Gary W. Nikkila

Gary Nikkila of Livonia, age 64, passed away suddenly on April 15, 2025.

Beloved father of Kenneth R. Nikkila. Dear son of Kenneth E. and the late Marian Nikkila. Stepson of Janice Nikkila. Dear brother of Douglas (Barbara) Nikkila, Lynn Nikkila, and Christine (Robert) Campbell. Uncle of Kelsey, David, Kenny, Gracie, Brandon, Noah, Brandon, Jessica, Trevor, Brianna, Richard, Megan, Ian, and Colin. Great uncle of Jack and Landon.

Gary was a 1978 graduate of Livonia Bentley where he enjoyed playing football. He went on to work in the trucking industry with his dad and brother at Zayti Trucking in Northville. He was always a hard worker and stayed in the trucking business his entire life. After leaving Zayti trucking, he went to Metro and then the last several years he worked at Dani’s Transport. Gary enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing, darts, going to movies, and was a master at trivia. All of which he did with his family, friends, and his son Kenny. Gary was an avid fan of the Detroit Lions, the Tigers, and the Red Wings. He also enjoyed spending time at the Livonia Elks Lodge and volunteered many hours with all the events that the Elks sponsor. Gary had an incredible sense of humor and loved to joke and laugh. He always kept us laughing and smiling with his one-liner jokes.

We are heartbroken to say goodbye to the best Son, Father, “Younger” Brother, Uncle, Great-Uncle, Cousin, and Friend any of us could have. He will forever be in our hearts and we will miss him each and every day.

A Funeral Service will be held at the R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home, 15451 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Wednesday at 11:00 AM . A Visitation will be on held on Tuesday from 1:00 - 8:00 PM with an Elks Lodge of Sorrow Service at 6:30 PM at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Elks National Foundation (www.ELKS.org).

Please share a memory of Gary by signing his Guestbook.