NICHOLAS DEAN OEHLEY
February 24, 1990 – February 8, 2026
Our beloved Nick passed peacefully into God’s arms on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 10:35 a.m. Eastern Standard Time in Canada. He was 35 years old.
After fighting cancer with a courage that humbled us all, he was finally free from pain, surrounded by family who loved him beyond measure. Even after life support was withdrawn, his strong heart kept beating for more than 40 hours.
That was Nick. Determined. Strong. Never giving up.
He was born on February 24, 1990, at Johannesburg General Hospital, From the very beginning, he was our precious son, bringing joy and light into our lives.
Nick grew up in Lonehill and began at Lonehill Nursery School, where his friendship with Lloyd first began, a bond that would last a lifetime. He was fast on anything with wheels, curious, playful, and wholesomely mischievous.
He loved animals and showed an adventurous spirit even as a small boy.
At St Peter’s Preparatory, that adventurous streak truly took hold. At just ten years old, Nick earned his PADI Open Water diving qualification, embracing both the thrill and the responsibility of scuba diving. He loved the water. Swimming, canoeing, diving. It called to something deep within him.
At Pretoria Boys High, he formed close friendships with Max, Justin, Chase, Gomsi and others that remained strong throughout his life.
After school, he spent three years at the University of Johannesburg studying Hospitality Management. There, his natural gift for connecting with people and making them feel welcome began to shape his professional path.
Nick built a successful career at Merchant Capital. Over more than six years in alternative lending, he helped secure over R100 million in funding for small and medium businesses. It was there he met Alf, adding another dear friend to his circle.
Through Bryanston Bible Church in South Africa, Nick met Tristan, Tommy & Kenny, whose friendship would become lifelong. It was through that same church community that he met Nicole, who would become his wife. In that place of faith, God was quietly writing the most important chapter of his life.
On April 27, 2022, Nick married Nicole, the love of his life. Their wedding day was filled with happiness and hope. They loved each other deeply, shared an unshakeable faith, and dreamed big dreams together.
Together, they made the bold decision to move to Canada and build their future there.
In Canada, Nick continued his career in finance as a Mid-Market Account Executive at Coface, bringing the same instinct for service, excellence, and connection to everything he did.
Nick had a steady presence about him. He was strong when others wavered. Protective of those he loved.
Generous with his time and his heart. He was funny, truly funny, and thoughtful in ways that often caught you off guard. His laugh was infectious, and his smile could light up a room. He made people feel they mattered, because to him, they genuinely did.
He loved life. Sports. The gym. Running. Adventure. Nick threw himself into everything with energy and enthusiasm. He loved exploring new places and was always planning the next experience. He gathered people around him naturally, and wherever he went, warmth and good cheer followed.
Above all, what mattered most to Nick was his faith. As a devoted member of Oakridge Bible Chapel, he found strength, purpose, and community. Even through his illness, his faith did not waver. His quiet courage inspired everyone who watched him walk this as the hardest of roads.
Nicole was his rock. Unwavering. Loving. Faithful through every dark day. We are deeply grateful she was by his side.
Nick is lovingly remembered by his parents, Stephen and Andrea; and by Nicole’s parents, Angelique and Devan, and their families.
He is also remembered by his uncles and aunts, John, Mandy, Terence, Renee, and Claudia. Claudia, Andrea’s sister, carried us with extraordinary love in these past months, travelling from Perth, Australia to stand beside Andrea, Nick, and Nicole, offering strength and comfort when it was needed most.
Nick leaves behind his cousins Kyle, Chris, and Lauren and their families; Andrea’s aunt, Heike Zimmerman; Annette Stelle; his extended family; and his dear friends Lloyd, Max, Justin, Alf, Tommy, Kurt, Tristan, Gomsi, Kenny, Marc and countless others who loved him and whom he loved in return.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”
Psalm 116:15.
”See what great love the Father has lavished on us… We shall be like Him.”
1 John 3:2.
Nick’s light continues in every life he touched, and in the love he gave so freely – from his loving parents