LARRY BRUCE NICHOLSON

Condolences & Memories (12 entries)

• I attended JH school with Larry and remember his smile, and infectious laughter. Life takes us many places , and in its hectic pace I lost touch with many people that I became friends with. I too was unaware that Larry struggled with any issues. Rest In Peace ol’ friend. - Posted by: Darren Mallows (Friend ) on: Jul 17, 2020

• Good day people...first, thank you all for your kind words about Larry. It was wonderful to read. I too have all those memories of happy times in the Nicholson clan, growing up in a loving family. Larry and Allan as well as the rest of us would fight for their family as a team...if we had a problem with someone picking on one of us...Larry and Allan and the rest of us would walk to Neil Campbell School and meet at the playground. They would straighten it out!!! No one screwed with the Nicholson clan Ha Ha! However, I also remember the utter sadness of how Larry had to fight his own battles by himself and lost. Many times I asked God why he chose Larry to have Mental Illness ...and not one of us. I finally understood - Larry was a true child of God. He could help people on the streets !! He was proud that he taught many people how to dumpster dive without getting dirty! We would talk and he would laugh or sometimes cry...when he saw many people he loved cross the street and pretend that they didn't see him. I would say to him well they love you...but as Leona would say "Everyone Candace has different attributes. Yours is you are a fighter...Jack's is Ms. Knightingale she could fix anyone's wounds. The twinners, well they were young but still gave their love." Now to my fondest memories. I would pick up Larry up on a Saturday, sometimes we would go shopping at Bargain Harold's or a drive through Kildonan Park. He would tell me where Al worked, what he did there. Larry was so proud of him. I believe we need to get off our asses from our desk chairs and Facebook and go outside..look around, give the Bruce Nicholson nod...give food to those in need. I know lots of you that MAY read this that have good coin ...Leona again would say "Actions speak louder than words!!". Larry died on the 27th of May, 2017...I fought with Government offices, social workers, management for 7 days after he died to have me be named next of kin. My first experience in dealing with Larry's mental illness when I was 16 and a half years old and I continued to care for him for the next 38 years. I think that justifies me being next of kin. If you would ask Larry what his happiest thing to do was...he would say to go to Ma and Pa's grave with two large double doubles with egg salad sandwiches and pack of smokes with a lighter. We would put them on the top of their grave and speak of happy times when we were young and blessed to have such a good family. I would ask him "well Larry how is the egg salad sandwich?" He would say "Well Cand it's pretty good but it's no Leona's!" We laugh at the same time. On Wednesday, June 7, 2017, Larry was buried in Surrey, BC ...I couldn't be there for him but Adelina - my angel and kin, the caregiver from Trout Lake was there to represent me and I was at Ma and Pa's grave at the same time as Larry's burial celebrating Larry's life by bringing two large double double’s, an egg salad sandwich, a pack of smokes and a lighter and flowers to the graveside . Proud that he was my brother but much prouder, he was kin. Love you to bits Larry and in death as in life, you're not heavy, you're my brother...and kin!! So I ask you - Tell me who would choose Mental illness?!! - Posted by: Candy Nicholson (Cand) (Beloved Sister) on: Jun 10, 2017

• HI, I'm Dianne's younest daughter. I heard about Larry and I would like to offer my condolences. It was a long road for Larry and I'm very grateful that Candy was there for him. We have mental illness in our family too and it can be a touchy subject. My uncle had severe mental illness. He did not live on the streets but he couldn't afford the meds. ;which was just as bad. We realized that all a person needs is to feel loved and important. Thank you Candace for understanding that everyone needs love no matter what the situation. It takes real love to be able to see through all the scary stuff and care for someone that can be very frightening to others. May God bless you for your devotion to one of the Lord's children. You did it for the least of these as you did for the Lord. Let us all remember others with mental lllness and on the streets with compassion. We never know what put them there but they are also equal to us in the eyes of our Lord Jesus. My prayers are with all of you. Love Karen. - Posted by: Karen Andres (Cousin) on: Jun 09, 2017

• We would like to offer our condolences to the family. We ourselves never met Larry, but did hear of some great stories when the kids were growing up. It is never easy to lose a sibling. Hopefully knowing that he is at peace will heal your grief. Evelyn and Barry - Posted by: Evelyn and Barry (friend of family) on: Jun 09, 2017

• I'm am so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. We very much enjoyed our friendship with the Nicholson family over the years. You can imagine the fun we all had over dinners and weekend visits! Larry was an integral member of the family, despite his many health issues in later years. He always held a soft spot in our hearts. As your dad would say Larry, "Love you to bits." Rest easy now Larry. xo - Posted by: Edna McLellan (McNabb) (Family friend) on: Jun 01, 2017

• We are all so very sorry for your loss Andrea. Wishing you Peace and Comfort during this terribly sad time in your life. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your faith and the love of family and friends comfort you in this time of sorrow. Take Good Care! Love you girl! - Posted by: Wendy, Berto and Daniel Zilli (Friend) on: Jun 01, 2017

• I just want to give my condolences to the Nicholson family . Thanks also to the staff at Trout Lake care home for being so kind to Larry. Especially Adelina ,who took such good care of Larry, after he moved to Vancouver. I've only been around Larry on ten different occasions, but I learned that when he was younger he would send money to oxfam, I think it was, and had built many wells in 3rd world countries. The people who use them probably would thank Larry for his generous gift of life giving water.When I last spoke to Larry 3 weeks ago, he mentioned the pain his legs were giving him. I'm glad the suffering is over and I hope he is in a better place. - Posted by: Ernie Kirouac (Ex brother in law) on: May 30, 2017

• Very fond memories of growing up with Larry. His incredible sense of humour to his great generosity. From playing football on the front street (lamp post to lamp post), "hot box" on the boulevard to Larry teaching me tennis and how to drive. (Although his truck didn't bode well) Watching "Fernwood tonight" and SNL. Rest in peace from the mental and physical pain of your illness Larry. Thank you to the staff at Trout Lake rehab for your care. - Posted by: Jackie Wasylyk (Sister) on: May 30, 2017

• I am so sorry that Larry has passed away. I did not know of his struggles. I just remember he was fun to be with. I would have tried to encourage him if I only knew he was troubled. At such a young age and learning about our selves our time gets lost and are left thinking that everyone is dealing with similar issues. Maybe part of growing up thinking that, but maybe just a selfish and immature time in life too. So sad and unfortunate that not everybody can can live happily ever after. Larry must have tried very hard to keep a little/big part of himself during his life to be able to help people. People he may not know but was sensitive to know they needed someone. It all started with his smile. Friends forever. My condolences to Larry's family and family of friends. - Posted by: Jill Palmer nee McWhinney (Friend from John Henderson Jr. High) on: May 30, 2017

• Our condolences on the loss of your brother. - Posted by: Lou & Rita Hutlet (nee: Fisher) (cousin) on: May 30, 2017

• My sincere sympathy in the loss of your brother, Larry. My sister, Gail was Larry's god mother. She also passed on May 27.....3 years ago. - Posted by: Karen Wells (Cousin to Larry's mother Leona) on: May 30, 2017

• My memories of Larry is his big warm smile. His laughter and gentle soul. I remember when I was very young going to the Nicholson's. I was so happy and excited. The home full of excitement. I wished I was one too! Larry always treated me with a warm welcome. The last time I saw Larry a few years ago, so much had changed, but not his loving soul and his timeless connection with his sister Candy. Always will remember with love Deepest sympathy - Posted by: Lisa Crozier (Long time friend of family) on: May 30, 2017