Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Nick Gatz Obituary

GATZ Nick Gatz, beloved husband of Mary, father of Vicky Holycross (Mark), Nikki Carvey (Craig), grandfather of Julie Carvey Cohara (Chuck), Jessica Carvey Manners (Jeffrey), Matthew Holycross, Nathan Holycross, Kimberly Carvey, Jason Carvey, all a joy. He always said, "I thank whatever gods there be for steering me to a rich academic life (Ph.D), to the joys of music, to the splendor of art and literature, to Toastmaster friends, to golf and golf friends, and to the illuminating wonders of history. Except for one night in London, it was a great life." No services. OHIO CREMATION AND MEMORIAL SOCIETY.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Nov. 20 to Nov. 21, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Nick Gatz

41 Entries

Kimberly Carvey

December 19, 2006

My grandfather was an incredible man.
I will always be inspired by his stories, his passion for life and the amazing memories he’s given me. I’ll never forget being excited for whatever adventure awaited us in his basement, from hula-hoops to random gadgets to video games. Everything about him was absolutely gorgeous. Grandpa, you are missed by so many and remain in our hearts forever. You have touched the lives of so many people, and in the most beautiful way.
And, I’ll always think twice about eating potato chips in red bags so that my belly button won’t turn blue.

Craig Carvey

December 19, 2006

The passing of Nick Gatz evokes feelings of both sadness and joy - sadness in that the world has lost someone who approached life with unmatched zest and passion in everything he did; and joy in knowing that I had the fortunate opportunity to share many of my own life experiences with him as my father-in-law. More than anyone else I know, he lived life as a player and not as a spectator! You may not have always agreed with him (or with some of his numerous but always provocative letters to the editor), but I know of no one who knew him and did not respect him. I know that my life was made better by being able to call him "Dad"! He will be greatly missed!

Charles Cohara

December 19, 2006

Nick Gatz was the grandfather I never had. After I met and later married his granddaughter, he welcomed me into his family like no other. His ability to genuinely befriend anyone regardless of education, wealth, or social status is something I always appreciated. Moreso, his unyielding craving for learning is something I carry with me to this day. His integrity and warmth is deeply missed.

Jason Carvey

December 18, 2006

When I look back at the life of my grandfather, Nick Gatz, I think of our fishing trips, our golf outings, and how exciting his basement was. Nick Gatz lived a wonderful life as a father, grandfather, and friend. He will be missed.

Julie Cohara

December 12, 2006

"etc." Et cetera. A subtle life anthem carved into wood. Grandpa displayed two "etc." signs... one which hung in his study, aka "Grandpa's Room," and the other in "the basement." Mostly furnished through his garage sale expeditions, the basement, which his grandchildren affectionately recall in the same way of a "Grandma's Attic," catapulted the imagination of many grandchildren. It was overstuffed with fishing poles, clocks, exercise contraptions, hula hoops, pogo sticks, ham radios, golf equipment, tools, art, countless knick knacks ranging from an adorable sea lion to a little wooden fisherman who caught his fishing pole hook on the backside of his pants, puzzles, telescopes, antiquated video game systems such as Atari and the original Nintendo, over a dozen instruments ranging from trombone to ukulele with piles of appropriate sheet music, etc. It wasn't until early adulthood when I finally gained an appreciation for "Grandpa's Room." It contained literature ranging from Shakespeare to Shel Silverstein, history books reflecting the breadth and depth of his knowledge of the subject, CDs of every "Best Musical" Tony Award since the creation of the Tony, psychology, philosophy, and religion books providing infinite perspectives about the universe, every written correspondance he ever received, hundreds of pounds of piano sheet music capturing everything from Mozart to Debbie Gibson, etc.

These rooms are the visual illustrations of my Grandfather's brilliant mind, curiosity about the world, zest for life, courage, voracious appetite for learning, unabashed love for family and friends, incredible sense of humor, echoing laughter, boundless creativity, etc. As these precious spaces physically disappear as life continues to change, it is Grandpa's et ceteras, these character odds and ends, that I aspire to live as the details of my own life. I will always miss him and cherish my infinite memories with him golfing, fishing, learning, dining, celebrating, conversing, laughing, etc.

