Captain David F.L. Nixon
April 5, 1933 — March 27, 2016
On March 27, 2016, with family at his side, Captain David F.L. Nixon gently passed away at the age of 82.
 Born April 5, 1933, to Frank and Corrine (Hauskey) Nixon, David met Bernice Josephs while attending the University of Minnesota and they married in 1957.
Raising their family on Lake Minnetonka, David began racing scows and discovered his love of sailing. He ultimately served many years as the Upper Minnetonka Yacht Club's principal race officer.
David owned and operated the Credit Bureau of Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior. His leadership furthered many community service initiatives and included terms as chairman of Laketown Township, board member of the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District and as a Rotarian with a term as president.
In 1979 David purchased and became charter master of Superior Charters in Bayfield, which he ran for 25 years. He enjoyed mentoring new sailors and the adventure of time spent on the lake. David continued to serve the sport of sailing as a founding supporter and board member of North Coast Community Sailing. David and Bernice enjoyed winters sailing in warmer climes, more recently wintering in Texas.
Over his lifetime, David's interests included obtaining his small plane pilot's license, downhill and crosscountry skiing (twice competing in the Birkebeiner), ice boating, motorcycling, fishing and traveling. His appreciation for music found him playing drums, guitar and harmonica in turn, and he loved to dance.
He is survived and loved by his wife of 58 years, Bernice; three daughters, Dawn (Walkie Holzer) Nixon, April (Walter Holzer) Nixon Bezenar and Wendy (Howard) Bennis; along with eight grandchildren, Chelsa (Matt Preble) Nelson-Preble, Robin Nelson, Kaylinn Bezenar, David Bezenar, Sarah Bezenar, Michelle (Tim) Warneke, Kendahl Bennis and Matthew Bennis; two great-grandchildren, Sophia Warneke and Mara Preble; and nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Barbara Miller, and numerous brothers and sisters-inlaw.
Memorial service Saturday, April 9 at 11 a.m. with a light luncheon to follow at the Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion, 2 E Front St. in Bayfield with Pastor Marina Lachecki officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers to North Coast Community Sailing (NCCS), P.O. Box 31, Bayfield, WI 54814.
The Roberts Funeral Home in Ashland is assisting the family with arrangements. To view this obituary online, sign the guestbook or express online condolences, visit us at www.bratleyfamilyfuneralhomes.com
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