Nicholas A. Rhoads, 35, passed away in Los Angeles, California on Wednesday morning, January 16, 2013.
Nicholas was born January 4, 1978 in South Bend, Indiana to Arnold and Patricia (Buschman) Rhoads. He spent most of his life in the Plymouth area. He attended Ancilla College and Purdue University. Nick worked in the restaurant industry for several years and at various locations. There he learned to love to cook. He opened his own restaurant, Shaggy’s Diner here in Plymouth. He loved people who came in and being a part of their lives. He decided to open the diner at night for Open Mic and let fledging musicians play their music for others, helping each to find their own special audience. Of course, he loved to jam and sing with all of them.
He decided to take his music and art to California. There he built web sites, worked on a cooking show and worked for an event planner as a cook. He did commissioned art work and was building his own art portfolio, in the hopes of one day to be able to have a show as a new artist.
For his entire but short 35 years, Nick was a kind a gentle soul. He was a person with a big heart and would give someone his last dime if they needed it more than him. He loved music and his art. Nick had an artistic vision of things that were beyond our imaginations. His art work made you think and ponder as you gazed upon them, each person seeing something different. His music, he said, was his prayer and is what filled his soul. He sang with passion and feelings and each song was a story of life. He wrote some of his own music and played and sang the songs of singers and songwriters he admired. Nick’s art and music was his own life and they reflected the type of person he truly was. He has now joined his two children in heaven, Emma and Robert, and will be forever at peace.
Nick is survived by his parents, Arnold and Patricia Rhoads of Plymouth, his sister, Rachel Miller, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his twin children, Emma and Robert; his paternal grandmother, Dorothy Rhoads; his maternal grandfather, Carl Buschman; and one aunt, Kathy Pritchett-Giles.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 613 N. Center St., Plymouth. The family will receive friends after 10:00 a.m. in the church. There will be a memorial gathering Saturday afternoon at Opie’s in Plymouth at 2:30 PM, for all those who wish to come and share their music, memories and stories of Nick.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made for Masses in Memory of Nick, Heartland Artists P.O. Box 714, Plymouth, IN 46563, Northern Indiana Service Dogs 1913-F N. Michigan Street PMB 190, Plymouth, IN 46563, or any music or art program of your choice.
Brandon Eggleston says
My condolences to the family and friends of Nick. I have known him since elementary school and I know he is in a place free of pain and full of nothing, but love. Our memories of our loved ones are one way they will always be with us in all ways.
Heather (Bowman) Roy says
My deepest condolences to Nick\’s family and friends.
I graduated with Nick and always thought he was a
Great guy!!! My thought and prayers go out to his family and
Friends.
Jody Gawronski says
My deepest sympathies to the Rhoads family. Nick will be greatly missed.
Jody Gawronski
Plymouth, IN
Jan Wagoner says
We repaired Nick\’s guitars at the music shop, and always enjoyed waiting on him. He was a nice guy who will be missed. Our condolences to his family and friends.
Travis Ellison says
My deepest sympathy to Nicks family. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. I will always remember his passion for music and always kicking my butt in basketball.
Jeannie Zehner says
My prayers are with you Pat and family. This is a very difficult time but prayers will lift you up. God be with you all and know that Nick is at peace.
Donna Pontius says
I\’m so sorry for your loss.
Vincent Glose says
Pat & Arnold,
So sorry about your loss. I was shocked when I heard about it. You have my deepest sympathies. He was a good friend to Nathan. Arnold, we have been friends for over 50 years and so I really am moved by this unfortunate passing. There is nothing worse than losing a child. Know that God will help you get through this difficult time. God bless your family.
Jason J Gray says
I can\’t express my sadness. If you need anything please contact me anytime. We will be in touch about the stuff he left behind. Nick was a great person, close friend, and an amazing artist. It darkens me knowing he was that lost.
Gina Wiscons says
Im so sorry to hear about Nick\’s passing. He was always such a smart, fun, and outgoing person. I have many childhood memories of him but as adults, we grew apart. We reconnected on facebook and chatted quite a few times. I\’ll never forget when you serenaded me at our class reunion. My deepest condolences to the Rhoades family as they journey through life after losing such a special person. God bless.
