By BOB CHAVEZ
These are words that no one wants to write. And they’re words that no one wants to read.
They’re words that, quite honestly, are difficult to even believe.
But they are true. And there is no way to overstate how unfortunate this truth is.
Because a world without Dave Nieman is a lesser world.
Nieman was a coach, yes. And a teacher, husband and father. But he also was a human being of the highest order and going forward in a world without Nieman won’t be easy. For that matter, going anywhere in Canandaigua _ knowing that the possibility of running into “Nemo” is gone _ is a possibility we are not ready to accept. It’s a reality so real it borders on the absurd.
Nemo left this world on Sunday after suffering a traumatic brain injury in an ATV accident in early August. And for those who knew him, you knew a soul that existed the way souls were meant to exist. Tough but fair, kind but honest, driven but grounded.
This was Nieman and it’s no stretch to say that there are dozens of former athletes and students that live by his lessons today as adults. Whether he was coaching varsity or junior varsity, football or girls lacrosse, starters or non-starters, he did it with one clear message: Believe in yourself.
If there is a defining characteristic for Nemo, it’s energy. He carried it yes, but he also glowed it. It was infectious. Who among you will not soon forget the cadence of his bouncing gait as he walked toward you, a smile so big it reached you well before the physical impact of his hug or fist bump?
And then, his words. Always encouraging. Always honest and always full of an optimism that made you believe the world was yours to take. In the words of Seneca The Younger, Nieman made sense of the phrase about a future that lies in uncertainty, so “live immediately.”
Anyone can say the words that Nieman said, but no one could say them the way that Nieman said them. And that comes from a genuine place, a place that cannot be faked.
And he didn’t say what he said because he felt like he had to. He did it because that’s who he was. Genuine and real. It all came at the direction of a heart that was bigger than all the Finger Lakes put together.
As it is said, that is something that can’t be coached. And we are all better for having experienced it.
There is an old sports cliché that points to players who will run through a wall for a coach because of their love for that coach. Indeed, there are plenty of players who would do that for Nemo. But here’s the thing: There is no doubt he’d do the same for his players.
That’s the level of energy, the level of passion and the level of dedication Nemo brought to life. Anything that would help an athlete be better, he’d do it. Anything that would help a student achieve new heights, he’d do it.
Maybe that’s why this is so difficult to believe. Why would a man, husband, father and coach be taken from us so soon? Why are we so cruelly denied more of his boundless energy? Why can’t we have just one more hug or conversation? Why are a wife and two children left with no answers to painful questions that deserve explanation?
As someone said recently while looking at the ground as if to hide tears, “it’s not fair.”
And really, it is that simple. To lose someone who selflessly gave so much of himself to mold future community leaders, to no longer have access to such a fountain of positivity and to have nothing now but memories of Nieman, it’s just not fair.
It’s not easy to write words through tears. And it’s not any easier to find these words still here after wiping away the tears, somehow hoping this heartbreaking reality can be swept away with them.
But it is not to be. We must all now face a new day and a new school year without David Nieman. This is our new reality, even if we don’t like it.
Now, more than ever, we need each other. But before we can be there for each other, we need to believe in ourselves. Then we can be there for others.
Nemo wouldn’t want it any other way.
At a time where there are no real words…these certainly hit the mark. David lives on in all that knew him!
As a former college teammate of Dave “Primetime”, this article was a perfect tribute to the man, coach, teacher and father he was. Well written and appreciate you taking the time to express how exceptional he was. Dave would say this isn’t a good bye but rather a see you down the road.
Great article Bob. A wonderful tribute to a great man.
Rest In Heavenly Peace Coach Nieman … you were one of the greats. You will forever be remembered and endlessly missed.
Great tribute, Bob. Sometimes life just doesn’t
make sense. RIP, Dave.
Rest in peace “Primetime” I will never forget my playing days with you on the hardwood! You were an inspiration to many and will be greatly missed! Till we meet again Prime! ❤️
Did not know coach personally, but sounds like such an inspiration! Sorry for his family, and the communities loss. 💔
Great article ,the World could use more Coach Nemo’s !!! RIP Coach Nieman.
What a wonderful written tribute to the friend we all will miss. His impact on his players and students was so genuine and powerful. I will miss the smile, the hug and the fist pump so much.
We were shocked to hear the news of Dave’s passing . This is difficult to process right now . Amy and I are thinking of the Nieman family during this tragic time . My gosh!
Wow. This was written with soul, feeling and couldn’t be a nicer tribute to my brother. Thank you Mr Chavez.
Beautiful man! Beautifully written! My prayers to his family and to all of us that knew and loved him. Until we meet again!!! 🙏❤️
Rest in Peace, Coach. Thank you for all the memories, talks and opportunities to learn from you. A friend and mentor to so many. Condolences to all who loved and knew Dave.
Beautiful… you captured the essence of Dave. Thank you for this wonderful piece, words to hold, smiles through tears. Thank you, Bob, for this gift.
Rest in peace, Coach. Thank you for all the opportunities to learn from you and all the memories of the two seasons we spent together. A friend and mentor to so many. Condolences to all who loved and knew Dave.
This was him to a T. Thank you for this, Bob. Rest in peace Dave…you were the greatest!!!! You will truly be missed. Hold your family tightly with your big, beautiful angel wings. XOXOXOXOXOXO
A human being of the highest order….that really is a great way to capture Dave. Gone way too soon….
I did not know this coach. What an impact he had on the community, that you wrote so descriptive about him Bob. God bless you . My prayers go out to to all . I feel your pain. My deepest condolences. I’m sorry for your loss.
Terrific job Bob to a terrific human being.
