Louis Charles Nistico

The children of Lou Nistico, Lori-Anne, Muffy to some, Justin (Jessica) and Niki (Tim), would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of support following our father’s sudden death on Friday November 27th at the age of 67.

While hockey was one of Lou’s lifelong passions, his greatest love alongside his children was being Papa Lou to Carson, Parker, Preston, Koby, Jace, Emerson and Hadley. He was also very excited to meet the newest little man of the family scheduled to arrive this January.

Lou is predeceased by his parents, Lou Sr. and Norma and brother Larry.  He is survived by his younger brother and best friend Gary (Ingrid). He will also be missed and fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lou was married to our mom, Mary Ellen Held for 13 years. While eventually choosing to separate, they remained friendly and focused on raising us collectively, while supporting each other in their new lives until Mary Ellen’s death in 1998. He remained a well-loved member of the Held Family.

Shelley, Ryan, Hamish, Mason, Nina and his best bud Mackenzie, became Lou’s second extended family and they too share the sadness and the emptiness of his sudden passing.

Lou travelled in many different circles and was a prominent figure in the hockey and baseball communities. He was known as a mentor, coach and friend for many in both, and in turn, considered them to be an extension of his own family. There was never an opinion that Lou shied away from sharing but likewise, there was also never a person in these families that he wouldn’t offer a shoulder to for support, an ear to listen or a hand to help.

It is these two communities along with his work family at TGDI, our personal friends and other family members that have surrounded us now. Every post, text, phone call, press release and newspaper article shared and each gesture of kindness has left us feeling loved and supported, making each day just a little easier to get through. We have found comfort in the food that has been sent to feed us and camaraderie in the stories that have been told of our dad, many of which we’d never heard before.

When someone you love is taken suddenly you often think back to the last time you spoke, the last time you saw each other and hold tight to that final memory. Emerson in all her wisdom of 5 years, upon learning of Papa Lou’s death shared with her parents, Niki and Tim, “I wish I would have wrote him a letter before he died to tell Papa Lou how much I love him”. One thing we know in our hearts Emerson, Papa Lou already knew.

A Celebration of Life to honour Lou is being planned for the spring, when the weather is more conducive to a larger gathering. We are looking forward to bringing all the families he cared so deeply about together to share further stories and celebrate the life of this man we all loved dearly. A date and time will follow soon.

RIP Leapin Lou.