Nona Hollenbaugh says
I send my sympathy to the family of Nick. It has to be hard to lose a son and yet grateful that he is in God\’s arms. My thoughts are with you at this time.
sue buschman says
So sorry for your loss.
Suzie (Hockman) Corey says
My prayers are with the family and friends of Nick as you try to handle such a loss. May his soul rest in peace.
John & Linda Wakeland says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!!!!!
Beverly Stone-Johnson says
I send my sympathy to Nick\’s family for their loss of a gentle and kind son that must have brought much happiness and joy into their world. We worked together for a short amount of time and I felt his pain even though he did not speak of it. I saw him struggle with life and so wished I could help him. We remained in contact and I sincerely cared for him and wanted him to fine peace. I know he is with God and finally at peace. May God bless his family and give them comfort in knowing Nick is smiling down at them.
Ron Van Voorst says
Pat, I am so very sorry to hear of your son\’s passing. Prayers are
with you and your family.
Jim and Jeannine Hartman says
Sending our prayers to you at this difficult time. Remember that Nick is in a better place and at peace.
Patty Moore says
To \”Rachel\’s Mom and Dad,\”
Our thoughts and prayers have been with you since learning about the loss of Nick. Your tribute to Nick in the Life Story was touching and from hearing so much about him from Rachel, it characterized him perfectly. As you grieve his loss, I hope you will find comfort in the memories of his wonderful artistic and musical talents that God truly blessed him with. Nick was unique in so many ways, which is evidence that he was created in God\’s image. God knew his every need and blessed Nick with loving parents and a wonderful, caring sister.
We know little of what is on the other side of death, but we do know one thing . . . our Master is there and that is enough! I trust Nick\’s meeting his Master was a joyous one, and you can find comfort and peace in that.
Please know that all of us who work with Rachel are here to support her and our prayers and thoughts will continue to be with all of you in the days ahead.
With God\’s love,
Patty
AL&SHIRLEY KLINEDINST says
JAKE YOU & YOUR WIFE HAVE ME & SHIRLEYS GREATEST CONDOLENCES & SYMPATHY
Karen S. Woods says
My prayers go out to Arny, Pat and the rest of Nicks family and friends!! I enjoyed going to Shaggy\’s Diner and having his loaded biscuits and gravy and I was sad that he closed the business. May God comfort you all in this sad time!
Teresa Beam says
To Arnie and his family, I was so very sorry to hear this sad news today. I just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you and your family. We had heavy hearts today and wanted to show our love and support for you.
With our very deepest sympathy, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Teresa Beam and Josh Hill
Anonymous says
Dear Patricia, Arnold and Family:
I am so sorry to hear of your loss and my prayers go out to you and the family. God has called Nicholas Home and I believe He is now in a better place. We are never ready to say good-by, but we know that we will see Him again in Heaven with God. I am currently in Florida and not able to express my prayers to you in person, but I will be praying for all of you during this time.
Yours truly,
Larry Miller
Peggy Smith says
Dennis- I was sorry to hear about your nephew\’s passing away. Please know you and your family & your nephew\’s family will be in our prayers. Peggy (Capron) & Randy Smith
Betty Anderson says
My Dearest Friends, you all have my deepest sympathy. I was not blessed to be around him as he was growing up, but I can see what an awesome person he was. As I was listening to the radio today, I head a song called, \” I can only Imagine \” by MercyMe , and my thoughts came to Nick. Wow can you just see him rejoicing being in the very presents of Jesus ! And sharing that time with family and friends that have already gone on. You were blessed to have had such a loving and caring son.
Suzanne Stringer says
Dear Mr. And Mrs. Rhoads…I am a friend of Betty Anderson. She has been speaking and praying for your family to me for awhile now.
In turn, I know about your son Nick. One of the reasons we have talked about your family is that my husband and I have lost a son too. He was twenty and died of complications of diabetes. First, let me say how sorry I am from the bottom of my heart that you both have lost a child. I do not know you all but I do know your pain. I pray that God surrounds you with His love and by some miracle, you both can carry on. It is so hard!!! Love costs us dearly, I\’m afraid.
Pray for peace!!
