Mr. Nixon always had a smile on his face. He was quick to tell a joke and loved to wander down the street to talk cars when he saw the boys outside. He was a fantastic artist. He and Mrs. Nixon never turned my girl away when she stopped them from yardwork to tell a story or watch a new trick she learned on her bike. They always made a HUGE deal over my kids and their Halloween costumes. While I'd be in my house complaining my socks were getting wet from the kids and their 72 trips inside from the snow, Mr. Nixon would be outside, red-nosed, in a blizzard snowblowing the whole block. The Nixon's would drive past my house and while Mrs. Nixon would smile and wave, he'd salute. Mr. Nixon was my neighbor and brought something to our neighborhood that is irreplaceable. He and Mrs. Nixon are very much missed by our whole neighborhood.

Our lives were enriched by our friendship with Blake and Mary. Such nice souls, so much kindness to share. We will always treasure our paintings and the stories Blake shared with us about them.

The memory of him walking up Main Street with paintings in both hands one day when Main Street was closed will always be with us, he was on a mission, the Library needed his artwork, and we needed his enthusiasm for life.