Eloise Weiler

December 11, 2006

Unfortunately, I did not know Mr. Gatz well-only through his wonderful daughter Nikki, and visits at several family occasions, such as graduation celebrations and marriages of his marvelous grandchildren.
But the conversations with him were a joy- erudite, quick wit and wisdom and an amazing grasp of history! The depth and breadth of his eccelectic knowledge was impressive.
I shall miss adventuring through those challenging discussions. Leb Wohl, Nick Gatz. You touched and enriched many lives. We remember with graditude.
Mrs. Eloise Weiler

Nikki Carvey

December 10, 2006

There are many ways to describe my father. Caring, fun, intelligent, loving, hard-working, loyal, to name only a few. But the one that stands out is missed. How lucky I was to have such a fine man for a father.

Ruth and Jerry Portuga;

December 7, 2006

We will always remember the fun and joy Nick brought to us, through his conversations, speeches and letters to the editor.

Linda Yoakum

December 4, 2006

It is a great honor to know Nick Gatz. I am grateful for his enthusiastic support that he gave me and other members at our Toastmaster meetings. He always has been an inspiration for learning.

Jackie Kuipers

December 4, 2006

Dear Mary,
I was so sorry to hear about Nick's passing. He was a wonderful boss, my mentor and my friend when I worked for him back in the 70's at the Adult Parole Authority. I feel that he helped develop in me a really good work ethic and recognized that I had a brain and encouraged me to challenge myself on the job at all times. Because of his support I moved to the Department of Natural Resources and had a really great career there.
Do you remember when Charlie and I bowled with you, Nick and the Schaeffer's at Sequoia Lanes? We had a good time.
I haven't spoken to him in years, but will always remember him as the best boss I ever had. He always spoke well of you and the girls, and I knew he was a good husband and father.
These are my memories I want to share. I hope they are of comfort to you.

John & Linda Cohara

December 4, 2006

What an honor and a pleasure it was to know Nick Gatz. We loved our conversations with him. He is missed. What a great man.

Rosa Gilman

December 3, 2006

Nick graced our meetings with his presence. He enriched our lives through his speeches. We could call Nick a gentleman, a scholar and fellow Toastmaster, which he was, but best of all we could call him our friend. We will miss him at our meetings but he will remain forever in our thoughts and memories. - Columbus Toastmasters Club 959

Karen Gatz

December 1, 2006

I am sorry to hear of Uncle Nick's passing. I always admired his tolerance, sense of fairness and justice and of course wonderful sense of humor.

Jules LaPidus

November 29, 2006

I met Nick Gatz through the talks I give on recorded classical music at the Worthington library. He was a regular attendee, and I'm sorry we didn't have more time to get to know each other.I will miss him.

Teresa Stevenson

November 28, 2006

Mary and family,
We are so saddened to lose such an active, sweet, kind neighbor. We have only lived next door a couple years, however, Nick has impacted our lives and will be missed. We loved how he called my little girls over to show them the hummingbirds. I will forever think of him when I see those birds. He seemed to have a joy for life and it was inspirational! We are here if you need anything Mary.

Judith Rogers

November 27, 2006

Mary and Family:

After Nick was a student in my Creative Writing class at Columbus State Community College, I always looked for his letters to the Dispatch as my way of knowing he was still active in the community and engaged in the issues of our times.

Everyone in the class benefited from Nick's range of knowledge and humor...he truly gave more than he received and was a delight to know. With his kind permission, I am still using "Music Maestro Please", the first essay he wrote for the class, as a sample of an excellent character sketch that conveys much imagery, information, and emotion in few words.

I am so saddened at his passing...and send my deepest sympathy to you, other family members and friends whose lives were enriched on a regular basis by Nick's keen intellect, love of life and living, and sense of humor. As a community, we have lost a true "mensch".

Judith Rogers/Adjunct Faculty/Columbus State Community College

Gaile Zazzara

November 26, 2006

Additional memories from Gail:
The beautiful eulogy he gave at Uncle John's funeral brought tears to everyones eyes. Although I am in my 50's, each time I saw him he mentioned his dancing ants!!! He kept them in his pocket and when I was small I would beg him to see the ants - but they were always sleeping. I will never forget that - ever.

Bob Kellerman

November 26, 2006

I noted on Monday’s Obituaries pages the passing of Nick Gatz. As an avid reader of the letters to the editor in The Dispatch, I will miss Gatz’s contributions.

