Obituary: Richard Nixey

The Rev Richard Nixey (1947 - 2007)

My Dad, Richard Nixey died on Thursday, February 8, 2007 at the age of 59. He died very unexpectedly but not unprepared. He died within three days of becoming ill with a very rare blood disorder. 

When my Mum, Lyndell, and I went to see him after he died, he had an expression on his face which me and Mum knew as a smile. We knew he had this smile because of what Jesus has done for him and us. Dad knew he was about to inherit the promises of God. He knew he was about to inherit eternal life with his Lord and King.

Many might ask why someone would smile at death’s door. The answer to this was reflected throughout my Dad’s life. All he wanted was that I would know Jesus Christ and live for him. I am thankful to God that he used Dad to lead me to be a follower of Jesus. As a father Dad was loving, patient, generous, caring and strong. Not perfect, but godly.

Dad had a single-minded pursuit for Christ and to see others take this path. You wouldn’t look at Dad and say he was a good leader, but he was because he had a godly heart. He was a faithful pastor. He was willing to try a variety of methods to reach others. He wasn’t threatened by those with greater gifts than his. He always wanted others to grow in their faith and use their own gifts. He never bragged about his church. It wasn’t his to brag about.

Dad ministered at four churches including St Philip’s, Eastwood, St Clement’s, Mosman, St Thomas’, Cranebrook and finally, 16 years at St Alban’s, Belmore. Through these churches, God used Dad to impact many.

The 400 people at the funeral service on Monday, February 12 were a great encouragement to us. Thanks to all those who have written us cards or letters or who have prayed for us. I guess you could say that your prayers have been answered as we know for certain that God is in control. Mum and I have really felt supported over the last few weeks. We have experienced that ‘peace which passes all understanding’.

Overall, we want Dad to be remembered as a man with a godly heart.

Simon Nixey

Click here to comment on this article for the next edition of Southern Cross

Latest articles in sc articles
- Big Decisions December 2008 - 1 day, 20 hours ago
- Paul Barnett’s work honoured - 1 day, 20 hours ago
- Bob Carr backs ‘right to discriminate’ - 1 day, 20 hours ago