Nicholas "Nicky" Anthony MacKain
August 23, 1990 ~ March 15, 2014
Born in:
Atlanta, GA
Resided in:
Suwanee, GA
Nicholas “Nicky” Anthony MacKain, age 23, of Suwanee, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ March 15, 2014. He is survived by parents, Mark and Gina (Galati) MacKain, brothers, Tyler, Hunter and Austin MacKain, grandparents, Audrey Galati, Racine, WI; Alba MacKain, Maitland, FL and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Nicky began playing soccer at the age of 4 which led to a 14 year career at Atlanta Fire United Soccer Club. He was on the first US Developmental Academy Team and helped the Under-17 Boys to become a #4 nationally ranked team. He was a four year starting defender with the Georgia ODP Program and a four-year starter on the Collins Hill High School Varsity Soccer Team. Nicky helped guide his team to back-to-back State Final Championship appearances, finishing as the runner up in 2008 and winning Collins Hill’s first State Championship in 2009. Defensive MVP, Team MVP and All Gwinnett County First Team were among the honors Nick earned during his high school career. He graduated in 2009 to begin his college career at Furman University. Nicky became a 3 year starting defender playing every minute of his last two years earning First and Second Team All Southern Conference honors his last two years. Nicky graduated from Furman this past year and followed his passion to serve the Lord by working in the residency program for 12Stone Church. His goal was to become a minister and bring the word of Christ to others. Funeral Services will be held Friday, March 21, 2014 at 12Stone Church - Central Campus. Visitation 11 am – 2 pm, Service 2 pm.
The Nicky MacKain Memorial Fund benefiting single parent families and under privileged children has been established for those wishing to contribute. To access the Nicky MacKain Memorial Fund, go to:
sports.bluesombrero.com/allinfc
Click on the link for Nicky MacKain Memorial Fund.
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The overwhelming amount of love pouring in from those who knew Nicky is the greatest testament to who he was as a person – the kindest, most genuine heart for God I’ve ever had the privilege to know. His words of encouragement to me meant the world. My heart is heavy for his loved ones and though these times are filled with pain and confusion, I know he’s smiling down on us – exactly where he wanted to be, with our Savior. I’m so thankful God shared his precious angel with us, even if it was just for a short time. You will never be forgotten and may your memory live in our pursuit of Christ.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” – Romans 8:18
Dear Mackain family,
Our hearts are broken over the loss of Nicky. I will forever picture him practicing and kicking around with Georgia’s team. I have never met a kinder, nicer young man. Nicky’s passion to spread God’s word is a legacy for us all. I pray that God will heal your hearts and bring you peace.
” They that love beyond the world can never be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies. – William Penn
Sincerely,
The Swanson Family
Hello Mark, Gina and Family,
I want to let you know that my families prayers and thoughts are with each of you at this time and I am so sorry for your loss. Please let me know if I can do anything for you during this time.
The Spivey Family
Dear Mark, Gina, Tyler, Hunter and Austin,
Have been in prayer for you all in this tragic, unexpected loss of Nicky. May you feel love from your friends and each other and from our God. Heaven is what we all strive for and I pray that you will be comforted by the fact that he is already there, just ahead of us.
In Him, Michelle Brock
Mark,
I am so saddened to hear about your loss. I just read the obituary, and it sounds like your son was a chip off of the old block . . .Please know you and the rest of your family will be in my thoughts and prayers!!!!!
Dear Gina, Mark & Family,
Our hearts are heavy with sadness in the loss of your dear Nicky. He was an angel among us and we will always remember him for his kind , gentle and giving spirit. Wrapping your family in love & prayer at this difficult time.
Blessings & Peace be with you,
Susan, Tom & Alec
i had the great honor and privilege of walking through life alongside of nicky for 3 years while he was a student-athlete at furman university. i remember the first time i met him, standing inside burgess theater one evening after a campus ministry meeting we had finished up. big wide-eyed nicky was quick to tell me, from that first meeting, what God had done in his life by intervening him and saving him. God gave me many sweet times over the coming years to spend time with nicky wreslting through the scriptures, through life, and through calling. he was passionate about walking with Christ and making much of Him. he was such an encouragement to me. every single time i met with him, texted him, or talked to him on the phone, he would always ask me, ‘dan, how are YOU doing?’ his next question was always, ‘man, how are miss kelly and jake (my wife and son) doing?’ that type of genuine concern and care for me meant so much to be about nicky! he has encouraged me and brought more life to me, more so than he ever knew. i love him dearly. nicky loved life. he loved people. he loved soccer. but he loved Jesus more. and i am a better man and better Jesus follower because of him. much love and prayer for you as a family as you grieve and celebrate nickys amazing life in Christ.
press on towards the goal,
dan carroll
Dear Mark, Gina, Tyler, Hunter & Austin,
You all have been in our constant thoughts and prayers since we heard of this tragic, unexpected loss of Nicky. When you think of him, cherish all the beautiful moments you had with him here on this earth. He was one of God’s shining stars, burning bright in the brilliant sky. He knew at his young age what many live a lifetime to discover which is that Heaven is what we all strive for. I pray that you will be comforted by the fact that he is already there, just ahead of us. Rutherford one said, “Ye have lost a child — nay, he is not lost to you, who is found to Christ; he is not sent away, but only sent before; like unto a star, which going out of our sight, doth not die and vanish, but shineth in another hemisphere. Nicky is now shining bright in that other hemisphere, one of the brightest lights in God’s beautiful sky. Think of him when you look all things beautiful and take comfort in knowing he is there, amongst the beauty, looking down on you. You are all in our hearts and minds and in our every thought and prayer.
