Ronald Nikcevich Obituary

My condolences to the Nikcevich family for your loss. It was 49 years ago today, 3/15/1974, that the '73-'74 LT b-ball team lost to the eventual state champion in the Hinsdale Sectional. Although that was the end of my b-ball career, I always remembered what "Coach Nik" taught us: that hard work and preparation would lead to success not only on the court, but also in life. He was a terrific coach, mentor and family man. Indeed, an ideal role model for young men. He will be missed immensely.

Coach Nikcevich was a great teacher, leader and most importantly a person who was interested in his students lives after graduation. I saw him several times at Proviso West tournaments and wished him well at high school championship at Illinois with LT. He always took time out for me to chat.
He will be missed.
Len Benes, RB, class of 67. Basketball student mgr.

Mr Nikcevich was my freshman English teacher at LT. I loved his class. It was one of my favorite classes at LT. I was fortunate to be introduced to his daughter, Cindy, and have fond memories with the family. My condolences to your family. He made a big impression on my life.

For the family, the best antidote to a time of passing of a loved one is the remembrance of a great long life.

My brother was a '68 LTHS grad, my late sister was a cheerleader and '70 grad, and I was a '75 grad. My late parents were long time booster club members. On behalf of my brother and I, we offer condolences and wish the best for all the immediate and extended family members of Ron.

I recall many pleasant memories of Coach Ron, but the one that always makes me smile is his reaction to the final cheer from the stands at the Univ of Illinois IHSS Finals game with East Moline in 1970. My cheerleading sister is on the floor. One of her good male friends is on his feet to the left of me in the stands. He has not washed the same T-shirt for the 31st game in a row. My brother and parents are standing and both grinning to the right of me. Hard hat Mike is leading the verbally irreverent but visually comical and wholesome "Dirty Bird" cheer. For the first time it was "the whole state" and "the triple bird." And for the only time I could recall, Coach Ron Nikcevich allowed himself to watch that cheer and broadly smile.

I am so very sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful teacher and coach.

Dear Auntie Pat, Cindy, Dan, and Jack,
We are sorry for your loss but glad we were able to share some happy times with Ron and all of you. He was quite an amazing man and I know his gifts live on in each of you. May God bless you with comfort and peace.
Love and sympathy,
Twink and Bill

To his family, I would just like to say that Coach Nik was someone who touched countless lives just by being himself...a genuine person who demonstrated his caring for students and team members with just the right touch of seriousness and fooling around in equal and appropriate measures. He reached out to those in his English classes with friendly nicknames and took an honest interest in many of us, including yours truly. Knowing how much I loved basketball, he offered me a spot on our excellent 1969 R-B team, which many of my close friends (all better than me) were on. I declined because I had already organized a rec team. But I was, and still am, honored by his gesture. Rest in peace, fellow Leatherneck. You were a great guy.

I remember all the wonderful slavas we attended at Ron's parents' house. His mother was a relative of our family. Ron was always a great son and gracious host. He will be missed. Vecnaja pamjat.

I had him for freshman English at LT. I will never forget his teasing me in class for not being a basketball fan, I was an avid hockey fan. He said I picked the wrong winter sport . He was a good teacher and made a difference in many lives. Slam Dunk Sir.

My first thought was how l LOVED Mr. Nikcevich as my English teacher at RB.... my name was Charmaine Urban and he always called me "Maine South" one of our fierce conference rivals!! l loved going to RB HS basketball games and dated a few of his most talented players... all kidding aside Coach Nikcevich was the BEST of every one both on the court & in the classroom!!! My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies go out to his beloved family who meant everything to him and may his memory live on in them forever!!! He will be deeply missed by so many Charmaine Urban Ewers

Mr. Nikcevich was my sophomore English teacher at RB. One of my favorite teachers ever. Glad I got to be in his class and experience his instruction.
My sincerest condolences to his family.
RBHS Class of 1970