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GARY FRANCIS NICHOLSON
Born: Jun 06, 1935
Date of Passing: Oct 24, 2016
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGARY FRANCIS NICHOLSON June 6, 1935 - October 24, 2016 Peacefully, on October 24, 2016, Gary Nicholson passed away at the St. Boniface Hospital, with family at his side. He was 81 years old. Gary was the youngest of six children born to Wilfred and Margaret (Regan) Nicholson. Gary grew up on the family farm in Monkton, ON, with older brothers Edward, Tim, Andy, and sisters Helen and Lenore. Gary understood early on, that life on the farm was not going to be a good fit for him and so he set out to make a life in the world of business. He moved to Kitchener, ON where he met the love of his life, Rita Julienne Dumais. Rita, a fiery, French red head, had moved south from Chelmsford, ON to pursue her goal of working in the health care field. On May 18, 1957, a little more than a year after they first met, Gary and Rita were married in Chelmsford, ON. Gary worked hard to establish a life for himself and his new wife and they were soon blessed with their first born, Julie Ann. Over the next seven years son Doug, daughters Cindy, Denise and finally Karen were to follow. Gary's work brought him satisfaction but his family, more than anything else brought him fulfillment. There was nothing more important to Gary than family. This extended not to just his immediate family but included a profound love and support for his extended family, including nephews, nieces, in-laws, his own parents and was most expressly displayed in later years, in the times that he spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gary loved to travel but it was really more the joy of the journey than the destination. In his early years with his family, he travelled with a borrowed tent trailer to the East and West coasts of Canada. Enthused with the experience of camping in parks across the country, he invested in his own campers which eventually resulted in a motor home which he used to bring the world to his family. These trips are often reminisced and have helped create a strong family bond. Gary also would travel the world with Rita. They thoroughly enjoyed the many Codville Company dealer trips which brought them to Europe, the Caribbean and throughout the States and Canada. Gary continued to enjoy travel as long as he could, most recently traveling to British Columbia for his grandson;'s wedding, to Churchill, MB to see the bears, and to Ontario in September, to visit family. A Funeral Mass of Celebration will be held at Christ the King Church on Friday, October 28 at 10:00 a.m. Immediately following the service, interment will take place in the Holy Angel Mausoleum at Green Acres Memorial Gardens, located on Hwy. 1 East at Navin Road. Friends and family are invited to attend the brief ceremony at the mausoleum but are also welcome to stay at the church where refreshments will be available. Sandwiches will be served once the family returns from the mausoleum . In lieu of flowers, Gary has asked that memorial donations be made to a charity of the giver's choice. The family would like to thank all of the friends and family who provided love and support during this trying time with a special thank you to the Palliative Care staff at St Boniface Hospital who provided compassionate care in Gary's final days.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 27, 2016
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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Gary's passing is a loss of a true business associate and friend. Gary was a 'Gem', replacing fellows from the East who would fly into the prairies for 2 days and quickly leave. He specialized in labour and we spoke frequently to exchange progress on issues. Occasionally Gary and I would meet over cocktails and exchange experiences and chat about family. Gary was honest, thoughtful and fair in his dealings. He impressed me as a man who was happy with life, and I will never forget Gary's hearty laugh as we exchanged tales. Unfortunately, our last luncheon was a few years ago while I was on a short trip into Winnipeg. I will truly miss this friendly fellow. Penny & I extend our condolences to Rita and the family. Lou Hogan, Calgary retired, VP Labour Relations, Canada Safeway - Posted by: Lou Hogan (Business Associate) on: Oct 29, 2016
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Hi Rita, Julie, Doug, Cindy, Denise and Karen, I am so sorry to hear the sad news of Gary's passing. Louise and I send our condolences. I think of the wonderful memories of us, as kids, playing at the farm, and at each others homes, and may your memories of Gary and your dad bring you comfort.....of course not nearly enough - but it helps. All the best. Wayne, Louise, Rhys and Zoe - Posted by: Wayne & Louise Nicholson (nephew) on: Oct 29, 2016
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Rita and family, our sympathy to all family. We miss our very best buddy and always will but keep our memories and pictures here. Miss picking up phone and hearing him say: I'm good, I'm good, but how are you" Always caring and thinking of the other person. We know where he is now so God you take good care of him until we join him. Love as always. - Posted by: Lloyd,Sheila,Lisa Kellett (Friends,goddaughter) on: Oct 28, 2016
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I had the pleasure to know and work with Gary during my years at Codville and SERCA. I enjoyed seeing him again once I started attending the retiree lunches. Please accept my condolences on your loss. He will be missed. - Posted by: Dean Lawson (Business and friend ) on: Oct 28, 2016
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Louise and I would just like to send you our sincere condolences. Gary was a inspiration for me particularly on the topic of business. I know he will be truly missed by his family and friends. Our best wishes and thoughts at this difficult time. We will always have fond memories of Gary in our times together. Louise & Murray - Posted by: Murray & Louise Nicholson (Nephew) on: Oct 28, 2016
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Condolences to you, Doug, and your family. So sorry to hear of your loss. - Posted by: David Lahn () on: Oct 27, 2016
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Our condolences to the Family. So sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Kim Halipchuk (Friend of the Family) on: Oct 27, 2016