He had strong capable hands and even after the RA twisted them, he still gave the best hugs. He was never much of rule follower, just for the sake of following rules, he just always did what he felt was right. literally, the man loved a good, fast car. He was a serious Gator Fan (even in the bad years). Semper Fidelis is the Marine Corps motto, it means Steadfast Loyalty, he embodied this in his devotion to his Lord, his wife, and his family. He retired from the US postal service and was a Vietnam Veteran. He lived a life of service to this country and his family. After being honorably discharged from the Marines he moved to Florida where he met the love of his life at a Whataburger in Largo FL. David grew up in Belmont, NY, until he joined the United States Marine Corps. He passed away at 73 years young on Tuesday, March 7th, 2023 after a hard fought battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy Mitchell daughter Melanie Mitchell, son Todd Payne, brothers Paul (Peg) Mitchell, Daniel Mitchell, Phillip (Deb) Mitchell sister Karole (Roger) Baker and grandchildren, Kristie and Kayla Mitchell, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Many holidays and river adventures were spent with Julie and Kelsy Hornsby (Newberry Florida).ĭavid Henry Mitchell was born the 5th of 9 children on November 15 th, 1949, in Wellsville, New York, to father Henry William Mitchell and mother Ida May (Quant).ĭavid is preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Barbara (Donald) Benjamin, Sandra (Lloyd) Hotchkiss, Joyce (Larry) Watson, Doris Doty. Nick’s closest friends, Bryan (Burger) Bronson, Ryan Curry, and Danny Becker were his brothers.

Nick’s pride and joy and sole purpose in life was his son Christopher.

Through Eddie’s helping hands Nick found joy in many local volunteer projects. Eddie and Janet, owners of Lester’s quickly welcomed him and Christopher. At the time of passing Nick was employed by Lester’s Garage Doors in Gainesville Florida where he found an additional family.

Nick’s true integrity and kind heart showed through in his professional career and his volunteer work. Nick was an experienced brewmaster and horticulturist. Nick’s love of the outdoors stemmed from growing up on the Yawney Farm. Nick loved his Harley’s, dirt bikes, outdoor activities ,the beach, concerts ,festivals and was always up for life adventures. Nick created a fulfilling life for himself and his son in Florida with meager beginnings. Nick grew up in Jordan New York and moved to Florida in 2017 with his son Christopher. Nicholas (Nick) Charles Cooper, 40 passed away unexpectedly April 23rd 2022 in Gainesville Florida.

Racing with the Wind by Regan Walker