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 Curtis 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. 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.