I never met Gatz, and I do not recall whether I tended to agree with his point of view, but that is not important. What is important is that Gatz believed in something and had the strength and courage to stand up for what he believed.

Those are refreshing traits that are shared by a precious small minority of individuals in this day and age, and I salute Gatz for his contribution of thoughts and ideas to this community.

2002 Nick Gatz with Grandchildren Matthew and Nathan Holycross

November 26, 2006

2004 Mark, Vicky, Nathan and Matthew Holycross, Mary and Nick Gatz

November 26, 2006

2005 Chuck and Julie Cohara, Nathan and Matthew Holycross, and wife, Mary

November 26, 2006

Dan and Linda Cooke

November 26, 2006

Vicky,
We were sorry to hear of your father's death. We always enjoyed talking with him when he would come to visit. Our thoughts and prayers are for your and your family.

Terry Smith

November 26, 2006

Even though it was only one summer of golf, I enjoyed Nick a great deal. He always encouraged me. And I will always remember his great sense of humor.

Don and Marlene Yauch

November 26, 2006

We will all deeply miss Nick's wry, witty, humorous observations on the world and its actors. We will carry him in our hearts and minds.

Paul, Sandy, and Susan Watkins

November 26, 2006

We are deeply saddened by Nick's death. It's been a great honor knowing him for nearly forty years. He was a wonderful man, neighbor, and friend and will be greatly missed.
Your neighbors,

Gene Dyer

November 25, 2006

I always enjoyed Nick and the stories he told at Toastmasters. He travelled with me to Wright-Patterson AFB for business I had and then we would go to the Air Force Museum. When we got in the museum I would look at what I look at and take pictures. He would look at what he looked at and would read every word on every placard he saw. I had to retrieve him for lunch and then again to come home. The conversation to and from the museum was great and laced with his wry sense of humor. Nick and Mary were delights when we got together at their house or at our house for the Toastmaster picnic. I wanted Nick to come to the house so I could show him a little about fly-fishing; that never happened because of his illness. Finally, paraphasing Andy Rooney; "In the time I have left I will never forget Nick Gatz.

Nancy Menningen

November 22, 2006

I knew him as Mr. Gatz. Respect is what I had for him. I got to know Nick and Mary Gatz back in my college days. As a roommate of both Nikki and Vicky I was invited to the Gatz's house for good food and conversation many of times. I learned early Mr. Gatz wanted to talk about many things; he kept me on my toes. I was amazed at his breath of knowledge. His sense of humor made me feel at ease. Thank-you for welcoming me into your family; it was a family worth getting to know. I know Mr. Gatz will be missed by his loving family. My thoughts are with you.

Dave Blodgett

November 22, 2006

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I worked with Nick in the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction where we shared many wonderful and sometimes frustrating times. He was a tremendous person, always ready with a smile, a kind word, a positive attitude, and an extended helping hand. He had an air of sophistication that was refreshing and admirable. He will be greatly missed.

Nick Gatz

November 22, 2006

I didn’t know my Uncle Nick very well and only met him twice. I know he and my dad shared long correspondences which I always enjoyed reading. In reading his letters, it was easy to pick up on his intellect, curiosity, humor, and love for his family.

Sandy Gatz - Yusi

November 22, 2006

My Uncle Nick, my dear Uncle Nick --Words cannot express my love for you nor the loss I emotionally feel since your departure. Uncle Nick has been an inspiration in my life and we have both shared sooooo many thoughts, secrets, but most of all laughter and love. If you did not spend time with my Uncle Nick - YOU missed out on a lot of good conversation, love, and wisdom. My Uncle taught me many things, shared thoughts about my Dad, and my Uncle was ALWAYS there for me. We did know one another. I love you Uncle Nick and please be at peace. Thank you for being my Uncle, loving Aunt Mary and Vicki and Nicky and Uncle Nick THANKS for everything - you know what I mean. Peace! I will always love you and we will see one another again. Love, Hugs, & Laughter to You!!! Love, Your Niece Sandy P.S. Richard - just in case you changed your name!!!

