In Memory of Benjamin Nickels

My name is Melanie Cohen and I have created this fund on behalf of my late father-in-law, Benjamin Nickels, and our family. Ben took his final ride on March 17th, 2018 at 60 years old. He leaves behind his wife, children, mother, brothers, grandson, and a multitude of friends, the family he got to choose - all of whom he loved with all his heart.
He also leaves behind his dogs; all of which he adored, spoiled rotten, and called his other childrenBen’s sudden passing has left a hole in the hearts of many. The grief that we all are going through in losing him is incommunicable and enduring right now. Ben was known and loved by everyone he met. His ever positive attitude, too loud infectious laughter, and ability to touch others with his immutable kindness will be greatly missed.Beneath his long white beard and leather cuts, Ben had a heart of gold. Having served in the Army is his younger years, he extended the respect for the protection of our liberties until well after his service. A motorcycle enthusiast, Ben rode with the Patriot Guard Riders for approx. 10 years, honoring members of the our U.S. military by attending the funeral services of fallen American heroes. He also rode for the Veteran's Riders Group, American Legion Riders #507, past VFW Riders 9375 for California City, and several others. Ben went on charity rides for those in need of encouragement, from sick children to veteran families. Furthermore, through the Habitat for Heroes initiative, he built houses for Veterans in need. And he didn’t do these things for any notoriety or to be called a good person. Ben, ever a Patriot, did these things because he believed they should be done and these people should be applauded. His actions were meant to spread happiness in the hearts of others and he has always been a paragon for the causes that he supported. This dedication and love for others drew people to him.
Here he is with his beard sprayed pink for the Angel Ride:
If you couldn’t tell from the picture, Ben was by all accounts the life of the party and never took himself too seriously.


As the man of the house and breadwinner, his family has been left a large assortment of bills. Along with memorial costs, we want to ease the financial burden that comes with losing someone so suddenly. This fund is meant to help take care of his memorial and some of his family's immediate living cost. Any donation, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated and will be used only to sort through the trouble his family as found themselves in without him. All final expenses will be left in charge of his wife Stacey and 3 sons.We’d like to thank all of you for your kind words and support. Ben will be remembered as a bright spot of love and happiness to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

We love you to the moon and back Pops.