Nicholas Gothard

December 12, 1933 – March 18, 2024

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Nicholas Gothard, our beloved Tiger Mouse, after a prolonged and dignified battle with cancer. Nicholas was born December 12, 1933, in Pecs, Hungary, to the late Joseph and Margot Schweitzer Gothard. He was an incredibly brave, intelligent and accomplished man who possessed a keen wit and always loved a good pun.

As a child in Hungary, Nicholas began working at a very young age, utilizing his musical talent as a classical pianist to earn money to help his family after World War II. Upon completion of a degree in electrical engineering in Budapest, he made the decision to embark on a better life by escaping Hungary after the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. After immigrating to Canada and learning to speak English, he worked for RCA Victor before receiving a scholarship to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned a Masters Degree in electrical engineering. Not one to rest on his laurels, he received a prestigious NASA scholarship at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, where he received his PhD specializing in wave propagation. During this time, Nicholas took odd jobs including janitorial work in order to make ends meet for his young family. Teaching and a career in research led him to Texas; and although his Hungarian accent remained, he considered himself an honorary Texan and called it home.

In 1969, Nicholas began his entrepreneurial career, receiving 17 patents in air pollution control. He was a true pioneer in his field and years ahead of the competition. This led to a new passion in the construction and development field, and the heart of a businessman was born. In 1987, he met Beba Anic, who was his, "favorite girl.” They married in 1989 and continued to develop properties for personal use and the pure joy of accomplishment. His last property was completed at the age of 75. He continued to be active until 2017, when he was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma at the age of 83.

Despite a prolonged battle with cancer, he continued to work, practice martial arts, read and study. He loved technology and was always tinkering – the latest being tiny flashlights (“for safety and reading menus”) which he made for his family, whom he affectionately called “my fambly.” He remained up to date on the latest news and technological advancements. Nicholas believed in the power of the American dream and was forever grateful for the opportunities this great country afforded him. He lived by the motto of hard work will win where wishing won’t and was a true Renaissance Man – knowing that, "a man can do all things if he will.” His was a life that was well-lived by the principles and philosophies which he held dear.

Nicholas will be missed by many, including his wife of 35 years Beba Anic; daughters Anita Mirro and her husband, Dr. Nick Mirro; Monica Haverkamp and her husband, Mr. Joseph Haverkamp; his beloved grandson Joseph Haverkamp; and family members in Hungary, the Netherlands, Israel and Croatia as well as many friends and colleagues all over the country.

Donations in honor of Nicholas may be made to the American Cancer Society.

We will always miss your love, your drive, your ambition, your humor and your love of life. Fly on the wings of angels, our darling Tiger Mouse. Until we meet again.