Bob,
Wonderful words in the most difficult of
times and a true representation of the man Coach Nieman was and the way we
should remember him
-Peter
The saddest of words well spoken.Coach Nieman will always be a huge part of our lives.
Bill and Andy Brooks
Did not know Dave very well tho we both taught in Greece. Greece’s loss was Canandaigua’s GAIN! This article encapsulated the man……BRAVO!
Tremendous article, I will miss all the times that we spent together coaching. A true friend to me and others and a great coach my prayers go out to the family rest in peace Dave
He was just as nice, respectful and encouraging to the “not so gifted players “ as he was to “starters “ Always with a smile on his face and a good word everyone.
Sitting here trying comprehend what has happened. I’ve known Dave and his family since he was 8 years old. He was a very respectful young man that became one of the most respected men that I know. Never to be forgotten.
Rest in Peace
Dave was absolutely one of a kind and this tribute captures his “glow”, character and genuine love for the kids so perfectly. He was a huge supporter of our son and had a great impact on him. He will truly be missed by us and the whole community.
I had the pleasure of coaching Dave’s brother Jeff who passed a few years back. At Jeff’s wake Dave said to me I know what u meant to Jeff . We’ll Dave you meant a lot to us . Rest in Paradise Dave say hello to Jeff and your great Dad. My Condolences to your beautiful wife and family.
Dave was an incredible person, athlete, coach, teacher and friend. I could always count on a laugh talking to him. I will miss you RIP
If I were to describe Dave in one word it would be Optimistic. I was a high school classmate of his and he always rallied teams and friends, always the optimist in sports and in life. I’m truly saddened hearing about the loss of Dave. He will be missed. Prayers for the entire Nieman family.
David, my buddy, my friend from years ago growing up with you and your brother Brian was amazing you taught me all I needed to know about playing sports, I can’t believe I’m writing this today, it doesn’t seem real, never in my mind would I believe, this is for you, this amazing man you turned out to be, all that knew you loved you, not a single bad bone in your body, I’m so crushed as I’m sure everyone who knew you is also, may you rest in peace my dearest friend. To his family my deepest condolences, fly high Dave, You will forever be in my heart, till we meet again, Love, your Nad
Great human being
Thank you Bob for sharing your thoughts and emotions in a time when we are all grieving such a tragic loss for his family and the entire Canandaigua Community! Dave was there for our family when we needed help and I will always be so thankful as I know many other families and kids are as well. Thank you for always caring Coach Nieman!!
Dave’s joy and enthusiasm for life will truly be missed, and yes,running into Dave anytime was always the highlight of the day.
For this we are gratefully blessed.
Great article Bob. Dave was the best coach I have ever worked with as an athletic trainer. My thoughts and prayers go out to KJ and the kids.
Coach Neiman was a person of the highest order. A man who cared for everyone. Such a good heart. He made a difference in many lives. The world needs more Dave Neimans. Such a spot on article about him.
What a great memorial story. My best friend from Greece Athena class of 1986 passed from a fall causing a brain bleed and Coma. It is a traumatic way to pass,
Prayers and healing to his wife, kids and his brother Brian also.
I met Dave on a baseball field as I have so many people in my years of umpiring high school baseball. He was a special person who was unforgetable and I always looked forward to any time I was around him. The influences he has had on so many lives are his legacy. Rest in peace Dave.
I met Dave on a baseball field as I have so many people in my years of umpiring. He was a special person, who was unforgetable and I always looked forward to any time I was around him. The influences he has had on so many lives are his legacy. Rest in peace Dave.
Beautifully written. Dave will be missed by so many.
My thoughts and prayers for the family
Dave was a wonderful man and always had a smile on his face. He will be missed
Dave was a former teammate, colleague, friend and a great human being always with a smile on his face. RIP- teammate, Coach and Friend.
Wow! Didn’t know the man, never played for him, wasn’t a parent of a player but the love Canandaigua is showing for him and his family says a lot about the man and the impact he had on our kids. So sorry to hear this sad news. Thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and the whole city for losing a good man!!! God Bless!!!!
He coached my boys at football and m so glad he was the coach, loved being at his games with all his energy, all of the good energy this man put out there made it special!
My kids loved you, they never said it but I can just tell they did!
Rest man and have a ball in heaven with now worry just awe of joy..
When we get their well see you again..
Thank you, Bob, for your poignant thoughts about Dave. I’ve been a sub at the Middle School many
times over the last seven years. Every day was fun but the days spent with Dave Nieman in the gym were the best of all. I will really miss him.
The greatest coach and mentor. Always there for anyone who needed him. Rest easy legend
I remember when Dave got his first coaching job. He asked me for advice, although he didn’t really need any. I told him to make sure his kids had fun. And he replied, “If the kids have half as much fun as me, I will be successful!”
Oh was every bit of that.
Thank you, Bob, for your heart felt perfect words to describe our friend.
Thank you Bob for expressing so elegantly the type of man Dave was to all of us.
I knew Mr. David Nieman as a cross town rival in playing against him in high-school sports 🏀⚾️🏈. I spoke with him a long time ago. He was destined to move mountains and to accomplish all of his goals at hand. My son Erich Jr. played against his 🏈Canandaigua Braves. It was an honor in knowing him and his accomplishments in life. Whether we were crosstown rivals of years gone by, I will cherish our conversations. God bless him and his family In SOLIDARITY and SEMPER FIDELIS
Erich Ruppert Sr Greece Olympia alumni 1986 USMC 🇺🇲 VETERAN
So sorry to hear about his passing! All of our kids that he coached are better off in life because of his teaching and guidance. RIP Coach🙏
Well written! Rest in peace Nemo! You have taught many! You will always be remembered! You will also be truly missed! My 🙏 goes put to his family and all that cared for coach Nemo for all his compassion and love!