NICHOLS, BENJAMIN CHARLES - Benjamin Charles Nichols, 89, of Monarch Hall, Riverview, with his loving family at his side, passed away peacefully at his residence on Thursday, March 7, 2013. Born in Berwick, NS, he was the son of the late Clyde Everett and Winifred (Warne) Nichols. Ben was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son and brother. Having lost his father when he was 13 years old, he spent his childhood helping his mother with the farm. When he turned 18, during WWII, he joined the RCAF, married his childhood sweetheart, Merna Marie Baltzer, just before spending two and a half years in Europe. In 1952, Ben rejoined the military making it his career over the next 20 years, giving him and his family the opportunity to live in many places around the world. Sgt. Nichols worked in Armament and taught survival to the pilots. After retiring he moved back to Nova Scotia and worked his apple farm for the next few years. In 2008, Ben moved to Royal Court in Riverview where he could be closer to his family. He continued the Shannex experience at Canterbury Hall and Monarch Hall receiving wonderful care from the staff and happy to think of it as home, calling it his “5 Star Hotel”. Ben appreciated all help and everyone loved his sense of humour and compliant, kind nature. Ben loved music, singing and playing his guitars. His pastimes included gardening, camping, woodworking and the crossword puzzles. Ben spent many years volunteering with the Boy Scouts of Canada, becoming a commissioner and achieving the Gilwell Award. Ben will be sadly missed by his daughter, Charlotte Vardy (Eric) of Riverview; son, Garry Nichols (Leanne) of Ajax, ON; sister, Geraldine Fowler (Jim); four grandchildren, Pamela Leger (Gilbert) of Moncton, Steven Vardy (Megan) of Mactaquac, Nicholas Vardy (Ricki) of Hillsborough, Amber Nichols of Ajax, ON; two great granddaughters, Hannah Vardy of Mactaquac and Skyla Vardy of Hillsborough; many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Merna in 2002; grandson, Kale Nichols; sisters, Joyce Stirling and Laura Bushey; brother, Rod Nichols.
Resting at Ferguson Knowles Funeral Home, 1657 Mountain Road, Moncton (858-1995) with no visiting hours by personal request. Memorial Service and interment at Aylesford United Cemetery, NS at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity for the Southeast Deaf & Hard of Hearing, SPCA or memorial of the donor’s choice. Online condolences at www.fergusonknowlesfh.com