It's a sad day for the people of Queanbeyan with the news that Nic Manikis - owner operator of the iconic West Queanbeyan corner shop Nic's Convenience Store - has died.
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Mr Manikis's family confirmed the news on Thursday morning.
Nic's Convenience Store opened on Morton Street in the 1970s and was a shopping destination of choice for the families of West Queanbeyan. Mr Manikis offered fresh fruit and vegetables and deli meats but most important of all, mixed bags of lollies and shelves full of videos for hire.
Nic's was a welcome stop on the walk from home down the hill to the Queanbeyan Swimming Pool.
Tributes came quickly for Mr Manikis, with Queanbeyan local and radio commentator Nick Risteski - aka Raider Nick - taking to the air on MIX106 on Thursday to express his disbelief and sadness.
"To say Queanbeyan is in shock is an understatement," Risteski said.
"Nic was a part of everyone's childhood in Queanbeyan, just a passionate, friendly and hard-working bloke. He will be sorely missed."
Mr Manikis announced just weeks ago that he planned to the sell his corner store and finally retire. It is believed he died in the place he loved most - the shop itself on Morton Street.
Mr Manikis is survived by his wife Yvonne, daughter Kerry and sons Chris and George, and grandchildren Domenik "Nikolaki" and Josef.
Bree Element is a Canberra Times columnist.
Bree Element is a Canberra Times columnist.
