Bradley W. Nimmick, 77

Bradley W. Nimmick, 77, was born on March 5, 1947, in Great Falls. He passed away suddenly on Oct. 27, 2024, at his home in Great Falls due to a massive cardiac event. The profound sadness caused by his unexpected loss is felt by all who knew him. Brad was a deeply loved and admired husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend to many.

He was born to Frederick Gustaf Nimmick and Esther Theoline Dalager, the second of four boys. He and his three brothers grew up on a wheat farm in Big Sandy, Montana, and he was proud to be a farm kid, bragging about driving farm trucks to the silos as a 7-year-old boy. Brad recounted many hardships including duct taping their shoes, no running water, and wind blowing through cracks in the siding when he was a young boy. Despite the limited means, he was very fond of growing up on the farm and used the skills and toughness gained throughout his life.

Brad grew up in Big Sandy and graduated from Big Sandy High School in 1965. His class was the first group of football players who did not have leather helmets! Shortly after graduating, he lost his beloved mother to a long battle with breast cancer. He went on to pursue a degree in special education from Eastern Montana College, graduating with his bachelor’s in 1970 and then going on to receive his master’s degree a few years later, something he was very proud of. 

During college, in 1969, he met his beautiful future wife, Peggy, at Grandma’s bar, and they were engaged at Archer’s bar shortly after! They married a year later on Oct. 10, 1970. They were both very strong and independent individuals who really made a case for the saying of "opposites attract."

In 1973, they welcomed their first daughter, Jennifer, followed by a second daughter, Britne, in 1976, and their son, Tyson, in 1981 who they tragically lost in 2011. Brad tracked the number of days he had been without his only son until the day he himself passed. 

Brad’s first grandson, Braxton, was born in 1993, followed by Parker in 2006, Boston in 2008, and Silas in 2011. One of the most cherished parts of his life was following the daily lives and activities of his grandboys. He was often seen cheering from the sidelines, working to keep his mouth under control and not get kicked out of the games. The boys will hold his many words of wisdom closely in their hearts forever and miss their individual yearly trips with Pops. 

Brad also had a close connection and was quite proud of his sons-in-law, Blaine and Jeff. 

Brad’s career was important to him, as a coach and dedicated teacher and administrator within the special education system. He was too stubborn to let his students fail. He would not give up on students or staff and pushed everyone around him to be their best selves. He would often be approached on the street by prior students and staff commenting on the impact he had on their lives. He was also a proud small business entrepreneur, beginning his first business Big Sky Vending in 1970, and adding many others over the years, selling his last one just recently. Brad had endless energy when it came to work, any kind of work, as long it involved constant productivity and making money! 

He was a man who held himself to a very high standard and encouraged those around him to do the same. He took pride in his "tough guy" exterior, however, those who knew him knew his true heart of gold. Brad always prioritized time with his family, especially their idyllic days on Swan Lake. He adored family excursions near and far, particularly the last family trip to Costa Rica, where he got to feed monkeys as he drank his coffee. He and Peg fulfilled their wanderlust dreams of travel around the world, including trips to Panama, Germany, China, Spain, Belgium, Honduras, the Caribbean, Alaska, multiple cruises, and many trips within the US. They always had their next trip planned, with the upcoming one being Tanzania in February of 2025.

Brad's favorite place was outside, whether it was at Swan Lake, at home, hiking, or many other places. He connected spiritually with the land and the Native American culture. He never had time to sit down, or stop, saying always "I’ll sleep when I am dead!" He was famous for his "Pop’s Breakfast" which we would all enjoy anytime the family was together, making his purple hash browns from fresh potatoes. There was no question where Brad stood politically, and he was happy to share his political views with anyone. You would just need to follow him behind his pickup to see his stance advertised in his multiple bumper stickers. Brad was an avid reader and loved to learn about the history of his home state of Montana and of his country. Brad was a proud American. He always wanted to help those close to him and anyone who wanted to help themselves, connecting to many people each day over phone calls or texts. We will all miss his daily check-ins and inspiring words. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Peggy; their daughters, Jennifer (Jeff) and Britne (Blaine); their grandsons, Braxton (Colette), Parker, Boston, and Silas; brothers, Roger, Gary, and Garland; nephews, Jason, Josh, Trevor, and Landon; nieces, Tiffany and Brenda; and many loving cousins.  

Memorial contributions can be sent to the Tyson Nimmick scholarship fund, Great Falls Public Schools Foundation, Attention: Stephanie Becker (PO Box 2429, Great Falls, MT 59403) or online at www.gfpsfoundation.org noting, specifically, Tyson Nimmick. 

A memorial service will be held at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel, 1410 13th St. Great Falls, MT on Nov. 4, at 1 p.m. With a reception to follow. Condolences for the family may be shared online at www.schniderfuneralhome.com.