Colleagues of Nick Medlin, the man named locally who died after an alleged assault outside the Rose Pub in Ventnor in the early hours of Christmas Day, have shared a touching tribute on social media.
The post, shared with the permission of Nick’s wife and two sons, explains how Nick was loved and respected by all his colleagues. He’d only been a prison officer for two years but was hugely popular.
Touching tribute
Our sincerest thoughts go out to Nick’s family, friends and colleagues at this terrible time.
This is the message from his colleagues at HMP Isle of Wight, posted on the Know the Danger Facebook Page:
During the late hours of Christmas Eve and the early hours of Christmas Day, Officer Nick Medlin, Parkhurst Site, HMP Isle Of Wight, was out celebrating with his family and became the victim of a vicious assault in Ventnor. It is with great pain sadness I wish to inform you all that Nick did not regain conciseness. However, no more details are available as Police enquiries are ongoing.
Nick and Dani moved to the Isle Of Wight within the past three years, while their sons, Joe and Charlie, stayed on the mainland to continue with their studying.
Nick, at the tender age of 55 opted to join the Prison Service. In Nick’s words, for something different to do and to keep him occupied. And he soon endeared himself to everybody he worked with.
Being an ex-boss of his own company, Nick knew how to deal with people on a daily basis. He never had to demand any respect as it was always there from colleagues, managers, and prisoners.
Everybody loved Nick Medlin and respected him and I can say hand on heart, he was one of the best officers I have ever worked with in over thirty years. A true professional in every way.
It was at an early stage in Nick’s Prison Service career that I was totally shocked to learn I was to be his mentor. He didn’t really need me apart from various paperwork submissions we all make on a daily basis and he soon mastered that.
Yet again Nick’s forte was knowing how to work with and deal with people. I did however on a few occasions observe Nick wave his index finger telling people not to interrupt as he was the one talking. Everyone soon shut up. With the exception of me who had great pleasure in reminding him he was a sprogg and a NEPO.
I like to think of Prison Officers of having a unique sense of humour and Nick was no exception. When Nick first started he had the habit of ending up at the wrong place during incidents. And we never let him forget. “Are in Parkhurst, Albany, or Dartmoor tomorrow Nick”? Or, after making everybody a brew, “Is this coffee from The Scrubs tea-boat”?
I can assure you none of this was one sided as Nick could give it back and laugh at his own mistakes. I will miss Nicks permanent smile, banter, and cups of tea and coffee.
They say that 2016 has been a sad year for losing superstars. And Nick Medlin is no exception to this. Nick, you are one of the loveliest people and friend I have ever had the pleasure of working with and to also know outside of work.
You were hugely popular amongst your colleagues. You were our superstar and you are truly going to be missed by all. Rest In Peace my Double Act Mucker.
Our genuine love and thoughts go out to Dani, Joe, and Charlie. God bless you all.
xxx A-Wing Parkhurst.
Crushing news from Nick’s wife
Another post shared (with permission) on Boxing Day on behalf of Nick’s wife, Dani, read,
“It is with crushing sadness that I have to tell you that on Christmas Eve our beloved Nick was tragically killed following an assault at the end of what had been a brilliant family night out.
“In one flash of violence he was taken from us. We are totally numb to the core. Nick had never been happier since living here in Ventnor and I am just grateful we realised his dream. If only for a short time.
“Nick was my best friend and my soul mate and best Dad our boys could ever have wished for. After being together for over 30 years life won’t ever be the same. There is an ongoing police investigation so I will not be posting any more info.
“Myself Joe & Charlie are at a total loss but have such a strong loving family and friends somehow we all have to find the strength to get through this terrible time.”
Thanks to Linda Bassett from Isle of Wight Community Information Group for sharing.
Image: valentinhintikka under CC BY 2.0
