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“We stress family,” said Lamont Hicks, a coach and president of Future Hoops basketball club in Gardner. “We become a family.”
That family lost two of their own when Nickolas “Nick” Roy and Scott “Scotty” Laverdure were killed in crash that occurred in Templeton on Sunday, July 31.
The two young men were in the car with another friend, who was the only one that survived the crash. He remains hospitalized with serious injuries, according to Templeton Police.
Nick and Scotty went on to play at Murdock High School in Winchendon after coming up through Future Hoops. During their time at the club, Hicks said he got to watch the players “develop into young men.”
“I’ve seen Nick mature completely,” Hicks said. “Nick always had that drive. He just needed someone to push him in the right direction.”
Nick considered a military career after high school but expressed an interested in giving back to the sport he loved. If Nick were still alive, Hicks would have made him an assistant coach at Future Hoops.
“He’s such a good person,” Hicks added. “He lived and breathed basketball.”
Meanwhile Scotty went on to join the Marines – something Hicks said the local community was extremely proud to hear. He added Scotty did everything in his power to support his sister and father.
“He was just one of those kids who just wanted to have a good life after high school,” he said. “Some people don’t turn darkness into light, but he actually did.”
Scotty was able to shine that positive light on those with whom he served. Many of his fellow Marines shared memories they had with Scotty on Facebook after hearing about his death.
"I remember being 17 and finding out we were heading to boot camp together and being so happy," one said. "Loyal until the end, forever in my prayers Scotty. I love you brother, til Valhalla when we’ll meet again ❤️🕊.
"You were so excited to get your dd214 and go home to experience life outside of the Marine corps," another said. "I’m sorry that experience didn’t last as long as you’d wanted. Rest In Peace brother, sorry you got taken from us so soon."
Whether on the court or the front lines, Nick and Scotty wanted to improve the lives of others and their legacy will be carried on through all those whose lives they touched.
Information about Nick's services can be found here and Scotty's here.
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