Nicholas "Nick" Charles Beagle passed away July 15 at Munson Hospice House surrounded by his loving family and the caring Hospice staff who gently cared for him for several weeks. Nick was born on Christmas Day 1965 in Petoskey, MI, the youngest of 9 children and the 7th son born to Robert and Jacquelyn (Spack) Beagle.

Born with a disability that he never let define him, Nick lived a life to be proud of on his own terms. He graduated from Elk Rapids High School in 1984 and attended Northwestern Michigan College. He worked many jobs over the years, but one he was most proud of was as a teaching assistant at Willow Hill Elementary School in Traverse City where he was fondly called "Mr. Nick". He also enjoyed working several retail jobs, including K-Mart.

One of Nick's greatest joys in life was the opportunity to be a big brother to his 2 adopted siblings, Scott and Dawn, who entered his life when he was a teenager. Nick set a good example for all the young people he worked with and his many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Nick was known for his kind heart and his strong Christian faith. He loved meeting new people and was friendly and respectful to all. His interests and hobbies included swimming, biking, computers, helping others, being with his family, and living the simple life with a good cup of coffee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Jacque, and brothers Robert, Patrick, Joel, and Christopher Beagle, and brothers-in-law Stace Stathakis and Dave Nickerson, and his beloved dog Ben.

Nick is survived by his sisters Cathy Stathakis, Pamela Nickerson, and Dawn Rankin, and brothers David, Jon, and Scott Beagle, along with many nieces and nephews.

His last words were, "I love my family."

Funeral services for Nick will be Monday, July 21, at 11 a.m. at Reynolds Johnkoff Funeral Home at 305 6th St., Traverse City, with burial alongside his brother Chris and his parents at St. Mary's of the Woods Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Munson Hospice or to a Go Fund Me account to help establish a lasting memorial in Nick's name in the form of a scholarship at NMC to help others with disabilities to continue their studies.