Dennis Nystedt

NYSTEDT, Dennis Aldon Gordon - With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Dennis Aldon Gordon Nystedt on Monday, May 20, 2024, at Sault Area Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He fought the good fight with courage and dignity without losing his sense of humour, but his body was tired.

He was our Family Rock. Our Patriarch. Our Social Convenor. Our Mr. Fix It. And since retirement, Our Baker Extraordinaire!

Also known as BIG GUY!

Born on Christmas Day in 1944. He died before his 80th birthday.

He is survived by and will be remembered by the love of his life, Janice.

He will be remembered and missed immensely by his children Mike (Shelly), Gord (Jennifer), Dan (Valerie) and Erica Cooke-Ben Amor (Radhouane).

He will be missed by his sister Betty-Lou Bumbacco (Joe) and by his brother Curtiss Nystedt (Rosemary) and their families.

His grandchildren were the lights of his life, and he treasured them wholeheartedly and gleamed with pride over them. Mackenzie, Braydon, Brett, Lillian Nystedt, Elisa, Laila and Malek Ben Amor. Grandpa loves you!

Dennis will also be missed by his sister-in-law Karen Hepditch (Lawrence) and his brother-in-law Kevin Pomber (Karen) and his nieces, nephews.

Predeceased by his parents Helen and Harold Nystedt and his brother Richard. Also predeceased by his mother-in-law Lucy Pomber and a special uncle-in-law Rev. Gerald Yadivisiak.

He will be fondly remembered by many friends, colleagues and extended family.

More than anything Dennis loved spending time with his family. He was our go-to guy for guidance, advice or any repair needed or building project required in any aspect. He didn’t go anywhere without his familiar tool pouch just in case he had to fix an appliance, build a deck, fix the stairs, renovate the bathroom…. He was our leader, he was fearless, wise and knowledgeable; his list is endless.

He was an avid athlete. He played football in high school as the quarterback. And he played hockey on four teams over the course of his career. The Pepsi's, The Whitby Dunlops (1962-63), The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (1964-65) and the Soo Canadians (1969-70). He was known by his teammates as the Big Swede. He enjoyed playing racquetball and tennis. He was a bit of a health nut and was always trying to get us on board with his latest kick. ie. Spirulina, The Juicer and chia seeds.

A self-taught saxophonist, Dennis spent many hours practicing for live performances with the Sault Swing Band. He also spent endless hours trying to find the perfect reed and as much time sourcing music charts for big band arrangements. With the Sault Swing Band, he entertained many over the years. He was an avid boater and made many memories on the water with his boat, “The Jazz Man.” He also enjoyed a good round of golf with his boys.

He built his family business from the ground up. Starting as an auctioneer with Storey Auctions, he built the business into the still operating Storey Furniture store which was one of the first rent-to-own stores. Later he joined the Home franchise and became Storey Home Furniture. Dennis retired in 2017.

He influenced so many lives besides his own family. He was a very nurturing man and a great teacher and mentor to Ricky Anderson and Sam and Marnie Cuglietta (of Storey Home Furniture) all of whom he cared about very much.

Most recently, his priority project was the pool and deck in his backyard. He created a little heavenly oasis for him and Janice and couldn’t wait to host pool parties for all to enjoy.

He loved food and drinks and was the most gracious host on many occasions! His door was always open and there was always room for more at his table. The more the merrier. The next time you raise a glass, cheers to Dennis.

He told us he wasn’t perfect, but he was the most kind-hearted man you could ever meet. From the music he enjoyed, to his actions, he was a true romantic. He had the softest, caring heart and would give you his last dollar.

Committed to the community, Dennis volunteered many long hours as a Rotarian. He especially enjoyed the Community Day events. Later in life he volunteered at his church.

A father’s love knows no ends.

He had many enduring catch phrases:

"Don’t get old!"

"Having Fun is Hard Work!"

"Doing nothing is doing something!"

"Are you done yet!"

What a life journey you have travelled. So many twists and turns…. you did it your way and always on Nystedt time.

His last words, “It’s too bad it has to end like this.”

You are loved. ♥ You will be missed. ♥ What Else Big Guy? ♥

Friends are invited to visit with family at Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E. 705-759-2522) on Friday, May 24, 2024 from 6 pm to 9 pm. Funeral mass to be celebrated from St. Jerome's Parish on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 11am. Rev. Alex Saurianthdathil officiating. Friends are invited to view the service online on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 11:00 am. The service can be viewed anytime up to 90 days. Go to www.funeraweb.tv and select Dennis’ name to view the service. Memorial contributions to the SAH Foundation - Critical Care Fund or the Urology Department, the Heart & Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.

Special thank you to the doctors and nurses of the Sault Area Hospital ICU and palliative care for their compassionate care for Dennis and his family.

Memories by Mackenzie Nystedt

Hi. My name is Mackenzie, and for those of you who don't know me, I am Dennis' granddaughter.

I was lucky enough to have my grandfather for 24 years of my life, and that still wasn't nearly long enough. But I spoke with my dad, who had him for over 50, and he feels the same. Or a friend, who had him for 70, who wants just one more conversation. What I have come to realize is that no matter the amount of time we were given to love the man I called grandpa, it is impossible to have had enough time with such an incredible person who influenced and impacted everyone he ever met.

He was my own personal superhero. He climbed trees to save me when I got stuck, even though, and I'm sure he knew, I was really just scared. He dropped everything to answer a phone call when I needed him, even if he really didn't have the time. He was determined to make sure I was given every opportunity to have everything I've ever wanted out of life, and now I am determined to make him proud.

But he wasn't just special to me. Anyone who ever met my grandpa could tell you what an amazing person he was, how kind, thoughtful, helpful, funny he was. I have become overwhelmed learning about the multitude of people he knew, and the amount of lives he so strongly impacted. Over the last few weeks I have heard so many wonderful stories of the man he was and the fun he had. He lived a large life, and he lived it well.

He fell in love, he played his music, he renovated homes, he grew a business, he traveled, he created a family, he built friendships to last a lifetime, and he loved every second of it all. I can only hope that my life turns out as grand as his.

I see him in my dad, my brothers, and my uncles. His personality and heart shines in them through their kindness, their humour, their 'larger than life' outlook, and their love for their family and friends. Everyone continues to tell me how proud he was of me, but he was so proud of all of us. The lives his sons created for themselves, the wonderful daughters they each gave him, and the grandchildren who learned everything from him.

We go so long making memories with a person, until one day, that's all we have left. We stop making them and instead hold on to them as tight as we can. My sadness is impossible to measure, but I am holding on to every memory, every moment, because one day that sadness will turn to happiness when I think of him.

Someone said something to me recently that has gotten me through the difficulties of this last week. He is not gone, his presence is just different now. He is everywhere, all the time, guiding us through everything we do, joining us in every important moment. He will be with us for the rest of our lives, cheering us on and gleaming with pride.

I made him grandpa 24 years ago so I stand here today, and speak for all of his grandkids. It was an honour to have known you and it was a gift to call you grandpa, they don't make them better than you.

I love you, we all do.