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Robert Nicholson

Robert Nicholson Robert Nicholson

Renowned Pictou County artist of Lower Plymouth, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on Wednesday, July 3, 2013, in the Intensive Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow.
Born in Eureka, Nova Scotia in 1924 to the late Alexander and Mary (Turner) Nicholson, Bob was a lifelong resident of the New Glasgow area, settling in Lower Plymouth for over 50 years. Enlisting in 1943 as a Private with the Royal Canadian Armed Service Corps, Bob saw active service with the R.C. Artillery as a gunner and motorcycle driver in the Second World War UK Continental conflict from 1944-1946 and was honorably discharged. He then spent the remainder of his working life in the employ of Maritime Steel and Hawker Siddeley of New Glasgow, most notably as a crane operator, until his retirement.
Robert Nicholson was a prominent and well-respected Pictou County artist. As a prolific interpreter of his surroundings, Bob’s love of country is reflected in each and every painting. He was a painter in oils and acrylics, most notably seascapes and landscapes, but dabbled in painting castles and sketching portraits in charcoal. Bob’s paintings have been purchased for private collections within Canada, the USA and abroad. For decades, Bob and his late wife Joyce had been very active members and fundraisers in the efforts of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Pictou County Multiple Sclerosis Support Association, often donating his works of art to auction for the cause.
Often described as a “character” or, lovingly, as “the crotchety ol’ bugger”, Bob was a man of quick, dry wit, a charming smile and impeccable dress. He was “routine-oriented”, had great hiding spots and the best belly laugh one could ever hope to hear. His love of music, especially swing and Sinatra, was abundant, as was his admiration of creativity in every medium. Bobby was known for dancing with his added steps, jingling the change in his pocket, while humming the tune no one ever knew, and a good game of crib. He had a genuine love of the outdoors: fishing, cross-country skiing, playing at horseshoes and golf and perfecting the art of mowing the “lawnd”. This genuine man of many talents left us with fond memories of a loving father, doting grandfather and of a man with an abiding appreciation of the world’s beauty and a zest for life. It can never be said that Robert Forbes Nicholson did not do it his way.
Bob was predeceased by his wife Joyce (Taylor), as well as brothers: John, Allister, Archie, Arthur, George, Louis, and sister Catherine.
Bob is survived by brother Hector, Oromocto, New Brunswick; sons Wayne (Diane) and Ronald (Sharon) of Halifax, daughters Barbara Clarke of New Glasgow and Katherine Nicholson of Moncton, New Brunswick. Also surviving are “Grampy’s/Papa’s” grandchildren Allison (Stephen), Jeffrey (Marlene), Karen, James (Cheryl), Korey (BJ), Jillian (Richard) and Adam, as well as great-grandchildren: Nicholas, Jessica, Brody, Johnathan, Brendan, Chloe, Mitchel, Olivia, Jayden and Taylor, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends in Pictou County, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and elsewhere in Canada.
Thanks are not enough for the exceptional care Bob received from Dr. Okafor, Dr. Farrell and the nursing staff of the Intensive Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital. Their kindness, professionalism and exemplary service will always be warmly remembered and deeply appreciated.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, August 24th, 2013, beginning at 3 p.m. at the Dock Irish Pub, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. All persons are welcome to come and share their memories of this wonderful gentleman.
A donation in Bob’s memory can be made to the Pictou County Multiple Sclerosis Support Association.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of H.W. Angus Funeral Home. A private internment ceremony will take place at Heatherdale Memorial Gardens on Sunday, August 25th.
Online condolences may be given at www.angusfuneralhomes.com

 

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