Suzanne Stringer
Therese Brown-Mitchell says
Nick was a wonderful young man. I have fond memories of him as a teen, and I wish I could have known him as an adult. Nick and his family are in my prayers.
Michelle flosenzier says
Pat and family:
My heart goes out to you during the hard, painful time.
Pat, I remember when we would talk about our kids,their joys and their struggles, when you had an appointment.
I know how much you love your children. I can not even begin to know the pain you are all feeling.
Jared came to know Nick, and has many fond memories of him.
Know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Michelle Flosenzier
Lisa poczik says
Arnold and Rachel…and the rest of the family. I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you at your time of loss. I hope for your peace. Hang on to the great memories you have! Take care of each other and take it day by day. Love and hugs to you…Lisa Poczik and the rest of your friends at the ups store
chris giles says
i leav a lot of condolences to nick. i am one of his cosins he was the best cosin you could ever have. he was a great chef. i had a lot of teh best moments in my life with him. he was teaching me to play guitar. he was vary; good at that along with draling and painting. he was my favorit cosin. i loved him a lot and wish i got to say good by.
chris giles
marselis, mi
Brandon Eggleston says
My condolences to the family and friends of Nick. I have known him since elementary school and I know he is in a place free of pain and full of nothing, but love. Our memories of our loved ones are one way they will always be with us in all ways.
Heather (Bowman) Roy says
My deepest condolences to Nick\’s family and friends.
I graduated with Nick and always thought he was a
Great guy!!! My thought and prayers go out to his family and
Friends.
Jody Gawronski says
My deepest sympathies to the Rhoads family. Nick will be greatly missed.
Jody Gawronski
Plymouth, IN
Jan Wagoner says
We repaired Nick\’s guitars at the music shop, and always enjoyed waiting on him. He was a nice guy who will be missed. Our condolences to his family and friends.
Travis Ellison says
My deepest sympathy to Nicks family. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. I will always remember his passion for music and always kicking my butt in basketball.
Jeannie Zehner says
My prayers are with you Pat and family. This is a very difficult time but prayers will lift you up. God be with you all and know that Nick is at peace.
Donna Pontius says
I\’m so sorry for your loss.
Vincent Glose says
Pat & Arnold,
So sorry about your loss. I was shocked when I heard about it. You have my deepest sympathies. He was a good friend to Nathan. Arnold, we have been friends for over 50 years and so I really am moved by this unfortunate passing. There is nothing worse than losing a child. Know that God will help you get through this difficult time. God bless your family.
Jason J Gray says
I can\’t express my sadness. If you need anything please contact me anytime. We will be in touch about the stuff he left behind. Nick was a great person, close friend, and an amazing artist. It darkens me knowing he was that lost.
Gina Wiscons says
Im so sorry to hear about Nick\’s passing. He was always such a smart, fun, and outgoing person. I have many childhood memories of him but as adults, we grew apart. We reconnected on facebook and chatted quite a few times. I\’ll never forget when you serenaded me at our class reunion. My deepest condolences to the Rhoades family as they journey through life after losing such a special person. God bless.
Nona Hollenbaugh says
I send my sympathy to the family of Nick. It has to be hard to lose a son and yet grateful that he is in God\’s arms. My thoughts are with you at this time.
sue buschman says
So sorry for your loss.
Suzie (Hockman) Corey says
My prayers are with the family and friends of Nick as you try to handle such a loss. May his soul rest in peace.
John & Linda Wakeland says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!!!!!
Beverly Stone-Johnson says
I send my sympathy to Nick\’s family for their loss of a gentle and kind son that must have brought much happiness and joy into their world. We worked together for a short amount of time and I felt his pain even though he did not speak of it. I saw him struggle with life and so wished I could help him. We remained in contact and I sincerely cared for him and wanted him to fine peace. I know he is with God and finally at peace. May God bless his family and give them comfort in knowing Nick is smiling down at them.
Ron Van Voorst says
Pat, I am so very sorry to hear of your son\’s passing. Prayers are
with you and your family.
Jim and Jeannine Hartman says
Sending our prayers to you at this difficult time. Remember that Nick is in a better place and at peace.
