Hi, my name is Nicky Spin. I recently lost my Dad, Michael J. Spin—most people knew him as “Big Mike.” His passing was sudden and deeply painful, especially just weeks after losing our Mom. As you can imagine, our family is still reeling and in shock.

My Dad was a complicated man. Some days he was goofy, warm, and kind to strangers. Other days, he was blunt, rude, and said things that made you cringe. He wasn’t perfect—but he was real. He was my Dad, and I loved him.

Reading the comments on his obituary brought me to tears (but what doesn’t these days). People I’d never even heard of—former coworkers, people from his past—shared stories and kind words. It reminded me that even complicated people leave quiet legacies. Even flawed people are loved. Even “hard-to-love” people are missed.

We were still paying off my Mom’s memorial when my Dad died, and now we simply don’t have the money to give him the same kind of farewell. My brother Mike and his wife Cathe have been incredible, but we’re stretched beyond what we can manage right now. Our goal is to raise at least $3,500 to cover the cost of a simple, heartfelt memorial for my dad—something small but meaningful, where we can say goodbye and honor who he was.

I’m asking for help because I can’t do this alone. When my Mom died, I asked for help, and my Dad said, “Boy, you got balls.” He couldn’t believe how many people showed up for me. I think it surprised him—in a good way.

If you feel moved to donate, every dollar will go directly toward giving Mike Spin the memorial he deserves.

And if you’re not in a place to give right now, simply sharing this fundraiser means just as much. Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. And thank you for helping—however you can.

*EDIT*

If this fundraiser happens to exceed the initial goal, please know that every additional dollar will still go DIRECTLY toward costs related to losing both of my parents just weeks apart. Any extra funds will help cover things like flowers, a reception space, food after the memorial, and countless other unexpected end-of-life expenses. Beyond that, anything left will go toward helping me get on my feet—covering essentials like outstanding home equity loans, electric and water bills, car payments and insurance (as I’m in the process of getting my license back), internet and phone bills, and just basic necessities like food for Bean and I. It will feel good to regain some independence…or rather, gain the independence I never truly had, until now. I’m doing my best to stay afloat in the middle of a heartbreak that no one could’ve prepared for, and every bit of support truly helps. I love you all so very much.