Bundaberg mourns beloved 17-year-old cyclist, ‘Nico’ Fish

High school student ‘Nico’ Fish, who died just days after turning 17, has been remembered at his funeral for his quick wit, tenacity, love of chess and cycling, and his heart for helping others.

Family and friends gathered to farewell Nicota ‘Nico’ Fish, remembered for his sharp wit, love of cycling, and kind heart.

The Bundaberg community came together on Friday to bid a heart-wrenching farewell to Nicota Rolloque ‘Nico’ Fish, a beloved Shalom College student and passionate cyclist.

The Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Barolin Street was filled with family, friends, and community members who gathered to honour Nico’s life during a solemn Requiem Mass.

Nico died on the evening of Thursday, September 5, just three days after celebrating his 17th birthday.

His sudden passing has left his family—parents Nerissa and Warren Fish, and younger brother Rowel—devastated.

Nico Fish loved cooking and spent lots of time looking through recipe books to choose what to make his family for dinner.

Born on September 2, 2007, in Rockhampton, Nico’s uncle David South described him as “uniquely different” during his tribute.

“He was always willing to assist,” Mr South said.

“In the right mood, he could be very witty.”

David also shared how much Nico loved chess, always ready to challenge anyone willing to take him on.

“No one was safe from being challenged,” he said.

Four and a half years ago Nico found his passion for cycling and became an active member of the Bundaberg Cycling Club.

His love for the sport was evident, even though, as Bundaberg Cycling Club president Wayne Morden said, “He wasn’t a natural cyclist, but he made cycling a very important part of his life”.

The Bundaberg community came together on Friday to bid a heart-wrenching farewell to 17-year-old Nicota Rolloque ‘Nico’ Fish, a beloved Shalom College student and passionate cyclist.

Mr Morden spoke about how Nico became a role model to the younger club members, admired not just for his skills but for his tenacity.

“He had a very, very quick wit,” Mr Morden said, adding that Nico’s presence kept everyone on their toes.

Recalling a highlight of Nico’s cycling journey, Mr Morden spoke about his win at the Rocky Cup on Wheels:

“We didn’t know how he won, but he managed to find a way to do it”.

Bundaberg Cycling Club president Wayne Morden left Nico a cycling cap with his coffin.

Nico was also remembered by Kevin Crowley, his pastoral care teacher at Shalom College, for his lighthearted antics in class.

Nico would have a quirky way of answering during roll call, often jokingly responding with ‘absent’ instead of ‘here’, Mr Crowley said.

He had been preparing to attend a Year 11 retreat the week of his death.

Though he never had the chance to read the heartfelt letter his parents had written for him for the retreat, Mr and Mrs Fish’s words were shared at the funeral.

In her letter, Mrs fish wrote:

“First of all, I thank God for such a blessing. You made your mum and dad complete.

“Before you turned one, you’d learnt to walk and say our names.

“You always chose to be you—honest, hardworking, and loving.”

Mr Fish wrote: “I’m so blessed to have such a beautiful family.

“I’m the luckiest dad in the world.”

Beyond his love for cycling and chess, Nico had a deep passion for cooking.

Nico surprised many with a huge win at a Rockhampton cycling competition.

He was a fan of making jam drops and regularly volunteered to prepare the family’s Friday evening meals.

His talent as a “nerdy gadget whiz” was also well-known, and he was often called upon to fix tech problems.

As mourners gathered to say their final goodbyes, they also celebrated the joy, laughter, and unique spirit Nico brought to their lives.