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Nicholas Nell Obituary
Aug 7, 1977 - May 5, 2013 Mar 2, 1983 - May 5, 2013
Residents of Santa Cruz County
Nicholas Xavier Nell and Raymond Jacob Nell - two brothers who loved life, loved each other, their brother Ben and their sister Meggie, their parents, grandmothers, uncles, aunts, cousins, and many friends. They loved challenging themselves and each other with physical sports and elaborate word games and puns. They never met anyone to whom they couldn't give a nickname - and make it stick. They teased each other endlessly, and they stood together when any of their siblings needed support. They loved helping their friends and assisting people in need with no thought for recognition. They left this world - much too soon - the same way they had lived: together, pitting their strength against an enemy that was just too strong - the cold, wind-driven waters of Lexington Reservoir, on May 5, 2013.
Nick was born August 7, 1977, in the East Bay town of Newark, California, and Raymond five years later, on March 2, 1983, in Felton, California. Both attended Popper-Keizer School (now known as Spring Hill) in Santa Cruz. Nick subsequently attended York School in Monterey and two years at UCDavis. Ray went on to San Lorenzo Valley High School in Felton and then to CSU Monterey Bay, where he completed a B.A. in Education and a Teaching Certificate in Secondary School English. At the time of their death, both were working for Apple Inc., Nick as an iTunes Corrections Manager, and Ray as a Mentor in the Apple Store in Monterey. Nick was also a well-loved member of Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz.
Nick is survived by his beloved wife of eleven years, the former Renee Goodrich, with whom he lived in Scotts Valley. Ray, of Aptos, leaves behind his soulmate, Amelia Urban. Also mourning the two are parents Fernando Nell, of Scotts Valley, and Diane Nell, of Felton, stepmother Kristen Jensen, brother Benjamin and sister Meggie, grandmothers Lou Shoaf and Elena Nell, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as numerous friends, including their life-long buddies, Renaldo and Lucas Romero.
Services for Nick and Ray will be held Saturday, May 11, 2013, at Santa Cruz Bible Church, 440 Frederick Street, Santa Cruz, at 10 a.m. A viewing will be held the evening before at Santa Cruz Memorial Mortuary, 1927 Ocean Street Extension, Santa Cruz, from 4 to 7 p.m. If you would like to send your condolences to Nick and Ray's families, share your memories, view or post photos or light a candle, please visit www.scmemorial.com
Nick and Ray, you could not have been better sons, brothers, or friends, and you will be sorely missed! We look forward to seeing you again in Heaven.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nicholas Nell
Sponsored by Their Loving Family.
B
May 5, 2020
As time passes ....the love we hold in our hearts for those we lost only becomes stronger! Your beautiful boys are in the Gods loving care. ♥
Debbie Hamer
May 4, 2020
Every May 5th, which was My Father's birthday, Earl Higgins, who was a a wonderful Man. I also think of Nick and Jacob two wonderful young men, and their friends and family. All of You will always be in My thoughts and prayers on May 5th.
Albino Zegarra
November 28, 2014
Amén...
Becky Klein
July 18, 2013
Dear Renee:
I was so sorry to hear of your very tragic loss. Art and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers daily. May you find some peace as time goes on.
June 19, 2013
Hi Renee,
I am so sorry to hear about Nick and his brother. Wow you never know when life events are going to happen. But it makes me appreciate everything I have right now. We are here for you should you need anything. Katherine Kinney and my fabulous staff: Gayle, Kim and Clara (your Allstate family)
LILIANA GARCIA G. (BNP Truj
May 30, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Debbie Hamer
May 19, 2013
Dear Renee
My thoughts and prayers are with you .I have always admired you . Your inner strength , kindness Your love of family. You will have Nick's love in your heart forever as He has yours for eternity
a mom
May 13, 2013
I cannot express how truly sorry I am for your loss. Driving by Lexington yesterday, I now know I will never pass by again without thinking of your beautiful boys. May peace and comfort be yours.
A friend
May 13, 2013
Forever their lives will be remembered.....we will cherish their beautiful memory deep within our hearts. May their parents always know how much their sons loved them.
Steve & Laurie Cozart
May 12, 2013
The service was a beautiful, heart-felt and hopeful celebration of the lives of two amazing men. We send our deepest love and condolences.
