It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Adrian Ernest Nygaard of Kamloops, BC, on September 16, 2024, at the age of 56.
Adrian is survived by his loving wife, Tanya; his children, Michelle and Dallin (Alexis); his cherished granddaughter, Alyson; his parents, Marilyn and Peter Hardy; his siblings, Vicki, and Chris (Sarah); sister-in-law Yvette (Rob); and a large extended family of nieces and nephews: Taylor (Nick), Freja (Raven), Amanda (Cole), Hayden (Victoria), Phoenix, Jaden (Katie), Odin, Torger, Isaiah, Apryl, and Alannah. Adrian was predeceased by his mother, Marilyn Hardy, and his father, Ernest Nygaard.
Ade was born in Quesnel, BC, and spent much of his childhood in Bella Coola, BC, before his family moved to Kamloops in 1974, where his mom met and married Peter Hardy. Adrian graduated from school in Kamloops and pursued his love of music by attending music school in Nelson, BC.
Ade’s life was filled with love for his family, including his wife Tanya, children Michelle and Dallin, and granddaughter Alyson. He also had a deep passion for music and his community. Whether playing his guitar and singing or helping friends and neighbors with his vast renovation skills, Ade was always willing to lend a hand. He found community wherever he went, whether working in Fort Nelson alongside his son or assisting nieces and nephews with their homes in Kamloops. He was also known for helping friends and neighbors in Anglemont, often protecting properties from summer fires.
Ade, along with his family, built two successful companies: Draagyn Inspection Services Ltd. and Draagyn Holdings Ltd. Working with his children in the family business gave him immense pride and joy.
Ade was part of a large group of friends who shared a love for trains. He would listen to his radio to track them, spending countless hours chasing the rails, swapping stories with the older enthusiasts, and passing his knowledge to the younger ones. His camera was always ready in the truck, and you had to be prepared for a sudden U-turn if he spotted a BC Rail car. In 2023, Ade proudly donated his replica of the BC Rail line to the Fort Nelson Heritage Museum—one of his finest creations.
Ade touched the lives of many through his kindness, skills, and willingness to help. His friends, family, and fellow musicians will remember him for his generosity, boundless energy, and love of life. He embraced every day without regrets, always making the most of every moment.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has offered support and shared their funny stories, providing comfort during this very difficult time.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, October 4th, at the Kamloops Funeral Home, officiated by Pastor Don Malone.
Family and friends who are unable to attend the service in person can participate via the following online link: https://www.ipcamlive.com/5f98c1fdc1e47
PIN: 1993
Special thanks to Yvette and Rob Wagner for their contributions to the eulogy, and to Jay Vaillancourt for the music and slideshow.
“A misty morning does not signify a cloudy day…” — Unknown
Condolences may be sent to the family at
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
12 Tributes
The world lost a truly great soul and super nice guy. I never got to know his family, short of some lovely Christmas cards they sent me, but was lucky enough to sing with Ade for a short while with Strip. To Jay ( Strip’s real singer)and Brett and Todd and the others, thanks for a good time together, but we all know it was Ade who was the real focal point of the band. RIP Adrian and my sincerest condolences to his family.
To Tanya and family our deepest condolences. Keep your memories close. Glad we got to meet Adrian at the family reunion.
The world lost in an absolute amazing man. Adrian, you touch my world in such a way with your patience, understanding your laughter and your joy. the fact that you are an amazing human being cannot be stated enough. the loss of you. the world has lost an absolute amazing human being. I truly am going to miss my friend, thank you for all you have done for me. the days in fort Nelson were part of the best days of my life working for you. thank you for all you did. are you rest in peace. and my deepest condolences to your family
Tanya and family Our prayers and thoughts
Are with you all at this difficult time
Love Uncle Alex auntie Rosie
Arron and Carli
Miles & Andrea
Xander Damyn and Zoryanna
Uncle Dan auntie Di
Well this is totally fucking gay….(that’s the sound of Adrian laughing…)
Hey man..you’re with Mark Petri now..
don’t worry sooner or later we will all be where you are. guess we aren’t 18 anymore.
serious: just found out now.
my heart hurts. goddamn it.
RIP man. love you.
but you knew that.
I am so sorry for your loss, Tanya. Sending prayers and hugs to you and your family ❤
To Tanya & family I am truly sorry for your loss! Unfortunately I won’t be able to attend the service as I am out of the Country! My thoughts however will be with you on that day. I cherished Adrain’s friendship and have very fond memories of what I call the carefree days! When a group of us played card games ( a game called asshole was our favourite), it could get very competitive but we all had a blast! And of course all the 1994 nhl final games we watched when our boys almost won the cup! We watched every game together and cheered the team on as hard as we could. Adrian I’m going to miss you buddy!
Sincerely your freind Paul
Il never forget the times we met up in fort Nelson, you taught me so much about model railroading. Til weeet again friend!
I’m so sorry Tanya and family. It seems like it was time for God to take a few people away all of a sudden. I’ll miss him. I’m glad he had an amazing time here in the Valley the last time he visited, and I’m glad me and others had once last chance to see him before he went to sleep. Love to Tanya, and Dalan, I’m so sorry cousin.
It’s a rarity to come across an individual such as Adrian in one’s lifetime. For this I am eternally grateful to have met and made some great memories. I never knew just how much of an impact he would make in my own life and I can only imagine the loss his immediate family and friends must be feeling. I will miss Ade dearly, but I know we will see each other again one day. Rest easy my
Brother.
Love ya man
Patrick
My brother and I met Adrian while his family lived briefly in Whitehorse when we were kids. I remember his band opening for Motley Crue in Kamloops quite a few years ago. His band was much better than the Crue. I am confused about Marilyn as it says Adrian was survived by her, but then predeceased by her.
My sincerest condolences to all of Adrian’s family and friends. I only knew Adrian for a short while but he was always quick to smile and laugh even when I was texting him that the train decided it didn’t feel like running.. again. or the time a dog jumped on top of it, he said all was fixable and not to worry. From what I got to know of Adrian he was a really awesome human and I am so grateful that he wanted to donate his train set to the museum or we never would have met! I hope he is at peace and that his family may take comfort in the beautiful memories they have of him.
Your friend,
Jayme (the museum Curator who was really bad at operating a model train)