Winter Haven Loses an Institution – Nick Christy

Posted: March 24, 2010: 11:27 am

Legendary Winter Haven Restaurateur Nicholas “Nick” Christy, 91, died on Monday, March 22. Christy came to Winter Haven in the early 1950s and purchased what was then called the Sundown Restaurant. He brought his own special flair and Greek influence to a menu that made the establishment one of the most famous and popular in the Central Florida area.

Services for Mr. Christy will take place at St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 27, 2010. The church is located at 1030 Bradbury Road, Winter Haven. (This is a change from previously announced graveside services.)

Share your memories of Nick or the restaurant … comment below.

Pictured left Christy serves Marilyn Van Derbur, Miss America 1958, one of many pageant winners that visited the restaurant while appearing at Cypress Gardens.

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Young Candlelight Tribute May 27th …

Posted: May 23, 2008: 2:11 pm

There will be a Candlelight Memorial to Marlene Young in Central Park on Tuesday evening, May 27 from 8 – 8:45 p.m. It will be a time of music and quiet reflection by candlelight. Those attending should bring candles and lawn chairs or blankets.

Husband Robert Young and other family members plan to attend.

(Update 5-28-08) The memorial service at the First Church of the Nazarene in Winter Haven will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 30.

Young died early Thursday, May 22 following a Wednesday night automobile collision on Lake Howard Drive, SW. She was a passenger in a car hit head on by another driver who crossed the center line. Her husband Bob was treated for injuries including a broken leg and released. Daughter Meghan was injured more seriously and she is expected to recover.

A memorial fund has been established at the Community Foundation of Greater Winter Haven in Marlene’s name. It will fund her favorite community causes. For more information phone 863.298.9020. All donations are tax deductible.

Photo courtesy of The Ledger, Paul Johnson

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