Kevin Robert Nissen farewelled by loved ones at his funeral

Friends and family of well known Gympie businessman and family man, Kevin “Shorty” Nissen have remembered his cheeky smile and precious moments as he was farewelled following his shock death on July 31.

Loved ones of long-time Gympie builder and beloved family man Kevin “Kev” Nissen said their final goodbyes at an emotional funeral in Gympie on Wednesday, August 10.

Kevin Robert Nissen, 74, died unexpectedly on July 31, 2022. Fondly known as “Shorty”, he was a giant to those who knew and loved him, Mr Nissen’s daughter Hayley Nissen said in a moving eulogy.

From a young man bursting with curiosity and mischief to a beloved family man and builder of more than 50 years, he was always ready to lend someone a hand.

“He wasn’t just any dad, he was our Dad, our husband, our brother, our father-in-law, our colleague and our friend,” Ms Nissen said.

Mr Nissen was the second-eldest son of Buck and Vi Nissen, and a brother to Dennis, Jan, John and Mark.

He started a building apprenticeship at the age of 16, and eventually took over the family business with his brother Dennis and worked hard to provide for his family.

Nissen and Sons built most of Gympie – or at least that’s what it felt like to his children when he’d point his hand out the car window and proudly say: ‘I built that,’” Ms Nissen said.

He met his partner-for-life - wife Wendy - when he was 21, and after asking for her hand at the Gympie Show Ball in 1974, they were married and had their first child, Hayley, in 1983, followed by Grant and Blair.

Mr Nissen taught his children many life lessons.

“There were also many nights spent riding on Dad’s back, the bucking bronco as we fondly named it, until his saddle finally gave way under the weight of three hefty kids.”

After his three children left home, the Nissens began to travel before Mr Nissen decided it was time to build his dream home at Boonooroo.

“He wanted to build this home, which would be his last, so we would all have a place to come and be together, because to Dad, this was what life was all about,” Ms Nissen said.

“Of all the things we will miss the most, it’s knowing that he was just one phone call away, one whispered word that he was needed and he would drop everything to be there, to smooth the road and ride out the storm.

“We are going to miss you dearly, Dad, and we wish you didn’t have to go.

“But know that we will never forget the man that you were and the happiness you brought to our lives.”