Fernando Nell
May 11, 2013
Today we celebrated the life of my dear sons Nick and Raymond. Remembering the wonderful comments from friends and family help me fill the hole of despair and pain in my heart. Thank you to all of you that knew Nick and Raymond and everyone that sent words of consolation. Your kindness help us tolerate the pain. Thank you again and God bless you.
Love, Fernando
Family and Friends celebrating Nena's 99th Birthday on April 13, 2013 - See Raymond hugging Nick in the center back. It was a very happy event
Fernando Nell
May 11, 2013
Heidi P.
May 11, 2013
Praying every day for this close and wonderful family, I am at a loss for words and still can't believe my friend is gone. Ray, you made me laugh, every day. I never knew him to have a bad day. He loved life and everyone he met; once you knew him, you were his friend for life. I miss you signing Elvis, eating pasta out of the pot, and giving everyone you knew a nickname. My friend, I will never forget you and your joy. We love you. To Renee, Tito, Meggie and the Nells, praying for you each day.
Jena Derrick
May 11, 2013
My heart breaks to know how you must be suffering. I'm reminded that sometimes God's blessings come in disguise. Every tear that falls feeds your heart for joy to grow. He will bring brighter days. I'm praying for each of you as you move through these next few hours in recognition and celebration of two beautiful lives.
A friend
May 10, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with Renee, Amelia and the entire Nell family. There are no words to describe how much Nick and Ray are loved and how much they will be missed. They will never be forgotten.
May 10, 2013
Renee, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts have been with you. My condolences to the entire family. I am unable to come to the services but will keep my heart open to you and Nick. What a tragedy. He is such a sweet man and I know he loved you very much. Xo, Janice Watson Weekley
Star
May 10, 2013
Thinking of you;
Praying night and day for you as Father in Heaven continually brings you to my heart;
Weeping with you.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Maria Fernando
May 10, 2013
May the comfort of God help you through this difficult time. Nick's loss is felt by all who knew and loved him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ryan Nichols
May 10, 2013
My prayers to Renee and the entire Nell family. Nick was a cherished friend since childhood, and he left an impression on me that will last the rest of my life. I will miss you friend.
Nina Talavera
May 10, 2013
My heart, prayers and thoughts are with the entire family.
May 10, 2013
There are no words to express the sadness we feel about Nicholas and Raymond death. With sincere sympathy.
Marco & Mary Plaza
Andres Diez Gallo
May 10, 2013
I will always remember my cousins for bringing so much happiness to the people around then and in everything they did. My prayers are with them and with you uncle Fernando, Benji and Meggie. Love you all.
Andres Diez Gallo
May 10, 2013
I will always remember the happiness my cousins showed and brought to everyone and in everything they did. My prayers are with them and with you uncle Fernando, Benji and Meggie.
FaceTime at work w/Sam
May 10, 2013
Irma Cecilia Osuna
May 10, 2013
Dos hermosos Angeles llegaron al cielo !!pido a DIOS reconforte Los corazones quebrantados de toda la famila especialmente el de sus padres que conserven esa felicidad que proyectan en sus rostros siempre.
May 10, 2013
Dear Fernando,
Sorry to hear about your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family
Jason and Adam from Advanced Chemcial Transport
George, Nancy, Kellie and Perry Auld
May 10, 2013
Our thoughts are always with you, Diane
May 10, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless.
Roger Lopez
Janet Baker
May 10, 2013
Dearest Fernando, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Johnson & Johnson
La Jolla, CA
Amelia & Raymond
May 10, 2013
Annie Zanabria
May 10, 2013
My prayers, heart and thoughts are with you and the entire family. Nick and Ray will be missed.
Here I'm as the happiest Pop ever. With Nick, Raymond, Meggie and Ben
May 9, 2013
Ramesh P
May 9, 2013
You will be missed Nick. It was great working with you.
Let god be with this bereaved family. May angels watch over the brothers Nick & Ray.
Shirley Ortbals
May 9, 2013
I wrote the last entry also and the two photos. You will be in my prayers and if you need anything let me know. Nick was a wonderful brother in Christ and never will be forgotten.
