Nicholas W. Andrews

On September 6, 1985, a boy was born who navigated life with both deep emotional intensity and carefree whimsy that allowed him to be invincible, until March 14, 2024, when Nicholas William Andrews took his last ATV ride and returned to stardust. Nick lived fast and died too young, but his soulful smile will live on through the hearts of anyone lucky enough to have known him.

It eases some knowing Nick Stick is now spending time with his grandparents and relatives, too many friends to name, and his best good boy Chico who preceded him in death. He leaves many people in grief, including his parents Pops & Mombo (Timothy & Eileen (Gyles) Andrews), and sister Cassie Andrews, and her wife, Linsey Teppner. His beloved dogs, Bill Murray and Duke, and his first and lifelong best friend Nitty (Chris Cevasco).

At four years old Santa Claus changed Nick’s life by bringing him a drum set. He learned to drum with the help of his Pops and Led Zepplin cassettes he’d listen to on his Walkman. His family quickly learned two things, Nick was ambidextrous, and he would need a stronger bass drum pedal.

Well-known for being a talented musician, he earned the stage name Nikolai, and while most known for drums, he was also a songwriter and singer who appeared to easily master any instrument in front of him. Nick couldn’t read music but had the gift of Chromesthesia, a technical way to say that he was able to see music. Each note was a color, every song a painting. This allowed him to move seamlessly between instruments, songs, and genres because he would visualize the painting and let his body create the music. He said he loved Reggae music because it has the boldest colors.

Nicholas spent most of his adulthood trying to figure out his place in this world. He learned he was a skilled gardener, woodworker, amateur mechanic, and the fastest eater you might ever have met. He worked hard to be a good son, brother, friend, and person, but sometimes his trauma was stronger than his will. Nick lived with the symptoms of addiction for much of his adult life, which never deterred him from trying to help others. It also painfully reminded him that he was missing out on the lives of his friends and family. His wish for anybody would be to get clean, get happy, and take in as many rescue dogs as possible.

Nicholas was deeply connected to his Celtic ancestry and called upon the famous “Irish Goodbye” as his final exit from the party of life, touché Bruth, touché. Boogie on Reggae Brother. #56

Nick’s family has been overwhelmed, in the best way possible, by the outpouring of love that they have received. Each gesture is deeply meaningful, and while they can’t reach out to everyone individually, they are forever thankful for the support.

The family requests that instead of flowers, donations be made to one of Nick’s favorite organizations, Michael Franti’s Do It For The Love Foundation. A wish-granting nonprofit that brings people living with life-threatening illnesses, children with severe challenges, and wounded veterans to live concerts. Through the healing power of music, their goal is to inspire joy, hope, and lasting celebratory memories in the face of severe illness or trauma. You can use cassieandrews@gmail.com for the recipient's address on the donation form if you wish for the family to be notified.

Nick’s Celebration of Life will be held at Taylor’s Country House on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm. Funny T-shirts and masks are encouraged.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted with Wilson Funeral Home.