would take care of my mom. I know he heard us.
Anyone that met my dad knows he was such a sweet man. Even at the end, all the nurses said he was their favorite. I am lucky I was my dad’s daughter. I will forever cherish his wisdom, humor and kind demeanor. As devastating as it is to lose my loving father, I’m glad he is in a better place.
Whenever we were together, we would always teach each other one thing for the day. Even though he could not speak the last day of his life, he still taught his one thing for the day. He taught me how to die with grace and dignity. I miss my daddy already and I will always love him dearly. I love you Papa.
Nikki's New Lungs 
I am so sorry. He raised a strong beautiful amazing daughter! What a wonderful Father he was to you. My thoughts are with you as is my love…Sandy
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Deepest condolences Rocket.
Thank God he went the way he did and that all of you could say goodbye.
You were very fortunate to have each other in such a loving Father, daughter
Relationship. God rest his soul and prayers out to your Mom and all other
family and friends. GM
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I’m so sorry. I’m a follower from afar. Just wanted to send my deepest condolences. I can’t imagine ❤️ Hugs and prayers!
Sent from my iPhone
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So very glad you were able to be there with him. I’m so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you and your family. ❤️❤️
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Hugs
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Nikki, you were so lucky to have a father like yours, and too he was so lucky to have you. Please accept my sincere condolences, and know you will be with him again. Say hi to Travis for me. Dave Grube
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I’m sorry for your loss Your father was a strong man and his strength was evident May he have a wonderful journey Thinking of you and your family
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Such a lovely tribute to your Dad. True success in life is to have your children have such love and respect for their parents. So sorry for your loss. Wishing you and your family peace and comfort.
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Nikki, I am so sorry for your, your Mother’s and your Brother’s loss of your Father. You posted a beautiful picture and memorium of him. He must have been an amazing man to have raised such an amazing daughter. Please pass my and Ed’s condolences to your Mom. Hold each other tight in his embrace.
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Sorry to hear about your dad Nikki. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
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We remember the day of this picture, we had such a great time listening to his stories, Itch said he looked like the “Godfather”. Roland was an amazing man and had a wonderful sense of humor, always looked forward to seeing him. He will be greatly missed but now he is at peace. It is not goodbye but until we meet again❤️
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Nikki
We are so sorry for your loss. It is nice to know that you were able to spen some time him.
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your Family
Tim and Bev
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What a heartwarming tribute you gave your father!! So glad you could be with him to the end. God will take care of him now; may you always have happy and proud memories of him!
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Nikki
Your dad was such a warm and loving person, just like his daughter.
He was so kind each time I was in a room with him. May the fond memories
endure. Our thoughts are with you all.
Richie and Mickey
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Nikki, I have followed you since my sister “introduced” me to you. I have cheered you at the time of your transplant and applauded your every new adventure. I now offer my condolence at the passing of your Father.
Jane L (Barb Tackaberry’s sister)
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Nikki, we are very old friends of your family and have many wonderful memories of times spent together. Our thoughts and love follow you and ?John and, most especially, Elaine.
Cline and Judy Preble
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What a truly special man your father was!!!!
We understand how painful your loss is. Try to focus on the
beautiful memories……..cherishing every one of them.
Please accept our sympathies for your loss.
Carol, Greg and John Roland
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My very deepest sympathy to you & all your family at this sad time.Your beautiful tibute about your Dad was very touching.It’s always so hard to lose someone you love.Take care! Love Marlene❤️🌹❤️
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Sending my deep sympathy for your great loss. I so enjoyed your tribute to your dad. You were, indeed, blessed. You have many wonderful memories that will forever live on in your heart. Saying prayers for you and your family during this difficult time. Love, Pat Kyndberg
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So sorry to hear about Roland’s passing, our sympathies to you and your family Nikki. Please tell your Mom we are thinking of her and all of you during this sad time. You have many good memories of him and what he has taught you. Cherish those memories.
Shauvonne and Mike Hubick
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I’m praying for you and your family during this difficult time. Cherish the memories and the love that you shared everyday
❤️
Caryn
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