Nick, who lived in San Martin, California, died in September 2022.
Nick Tindall had 80 fabulous years of living and loving. He passed away peacefully at home with family holding his hands after a stoic three-year journey with bone cancer.
To know Nick was to remember and usually love him! He spent his childhood in England, attending boarding schools and once being expelled for a chemistry experiment that didn’t go well. Throughout his life, Nick was a character who made people laugh from his energy and playful mischievousness.
Nick loved animals and was very proud of his year-long caregiving for a pet stoat he rescued. He was passionate about hiking, reading, and all music, especially classical. He loved travelling with its daily learning and new adventures. Most of all, he loved helping others with their computer problems or figuring out how best to communicate an idea. He was your “go-to guy” for repairing anything broken. Later in life, he found joy in performing marriage ceremonies as a Universal Life Church Minister. The tales of his officiating in the US and even New Zealand are legends!
Nick frequently commented on how lucky he was to be paid for doing what he loved! He joined IBM UK in 1966 after graduating from Keele University with degrees in physics and philosophy. In 1977, he got his Masters in computer science from Union College, NY. Nick was hired by IBM US in 1975, and his entire career with IBM spanned 51 years. He acquired awards and patents for his architecture, design ideas, and publications in the areas of Fortran and COBOL compilers.
In 1973 at IBM in Yorktown, NY, Nick met the love of his life, Laura (Reid). It was truly love at first sight for both, and thus ensued a marvellous journey together of 49 years. They moved to California in 1977 and adopted two children, Chris and Sarah. Nick’s love shone brightest being a dad. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather (papa), brother, uncle, mentor, and friend. His legacy lives on through countless funny stories told by family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Laura; his children, Sarah (Beck) and Chris, son-in-law, Jason, daughter-in-law, Lillian La and grandchildren, Casey, Avery Beck, and Xochitl Grace Tindall. His UK family includes his sister Jane Potts, his nephews, Duncan and Neil Potts, their five children, and a new great-niece.
In his memory, a celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 20th, at 3:30. For more information, please contact [email protected].
A giant thank you to family, friends, and all of the fantastic KAISER doctors, nurses, and staff whose compassion and skill supported us these past three years. In honour of Nick, the family encourages everyone to incorporate something they love about Nick into their lives. So take a walk in nature, listen to great music, get into some playful mischief or put on a goofy hat! Memorial donations may be made to Nick’s favourite charities: Communitysolutions.org or Doctors without Borders.