OWLS HEAD — Charles (Chuck) Nickles died unexpectedly on January 31, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on September 14, 1965, in Lowell, Massachusetts to Donald and Barbara Nickles. At a young age, his parents moved their family to Owls Head, Maine, where Chuck stayed his entire life. It is there that Chuck fell in love with the ocean and spent almost his entire career at sea. At age 17 he began working as a stern man and in 1994 was able to buy his own boat, Tidal Wave. Following the Tidal Wave came Miss Molly, and in 2010 F/V Odyssea. The Odyssea quickly became his second home, one of which all three of his sons worked side by side with him at some point during his fishing career.

In 2022, Chuck retired from his time on the ocean and together with his son Corey started a handyman service, Odyssey Home Services, inspired by both his father and his late son Ryan’s former businesses. In a brief time, Chuck acquired a faithful clientele. He took immense pride in always treating his customers fairly and they, in turn, loved him and his work. Chuck genuinely loved what he was doing, whether it was lobstering or renovating a kitchen.

On February 14, 1993, Chuck married the love of his life, Patti, whom he adored, and loved fiercely and out loud. They blended their family together with sons Ryan and Corey and later completed their unit with son Tyler. They worked together to show their children, and later grandchildren, what true love was with their partnership and commitment. After so many years together, it was hard to tell where one started and the other one ended. Leading by example was most important to Chuck when it came to his grandchildren. He prided himself on instilling the solid values that he based his life on in them. His grandchildren shared that he taught them to be strong, always be there for each other, discipline, never give up, family always comes first and never forget you are beautiful and smart.

In 2020, Chuck developed a passion for bowling. He joined the Wednesday night men’s league at Oakland Park Lanes with his son Tyler and friends. It quickly became something he genuinely loved and looked forward to. In his first year in the league, they won the championship. He will forever be missed by his bowling family.

To know Chuck was to love him. He was one of the good guys. He was the epitome of a good friend who would love you unconditionally. He tried to see the good in everyone. Chuck was considered the anchor, not only to his family but to many friends he affectionately referred to as "friemly.”

Chuck is survived by his wife of 31 years, Patricia Leigher Nickles; son Corey Nickles (Amy) of Owls Head, son Tyler Nickles (Emylee Leary) of Cushing, daughter-in-law Elizabeth Thompson of Waldoboro; grandchildren Angel, Dylan, Lyla, Rayni, Brynleigh, and Juniper; step grandchildren Krysten, Jacob, Alyssa, Jayden; and his beloved dog Jaxon; a brother, Donald Nickles (Chrissy), and sister Helen Rogers, all of Owls Head; sister-in-law, Debbie Robbins of Waldoboro; sister-in-law Donna Hall (Alan Talbot) of Camden; brother-in-law William Leigher (Susan) of Ocala, Florida; and an abundance of extended family, both related and chosen, and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Barbara Nickles; in-laws, Frank and Molly Leigher; brother Dwight Robbins; nephew Will Leigher; and son Ryan Gamage.

At Chuck's request, there will be no formal service. The family will hold a celebration of life on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from noon to 4 p.m., at The American Legion Hall, 10 Watts Ave., Thomaston, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made by check to Chuck Nickles Youth Bowling Fund, C/O First National Bank, P.O. Box 728, Rockland, ME 04841or by card at https://buy.stripe.com/aEU17H5eM6Y90z6000

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at Directcremationofmaine.com.