Rick Nicholson

Richard (Rick) Nicholson

North Sydney

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, and friend, Richard (Rick) Nicholson on the 2nd of July, 2021 at the Northside General Hospital.  Rick leaves to mourn, the true love of his life, his wife Pam (Gillis), his daughters Gemma (Steve Martin), Jessica (Chad Nippard), grandchildren, Bailea (Carter Wells), Liam, Jack, Nicholas, Cadence, Bentley, and Bria.   Rick’s devotion to his family was evident and inspiring in the close ties he had not only with his children but his grandchildren, they truly cherished their Poppy.

In younger years he was a skilled hockey player and proudly recalled playing with the Deonos, Vics and eventually the Old Timers hockey teams.  He was a member of Seaview Golf Club.  He enjoyed woodworking, in a garage he built himself, camping, darts and bowling.  Rick was involved with Alcoholics Anonymous for many years and made many friends during his involvement.   Rick’s family and extended family fondly recall his crazy sense of “slapstick humour” and how he thoroughly enjoyed a good belly laugh especially if it was at their expense.

Rick was predeceased by parents Neil and Marjorie Nicholson, birth parents Cornelius and Catherine Drake, by father-in-law, Bram Gillis and siblings Bill Nicholson and Catherine (Nicholson) Monchuck.  He is survived by siblings Jane Nicholson, Judy Murphy, Debbie Jessome, Hughie Drake, Brian Drake, and Lynn Marie Finalyson.  He is also survived by his mother in law Mary Gillis and Pam’s siblings, Kenny (Georgina), Colleen (Bruce), Ricky, Betty-Jo(Steve), Eilleen (Allan) and many nieces and nephews along with his close friend Ricky Simm.

The family would like to thank the Cape Breton Renal Clinic, Clara Penny, his renal nurse and the staff of 5th Floor, Northside General for their care.

Cremation has taken place with a burial service to be held at a later date.  Donations can be made in Rick’s memory to the Kidney Foundation, Heart & Stroke Foundation or Diabetes Association. 

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, North Sydney.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wjdooley.com

God Grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

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