David Gatz

November 21, 2006

My Uncle Nick Gatz was a unique individual and yet highly representative of the best of The Greatest Generation. He had an unflagging intellectual curiosity that was electric. He grappled with the gods, you might say, in his search for meaning and truth in life
He found time to read the Bible-- and more than once. He respected its wisdom but feared its misuse in the hands of charlatans. He could expound upon the wonders of Charles Dickens and the genius of Beethoven and Mozart. He could regale you with obscure, yet touching, stories such as the one he told me about a boy lost in the woods and the efforts of the town folk to find him. He had read about it in old county record dating back nearly 100 years. Uncle Nick deeply loved his wife and children and was awed by joys of being a grandparent. Uncle Nick found his truths and he lived them as he saw fit. That is worthy of our honor and respect.

In a wider sense, Uncle Nick’s passing is another reminder of the loss of the Greatest Generation. These were the men and women who responded to despotism, hardship and strife with courage, conviction and hope. Their hope was that we, their children, would be able to live a better life in a freer world. Uncle Nick knew his generation was quickly slipping away and he lamented its demise. He knew from experience what we, the survivors, know from history—that these were people of unshakeable decency.

Richard Embs

November 21, 2006

I met Nick in the Columbus Toastmasters Club and count myself privilaged to be among his friends. He shared my love for art, literature, fine music, and the great thought of humankind.

Gaile Zazzara

November 21, 2006

Aunt Mary, Vicky, Nicki and family,
My deepest sympathy in the loss of Nick. He truly was one remarkable character with a sense of humor that could bring me to my knees! His zest for life was contagious. He truly loved his family and always held you in the highest regard. The Gatz boys were one of a kind and he has joined his brothers in spirit. Whenever I would hear his name it always brought me laughter as there was always a hysterical story to follow. He will be truly missed.
Love, Niece and Cousin - Gaile Zazzara

Mark Holycross

November 21, 2006

Nick was my father-in-law. I always admired his honesty, character, and integrity. I will greatly miss his joy for life and wry sense of humor. I will especially miss his hearty booming laughter that was always heard at family gatherings when he was with his grandchildren.

Pat Pierce

November 21, 2006

Having met Nick and Mary through their daughter Nikki, I knew they must be wonderful people, for Nikki is such a great person. We frequently bumped into Nick while garage saleing and he always had tips and bargains for us.(and words of wisdom, about many topics!) When we attended the same functions for his grandkids, he and Mark always had lively history discussions. I consider it an honor having known him and Mary and am so sorry that his life is over. He does live on , not only in the memories of the family, but also in the blood of his two daughters and many grandchildren. We will miss him. Mark and Pat Pierce

Vicky Gatz Holycross

November 20, 2006

My father will be remembered as a man who deeply loved his wife,
children,and grandchildren. He had a contageous zest for life and could
make the most mundane activities fun. He enjoyed fishing, golf, Ham
radio,music, art, garage sales, books...;he was the ultimate
dilletante. I admire the way that he never stopped learning. I will
miss him.

DON AND VIRGINIA HARNESS

November 20, 2006

MARY,
NICK WAS SUCH A DELIGHT AND FUN MAN TO GOLF WITH! AND A SMILE AND WIT
VERY WELL DESCRIBES HIM! HE WILL BE VERY MUCH MISSED ON OUR SENIOR GOLF TEAM, DON

Matthew Holycross

November 20, 2006

It's impossible to condense Nick Gatz to a few short sentences. Grandpa meant so much to so many people. I draw comfort from the fact that his legacy lives on through all those he loved and who love him. The man is a legend, and although the sadness of his death hangs heavy on my heart, the memories of his tremendous life never fail to bring a smile to my face. His spirit, sense of humor, numerous talents, and love of life will never be forgotten.

Jessica Manners

November 20, 2006

Grandpa is one of the few people I know that can make us all laugh even in the wake of loss. I can only hope I can live my life with the same sense of humor and love of life.

Don Yauch

November 20, 2006

Mary and family, you have my condolences. We are each richer for having known this witty, lovable character and, particularly as a Toastmaster, I will mourn the loss of his companionship especially every other Tuesday.

Nathan Holycross

November 20, 2006

Nick Gatz was my grandfather. I always enjoyed spending time with him because he was such an interesting and fun person to be around. I always enjoyed his unique sense of humor and hearing his great stories about everything he did. He never stopped being active with his numerous hobbies or having fun which I always admired. I am sure that he will be missed tremendously by all who knew him.

Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results