Nick Kovaliv, 77, passed away peacefully at home in the presence of his family on May 22, 2021.  His determination to live and dedication to his family were present every moment of his life, until his body finally went to rest.

Born in a displaced person's camp in Ukraine in January 1944, Nick spent the beginning years of his life surviving German labor camps.  A few years later, with his mother, Olga, and father, Sergei, he immigrated to Toronto, Canada, and lived there with his brothers, Anatol and Valeriy, and his surviving sister, Lucy, until he left to further his education at Atlantic Union College in Massachusetts.

There, Nick met Glenda, his wife of 52 years.  Together, they built a home and a life in Amherst, NH.  During that time, Nick worked as a lithographer in Massachusetts, and filled his days with adventures such as hang-gliding, scuba diving, skiing, cycling, and hiking.  When his son, Nicholas, was born, Nick had found his favorite new sports partner.  Together, they summited nearly all of New Hampshire's 4,000 footers, cycled coast to coast, skied, and played hockey together.  When his daughter, Anna, was born, the family made lifelong memories together while camping, spending days at Biddeford beaches, and kayaking to hear Nick's favorite loon calls.

After Nick's retirement in 1997, he continued to embrace life full bore -- never a dull moment.  Caretakers at Monadnock State Park knew him by name as he would run up the mountain several times a weekend.  Neighbors could set their clocks by Nick's daily five mile walks around his neighborhood.  He had more time to craft beautiful furniture, watch his birds in the yard that he and Glenda so beautifully maintained together, and traveled to 49 states and over 15 countries.  During this time, Nick's family grew to include his daughter-in-law, Mandy, and his grandchildren, Brielle and Austin, to whom he became known as "Djeddy".

As his granddaughter once accurately and admiringly observed, "So, Djed, this is your life."  What a full life it was.  We love you, Old Man; gone but not forgotten.

There will be a celebration of life for immediate family members at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, please enjoy a warm beer, though Nick would understand if you want it cold, and a Whopper Jr.