Obituary of Nicholas Xavier Nell

Nicholas Xavier Nell and Raymond Jacob Nell - two brothers who loved life, loved each other, their brother Ben and their sister Meggie, their parents, grandmothers, uncles, aunts, cousins, and many friends. They loved challenging themselves and each other with physical sports and elaborate word games and puns. They never met anyone to whom they couldn't give a nickname - and make it stick. They teased each other endlessly, and they stood together when any of their siblings needed support. They loved helping their friends and assisting people in need with no thought for recognition. They left this world - much too soon - the same way they had lived: together, pitting their strength against an enemy that was just too strong - the cold, wind-driven waters of Lexington Reservoir, on May 5, 2013. Nick was born August 7, 1977, in the East Bay town of Newark, California, and Raymond five years later, on March 2, 1983, in Felton, California. Both attended Popper-Keizer School (now known as Spring Hill) in Santa Cruz. Nick subsequently attended York School in Monterey and two years at UCDavis. Ray went on to San Lorenzo Valley High School in Felton and then to CSU Monterey Bay, where he completed a B.A. in Education and a Teaching Certificate in Secondary School English. At the time of their death, both were working for Apple Inc., Nick as an iTunes Corrections Manager, and Ray as a Mentor in the Apple Store in Monterey. Nick was also a well-loved member of Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz. Nick is survived by his beloved wife of eleven years, the former Renee Goodrich, with whom he lived in Scotts Valley. Ray, of Aptos, leaves behind his soulmate, Amelia Urban. Also mourning the two are parents Fernando Nell, of Scotts Valley, and Diane Nell, of Felton, stepmother Kristen Jensen, brother Benjamin and sister Meggie, grandmothers Lou Shoaf and Elena Nell, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as numerous friends, including their life-long buddies, Renaldo and Lucas Romero. Nick and Ray, you could not have been better sons, brothers, or friends, and you will be sorely missed! We look forward to seeing you again in Heaven. Services for Nick and Ray will be held Saturday, May 11, 2013, at Santa Cruz Bible Church, 440 Frederick Street, Santa Cruz, at 10:00 a.m. A viewing will be held the evening before at Santa Cruz Memorial Mortuary, 1927 Ocean Street Extension, Santa Cruz, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Donations in Nick and Ray's memory can be made to Vintage Faith Church Benevolence Fund 350 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.