All of our love,
Aunt Yoly, Roly, Jennifer, Eva, Miguel and Jonathan Tapanes.
Obviously, Nicky was a very special young man who loved his family, friends, soccer, but mostly his Creator. My heart goes out to the MacKains . Our family is praying for you, that God will comfort you in this time of mourning and that you will feel his presence and know that he is with you and will continue to be until the end of time. Isaiah 41:10: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Celebrate Easter knowing that because of our Resurrected Savior, you will see Nicky again.
Dear Mark, Gina, Tyler, Hunter & Austin,
Gina, Mark and boys, You all have been in our thoughts and prayers since we heard of your tragic and unexpected loss of your Son.. We are praying for you, that God will comfort you in this time and will give you the strength to endure and cling to the wonderful memories that God has given you of Nick and hope for the future..
In Christ,
Dave, Barb Sheley
Dearest MacKain Family You have been in my thoughts and prayers Nicky was a great and kind person beauiful smile it was a plesure to meet him at Publixs Every time I saw him he would always give me a big hugs.
Our hearts are broken for your family. The Lord needed another angel to shine his beautiful face down on us. It was such an honor and pleasure watching Nicky mature from a mischievous boy to a dependable man. Nicky was a great friend and confidante to Blair and always there for her. We will so miss our friend, Nicky.
Our hearts are broken for all of you. Nicky’s smile never changed from that mischievous 10 year old playing keep away on the field at George Pierce Park to the halls of Collins Hill 4 years later. We know that he is playing #1 defender wearing some bright shoes on God’s team while waiting for the rest of us! We will always treasure the big heart, beautiful smile and most polite young man we know. May God give you strength as you stuff your memories into that big hole in your heart one by one.
Mark, as you always said “good job” to the boys..we say you and Gina did an awesome job in developing a wonderful young man! We are all very blessed by having spent time with Nicky.
Love, Janice, Tom and Brad Chambers
Dear Nicky’s entire family ,
My daughter, Chelsea Marie Hawkins met your son the night of the 25th Anniversary celebration at Gwinnett arena for 12 stone. She had signed up to help clean up afterwards and met Nicky for the 1st time. Chelsea’s remark the next day was ” mom- I had the best time and met the nicest guy ever. She just knew that there was something different about him. Because of your son’s passion and love for God , my daughter not only loved coming to college of 12 stone but your son impacted her life more than anyone in her life ever has. Chelsea now serves in the children’s ministry ,rededicated her life and prayed with Nicky the day after the snow storm. Nicky was going to baptize her. Your son was a ” angel ” sent by God in my daughters life. Chelsea has read the text messages of encouragement that he sent to her daily. Yes
Gina and family,
You have all been in my thoughts and prayers. I did not know Nicky, but from just hearing and reading, it sounds like he was a very special young man with a love for Christ. He will be missed here on earth, but rest assured he is with his heavenly father
rejoicing with all the heavenly angels. May God Bless each of you. Hold on to those precious memories.
Love,
Joan Patton (Creekland Middle School)
Dear Gina, Mark and family,
I am so saddened to hear about your loss. I remember Nick when he was a little boy and we were in small group together. Praying for you all during this difficult time. Sorry I am unable to come to the funeral as I am working and Rich is unable to drive.
Love,
Jeanne and Richie Lynch
Dear Mark, Gina, Austin, Hunter & Tyler,
My heart is heavy with your loss. May God give you all strength, courage and peace at this time and going forward to carry the burden of your tremendous loss. It has been many years since I saw you last at NSH in the NICU with your twin sons but I wanted you to know that I am thinking of your family at this time.
Mark and Gina,
I am so sorry for your loss! May the peace of Jesus wash over you and strengthen you and your family in the days to come.
Much love,
The Riegels
Praying for you during this difficult time.
Dear Mark and Family–We am so sorry to hear of the loss of Nicky. I remember the pride and happiness when you spoke of Nicky’s love for the Lord and his plan for the future in Ministry. I pray that you will find strength during this most difficult time. Please know that your family is in our prayers.
Michael, Julie, Caroline, and Gracyn Behr
Romans 8:38-39 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Dear MacKain Family,
I’m saddened by the loss of Nicky. It was a pleasure teaching and coaching him. His positive attitude and smile was contagious and was always a joy to be around. I was not able to be at his memorial due to being out of town, but your family has been in my prayers. Prayers for strength and comfort during this difficult time.
The Gassman’s
Emiley Irby – Hey Jeremy, These photos are all so beuitaful we knew your work would turn out great. We can’t wait to see the rest of the photographs from our wedding. Thanks for being so fun and easy to work with. We appreciate all your hard work.
I am saddened and have been for quite some time…my son, Andy Murphy, is still struggling mightily…I would like to be selfish and see if I might visit you, Mark and Gina, very possibly with my son, Andy. He said just yesterday that Nicky would have been a person whom he would have in his wedding (he is no where near marriage!)
I hope you folks would allow me to visit or speak with you in hopes that I may be able to help my son. God bless your family…