Nathan C. Nickerson Jr.

MASHPEE — Nathan C. Nickerson Jr., 69, passed away unexpectedly on May 5, 2009, at Cape Cod Hospital.

He was the loving husband of Elizabeth "Betty" (Bestford) Nickerson for 48 years.

Born and raised in Barnstable, he attended Barnstable schools until high school when he went to Kenys Hill School in Maine. After graduating in 1958, he attended Dean Jr. College until enlisting in the Army, where he was a military police officer.

In 1962, he went to work for the Barnstable County Sheriff's Department, eventually becoming the superintendent of the County Farm. During this time, he was also a special police officer for the town of Dennis. Mr. Nickerson was also a lieutenant with the Barnstable Volunteer Fire Department, serving as a firefighter and EMT.

In 1982, he went to work for Mass. Maritime Academy as the director of facilities, where his athlete fields were among the best. He later became a company officer of "A" Company, where his real love was the cadets of MMA. He was a leader and mentor to all of those in his company. Mr. Nickerson was instrumental in the pistol and rifle team as well as the club hockey team. One of his most passionate roles was as a drug and alcohol counselor. For the last 15 years, he was employed with New Seabury Country Club as a golf course equipment operator.

Nathan was dedicated to the people of Cape Cod, especially to the kids. He was a Boy Scout leader for many years, very active with Barnstable Youth Baseball and the Kennedy Memorial Youth Hockey (BYHA). Nate was one of the first to bring "T" ball to Cape Cod. His "Northside" baseball teams were always the best coached and prepared. One of his favorite baseball activities was field construction, and he never hesitated to donate his time and expertise to make someone's field better.

As a member of Kennedy Youth Hockey, he performed many roles. Nate was a coach, trainer, and for countless weekends, a bus driver. He even learned to sew, so that the kids always had nice uniforms. He was the one who looked rough and gruff in his jeans, jacket, and team baseball hat, but who underneath that sandpaper exterior, carried a marshmallow for a heart. If you had him as a friend you knew the meaning of the word.

Nathan will be greatly missed by family and many friends. Besides Betty, he leaves sons, Nathan and his wife, Karen, of Mashpee, Scott and his wife, Robin, of Mashpee, and a daughter, Penny and her husband, Ed, of Cairo, Egypt; and six grandchildren, Andrew, Craig, Taylor, Eddie, Patrick, and Jack. He also leaves his nephews, Ritchie and David and their families who he loved dearly.

His favorite days were spent on Sandy Neck with his best friend Ritchie, hunting, fishing, or just being together. If he wasn't there, he was watching a ball game or just driving with his closest companions, his dogs Spike, Bobby Orr, and Gracie.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, May 9, in the John-Lawrence Funeral Home, 3778 Falmouth Road (Route 28), Marstons Mills, from noon to 4 p.m. A reception will follow at the New Seabury Country Club of New Seabury.

Memorials in his name may be made to a charity of one's choice.