May 9, 2013
Ray was my mentor at Apple. He was a true work of art. Inspiring, never a harsh word and jovial all at the same time. So sorry he won't be here. We'll miss him. Morris, Apple Specialist
May 9, 2013
I'm sorry for your loss and know I'm praying for the whole family. Nick was a great friend to me and will miss him deeply.
Nick, Renee & me June 2009 at my gradation party
May 9, 2013
Nick & Renee June 2009 at my gradation party
May 9, 2013
Suzanne Duval
May 9, 2013
I was so sorry to hear the news about Ray and Nick. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
May 9, 2013
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."-Matthew 5:4 Rosi
Shelley Kehoe
May 9, 2013
God bless you, Renee, and family. Hugs and love.
Michelle Stroud
May 9, 2013
Fernando and family,
I don't have words to express how sorry I am that you are suffering such a loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I never got the chance to meet your sons but if they are anything like you I know they were amazing people. My deepest condolences.
Astrid Tromp
May 9, 2013
Dear Renee and family. Words cannot describe. So very sorry for your loss. Wishing you strength in this difficult time.
Nick & Ray, You will always live in my memory and heart, Uncle Jimmy
May 9, 2013
May 9, 2013
when someone becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure,NICK and RAY,you are and will be a treasure for the whole family.Love you guys.
Aunt Elvira Nell
Brianna Biddle
May 9, 2013
My thought and prayers are with the Nell family. Ray you are such an amazing person and will truly be missed .RIP ray and nick
Stacy Sanders
May 9, 2013
Two awesome people who left this world too early. RIP <3 <3 <3
May 9, 2013
Dear Fernando and family,
Although no words can ease the pain you are feeling, may the lovely memories of your sons always warm your heart and give you comfort.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
Lucia and Pedro
My dear sons ...together they are now enjoying the glory of God. May they rest in eternal peace, and continue sharing their happiness in Heaven
Fernando "Pops" Nell
May 9, 2013
May 9, 2013
Dearest Renee and family,
We send our heartfelt sympathies to you all. In the days that lie ahead be filled with strength , compassion, and love and your memories of how they loved life continue in their legacies.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you......
Lots of love and Hugs,
Kim and Perry Yoshida
Jim & Kathy Hester
May 9, 2013
Dear Fernando & Kristen, We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of your sons. May God comfort you during this difficult time. Jim & Kathy Hester
Carol Madan Roberts
May 9, 2013
They may be gone but will always live on in our hearts forever. The world is brighter for having had the opportunity to have them our lives.
Ellen Martin
May 9, 2013
Fernando and Kristen:
We go back a long way--Kristen you a few years, Fernando a bit longer. I never had the pleasure of meeting your boys in their adulthood but it is obvious you stood as a strong model for what a loving family can mean in instilling a strong sense of values and strength of character. Nicholas and Raymond obviously carried the Nell name proudly and you both should be equally as proud of what that must have meant to them. My heart goes out to you and all of the Nell family.
Judy Parsons
May 9, 2013
I am sorry for your tragic loss. I wish your family serenity in this time of pain.
I'm sorry Nick wasn't in the last photo. He was greeting guests for Meggie I think. Here are the ladies at the same event. Beautiful!
Marc Chambers
May 9, 2013
Lauren Clark
May 9, 2013
Ray you will be greatly missed, having left this world too soon.
Lauren Clark
May 9, 2013
Ray you be greatly missed, having left this world too soon.
Cheryl Tuck
May 9, 2013
Fernando,
I am so truly saddened for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Tuck
Maria del Carmen Diaz
May 8, 2013
Sending All of my Love to this precious family! My heart is with you and I know that those boys are seated right next to our Heavenly Father! I pray for peace and comfort for all our their family members!
Kalyani Penta
May 8, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Julianna Dixon
May 8, 2013
Thinking of all of you. You have one of the strongest families I know....God will help you through this. Ray and Nick were great people. Clearly there was a bigger plan for them. We will never forget them.
Just about a week and a half ago when we were all together at Meggie's performance. A moment we'll never forget and always cherish...
Marc Chambers
May 8, 2013
Lois Jensen
May 8, 2013
Our hearts are heavier for your absence.
Alfredo y Mathy Moreno
May 8, 2013
Nuestras oraciones, nuestros pensamientos y nuestro corazón siempre estarán con Uds. Desde Perú, deseamos encuentren la Luz y la paz de nuestro Señor.
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