Troy Nichols of Dresden, Maine died at home Nov. 4, 2018.

Troy, a wonderful father, devoted son, brother, cousin and friend, was born in Bath, Maine on Nov. 30, 1986.

From a young age, he loved being outdoors. When his father first took him fishing, he wasn’t sure how much Troy liked it, but as soon as his dad let him drive the boat, his father knew that Troy was hooked. Hunting and fishing in the Maine woods and on the Maine waters was a mainstay in Troy’s life. A close second to his passion for the outdoors, Troy’s love for the Red Sox and the Patriots would make any New England sports fan proud.

Never too busy to stop and say hello or lend a helping hand to a neighbor or friend in need, Troy gave the best hugs and had one of the biggest hearts that his family and friends have ever known. His smile, his laughter, and his listening ear will be missed by all who knew him.

More than anything else, Troy’s love for his son Jaxson is what we will remember him by. Their love and their connection reminded all of us who witnessed their relationship of the strength of a bond between a father and a son. He’d drop to his hands and knees to play monster trucks in the dirt or grab Jaxson and hoist him on his shoulders so Jax could observe the world. Troy always strived to make the most of any moment the two spent together. Jaxson was the light of Troy’s life and will continue to be a beacon of the light that he created within Troy. Troy’s family is blessed by Jaxson’s eager, kind, and curious personality, and the many threads of Troy that shine through him.

Though the words are hard to find, we would like to be honest that it is Troy’s struggle with depression that took his life. We will forever mourn the loss of our beloved Troy to this disease that our society seems unable to acknowledge in a meaningful way. If you or a loved one is struggling with depression or having suicidal thoughts, know that you are not alone, that you are loved, and that you are strong beyond measure. These are the messages we have for you and for Troy and for everyone we know whose life has been stolen through no fault of their own.

Troy is survived by his son, Jaxson Lloyd Nichols; his parents, Randy and Karen Nichols; his sister, Megan Nichols; his co-parent, Lauren Mcfall Nichols; his grandparents, Lloyd Delano and Carol Yeaton; too many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins to list, and his German shepherd, Tank.

Troy was predeceased by grandparents, Willis Nichols and Sara Nichols; aunt, Becky Winfield; and cousin, Jessica Nichols.

A celebration of Troy’s life will be held at the Alna Fire Department on Saturday, Nov. 17, from 2 to 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted to create a fund to support Jaxson on the day of, or in his name at any Midcoast Federal Credit Union.