Captain David F.L. Nixon

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Nixon, Captain David F.L. On March 27, 2016, with family at his side, Captain David F.L. Nixon gently passed away at the age of 82. Born April 5, 1933 to Frank and Corrine (Hauskey) Nixon, David met Bernice Josephs while attending the University of Minnesota and they married in 1957. Raising their family on Lake Minnetonka, David began racing scows and discovered his love of sailing. He ultimately served many years as the Upper Minnetonka Yacht Club's principal race officer. David owned and operated the Credit Bureau of Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior. His leadership helped further many community initiatives while serving in various roles, including as chairman of Laketown Township, a board member of the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District, and a Rotarian with a term as president. In 1979 David purchased and became chartermaster of Superior Charters in Bayfield, WI. He enjoyed winters sailing in warmer climes, more recently wintering in Texas. David continued to serve the sport of sailing as a founding supporter and board member of North Coast Community Sailing School in Bayfield, WI. Over his lifetime, David's interests included obtaining his small plane pilot's license, downhill and cross-country skiing (twice competing in the Birkebeiner), ice-boating, motorcycling, fishing, and traveling. His appreciation for music found him playing drums, guitar, and harmonica in turn, and he loved to dance. Survived and loved by his wife of 58 years, Bernice, three daughters, Dawn (Walkie Holzer) Nixon, April (Walter Holzer) Nixon Bezenar, and Wendy (Howard) Bennis, along with eight grandchildren, Chelsa (Matt Preble) Nelson-Preble, Robin Nelson, Kaylinn Bezenar, David Bezenar, Sarah Bezenar, Michelle (Tim) Warneke, Kendahl Bennis, and Matthew Bennis, two great grandchildren, Sophia Warneke and Mara Preble, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Barbara Miller, and numerous brother- and sister-in-laws. Memorial service Saturday, April 9 at 11 AM with luncheon to follow, Lakeside Pavilion, 2 E Front St., Bayfield, WI. Visitation one hour prior to the service. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers to North Coast Community Sailing School, P.O. Box 31, Bayfield, WI 54814.

Published on April 3, 2016