Patty Moore says
To \”Rachel\’s Mom and Dad,\”
Our thoughts and prayers have been with you since learning about the loss of Nick. Your tribute to Nick in the Life Story was touching and from hearing so much about him from Rachel, it characterized him perfectly. As you grieve his loss, I hope you will find comfort in the memories of his wonderful artistic and musical talents that God truly blessed him with. Nick was unique in so many ways, which is evidence that he was created in God\’s image. God knew his every need and blessed Nick with loving parents and a wonderful, caring sister.
We know little of what is on the other side of death, but we do know one thing . . . our Master is there and that is enough! I trust Nick\’s meeting his Master was a joyous one, and you can find comfort and peace in that.
Please know that all of us who work with Rachel are here to support her and our prayers and thoughts will continue to be with all of you in the days ahead.
With God\’s love,
Patty
AL&SHIRLEY KLINEDINST says
JAKE YOU & YOUR WIFE HAVE ME & SHIRLEYS GREATEST CONDOLENCES & SYMPATHY
Karen S. Woods says
My prayers go out to Arny, Pat and the rest of Nicks family and friends!! I enjoyed going to Shaggy\’s Diner and having his loaded biscuits and gravy and I was sad that he closed the business. May God comfort you all in this sad time!
Teresa Beam says
To Arnie and his family, I was so very sorry to hear this sad news today. I just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you and your family. We had heavy hearts today and wanted to show our love and support for you.
With our very deepest sympathy, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Teresa Beam and Josh Hill
Anonymous says
Dear Patricia, Arnold and Family:
I am so sorry to hear of your loss and my prayers go out to you and the family. God has called Nicholas Home and I believe He is now in a better place. We are never ready to say good-by, but we know that we will see Him again in Heaven with God. I am currently in Florida and not able to express my prayers to you in person, but I will be praying for all of you during this time.
Yours truly,
Larry Miller
Peggy Smith says
Dennis- I was sorry to hear about your nephew\’s passing away. Please know you and your family & your nephew\’s family will be in our prayers. Peggy (Capron) & Randy Smith
Betty Anderson says
My Dearest Friends, you all have my deepest sympathy. I was not blessed to be around him as he was growing up, but I can see what an awesome person he was. As I was listening to the radio today, I head a song called, \” I can only Imagine \” by MercyMe , and my thoughts came to Nick. Wow can you just see him rejoicing being in the very presents of Jesus ! And sharing that time with family and friends that have already gone on. You were blessed to have had such a loving and caring son.
Suzanne Stringer says
Dear Mr. And Mrs. Rhoads…I am a friend of Betty Anderson. She has been speaking and praying for your family to me for awhile now.
In turn, I know about your son Nick. One of the reasons we have talked about your family is that my husband and I have lost a son too. He was twenty and died of complications of diabetes. First, let me say how sorry I am from the bottom of my heart that you both have lost a child. I do not know you all but I do know your pain. I pray that God surrounds you with His love and by some miracle, you both can carry on. It is so hard!!! Love costs us dearly, I\’m afraid.
Pray for peace!!
Suzanne Stringer
Therese Brown-Mitchell says
Nick was a wonderful young man. I have fond memories of him as a teen, and I wish I could have known him as an adult. Nick and his family are in my prayers.
Michelle flosenzier says
Pat and family:
My heart goes out to you during the hard, painful time.
Pat, I remember when we would talk about our kids,their joys and their struggles, when you had an appointment.
I know how much you love your children. I can not even begin to know the pain you are all feeling.
Jared came to know Nick, and has many fond memories of him.
Know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Michelle Flosenzier
Lisa poczik says
Arnold and Rachel…and the rest of the family. I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you at your time of loss. I hope for your peace. Hang on to the great memories you have! Take care of each other and take it day by day. Love and hugs to you…Lisa Poczik and the rest of your friends at the ups store
chris giles says
i leav a lot of condolences to nick. i am one of his cosins he was the best cosin you could ever have. he was a great chef. i had a lot of teh best moments in my life with him. he was teaching me to play guitar. he was vary; good at that along with draling and painting. he was my favorit cosin. i loved him a lot and wish i got to say good by.
chris giles
marselis, mi