Mackay’s David Nicolson loses cancer battle before birth of daughter

A beloved husband and ‘ripper of a bloke’ on the footy field, who was only months away from becoming a dad for the first time, has died. Read the tributes for the much-loved Mackay local here.

After a night out in Las Vegas David and Genna became infatuated with one other marking the beginning of a beautiful relationship and marriage. Picture: Gofundme

A “beloved larrikin” of Mackay’s AFL scene has lost his cancer battle just months from becoming a dad for the first time.

David Nicolson’s wife Genna says he will “always have (her) heart”.

She shared a photograph of them together, with a GoFundMe post telling of his fight to survive.

Family friend Callie Capron said David was diagnosed with a stage four melanoma, which had spread throughout his body.

David fought bravely with his wife by his side for over 12 months before David's passing last week. Picture: David Nicolson

He had been fighting the disease for more than 12 months.

“Genna and Dave were in the midst of planning their future, starting a family, and talking through their plans for more adventures and a chance to make memories,” Ms Capron had stated on the GoFundMe page.

She described her friends as “angels walking among us”, saying they had also cared for Genna’s dad Geno.

Ms Capron said she had been fundraising to give the Nicolsons an “opportunity to focus on what matters most: kicking cancer’s butt and fighting for Dave’s health and future”.

That future included the birth of Genna and Dave’s first child, a daughter.

David last week had announced he and his wife Genna would be expecting their first baby girl to which he couldn't contain his excitement of becoming a 'Girl dad'. Picture: David Nicolson

The proud father had shared an update to Facebook, holding a frame that said: “Girl Dad starting August 2023” – with hundreds pouring out love and congratulations for the parents-to-be.

This week, friends and family shared the news David had passed away.

“No more pain now ol’ mate … rest in paradise my friend,” Owen Battersby posted to Facebook.

Ms Capron thanked David for changing people’s lives in a “meaningful way”.

David fought bravely with his wife by his side for over 12 months before David's passing last week. Picture: David Nicolson

“I will always remember when Genna met her Australian love in Vegas – for what then seemed like a whirlwind (romance), quickly formed into the beautiful life the two of you have built together,” she wrote on Facebook.

“I’ll reflect fondly on our times as roomies and for putting up with me and Genna.

“I’ll carry the memories of you so close to my heart.

“We can’t wait to meet your daughter and tell her how silly, kind and smart you were.

“You were a blessing in our lives.

“I pray for your peace, please tell Geno to be good and you two stay out of trouble – rest easy mate.”

Mackay City Hawks AFL Club members also posted tributes to Facebook.

“It is with the utmost heartache to share that our beloved larrikin David Nicolson has passed away,” the club posted.

“He was in his home with his beautiful wife, family members and his beloved dogs.

“Although this seems unfair, we know Dave fought for as long and hard as he could – we will miss you mate.”

Andy Reid said David was a “champion taken too soon”.

Gary Downes added David was a “ripper of a bloke” who would be “sadly missed by all”.

“David put a tremendous fight just like he used to on the footy field,” he wrote.