John Nicholson
Born In: Armed Forces Americas, United States
Passed in: Ingonish, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: November 18th, 2009
John J. Nicholson, son of Daniel J Nicholson and Ann Mae (McNeal), passed away quietly in Ingonish, NS, Nov. 18, 2009 at age 78, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Born in Balwinville Mass, USA, John Nick is survived by wife Helen (Lesneski); children Ann, Rod (Nancy) and Helen (Stephen) in Halifax, Dan (Lillian) in Sydney, Pat (Sonya) in Pasadena Ca, and John (Susan) in Mississauga Ont.; grandchildren Katrina, Jared, Dennis, Julian, Shawn, Andrew, Joshua and Jenna and brothers Michael (Gardner) and Daniel (New York) and many nieces and nephews.
Educated at Sacred Heart school, Gardner, LaSalette Prep School Hartford Conn, John went on to St. FX University graduating magna cum laude in 1954.
After a brief stint with the US Army, John was teaching high school in Clinton Mass., when he offered the job of a lifetime at St Francis Xavier Junior College in Sydney, now University of Cape Breton. He became known as the Johnny Carson of the Sociology Professors using both humor and stories to keep his students interested while learning. After 35 years he retired in June 1994.
Besides working and starting a family in Sydney, John Nick was also involved in the community. He started classes for mentally challenged children in New Waterford, with the assistance of the community. He was an active member of the St Anthony Daniel Catholic church, taught nurses at former City Hospital, was Campaign Manager for former mayor of Sydney Carl Neville, and involved in research in Bay St Lawrence and Inverness areas.
Active in the credit union system, he served as President of his local Sydney Credit Union and as member and president of the Credit Union boards provincially and Canadian level. He rose through this volunteer system to become President of the World Council of Credit Unions, traveling thought the province, country and world.
Since retiring in 1994 to Ingonish, he continued to enjoy his lifelong commitment to helping others through listening, offering advise, reading and sharing his sense of humor. He built his second house and encouraged visits from family and friends.
John Nick assisted Ingonish in getting the local Internet service. Instead of just a C@P site the community became an ISP and starting June 3 1997 youngsters to seniors were taught computer classes at the fire hall.
He was predeceased by his sister Margaret (Gardner, Ma) and brother Martin (California)
Special thanks to the North of Smokey Continuing Care Nurses.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial mass will be held in St Peters Catholic church in Ingonish on Saturday, November 21, 2009, at 11:00 a.m., with Fr. Dan MacDonald officiating. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery with a reception to follow in the parish hall. Private flowers only.
Any donations can be made your local palliative care group or charity of choice.
Words of comfort may be sent to the family at jmjobesfuneralhome@ns.aliantzinc.ca
