In Memoriam.ca - Always in our hearts

  • Tara Warren Belyea lit a candle on 07/30/2019:
    "My thoughts and prayers are with Mary Lou, Jennifer, Mary Beth and Kelly on the loss of Bill. He was a wonderful man"

  • Yvette Devoe lit a candle on 07/30/2019:
    "Always a smile from Bill. Such a beautiful, sweet soul. My condolences to the family."

  • Anne Marie MacLean lit a candle on 07/31/2019:
    "I had the pleasure of working with Bill many years back at DFO. He was such a genuinely kind and friendly man. My condolences to his family. ❤"

About him

John William 'Bill' Nicholson

John William 'Bill' Nicholson

Born: January 28th, 1939

Passed on: July 21st, 2019

Bill was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia January 28, 1939 to Marjorie (Parsons) and Neil Nicholson. He was the oldest of 5 children, Catherine (deceased), Jane, Judy & Rick.

Bill’s career was in law enforcement. Bill graduated from the police academy with the Metropolitan Toronto Police and began his career with the Toronto Police Force in 1966. He worked his way to the detective office as a plain clothes officer. Cape Breton was always in his heart, and with a desire to raise his young family closer to home, he and MaryLou packed up and built a home in Ironville in 1977. Dad continued his career working with Government Security at the Heavy Water Plant (Port Hawkesbury). When the Plant closed his career took him to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans as a Conservation & Protection Officer, where he worked for 23 years until his retirement in 2007. Dad loved his work and enjoyed his colleagues and their antics.

Dad was a man with strong Faith and believed in being kind to others and never spoke a negative word about anyone. Dad met Mom (MaryLou Townsend) while skating at the old Sydney Forum. Dad was a true gentleman. Dad came up behind Mom as she was skating, and he took her by the arm. Once she experienced his love and kindness, she took his hand and never let go. This was the beginning of a lifelong partnership. Life was not always easy, but they did it! Over 54 years, three wonderful children, a son-in-law and 2 grandsons created lots of fun along the way. Dad loved his family; he was so proud of his three daughters. Dad was kind, quiet and reserved; he had a dry and quick sense of humour. He was a supportive and giving dad and husband; he always encouraged his girls to be their best. He was always there to help and support his girls through whatever life had for them. Dad’s love of his family increased with the arrival of his two grandsons, Malcolm and Alec, who brought him so much joy and happiness. The boys enjoyed every time they were with Papa: reading stories, watching their favorite TV shows, and especially going for walks that most often ended with ice cream and candy. Every visit always ended with his present of a dinky to each boy. Papa would proudly watch the boys start their school year and attending school concerts. As the boys grew, Papa became a huge fan of their sporting events. Papa enjoyed travelling to watch the boys play hockey, and often would travel to watch them play in tournaments in Canada and USA. He enjoyed meeting the many hockey families connected to his grandsons and always felt welcomed and included in their hockey community. He was comforted to know that the boys and their parents were surrounded by such good people. When not watching the boys play hockey, he would often join them in a road hockey game and could never say no to the boys shouting “Papa, come play! You’re in nets!” Dad loved to travel and took his girls on many family vacations. He also enjoyed vacationing with his adult children and his grandsons; one vacation that brought him immense joy was accompanying his grandsons to Santa’ Village in New Hampshire, as he had taken his girls there many times when they were children. Dad loved Christmas, and it was not out of character to find him listening to Christmas carols during the blistering heat of summer! In his retirement years, Bill & MaryLou enjoyed travelling and spent many winters in Florida and met and developed many wonderful friendships there. Dad’s love of family included love of his family’s 4-legged furry family members. After Charlie, Jennifer’s cocker spaniels Timber, Rory and Rudy brought much joy to Dad. Oscar, another cocker spaniel arrived on the scene 18 months ago to Malcolm & Alec. Dad loved his home and property in Ironville, calling it his little piece of paradise. Dad died at home, with Mom holding his hand in the house they built together and surrounded by the memories of a life rich with love. Dad is survived by his loving wife, MaryLou (nee Townsend), his daughters Kelly (Darren Howie) and their children Malcolm and Alec, Timberlea; Jennifer, Sydney and MaryBeth, Halifax. Dad is also survived by brother-in-law Roddie Townsend, sister-in-law Janice Townsend and numerous nieces, nephews & cousins. As much as Dad/Papa loved us, he was loved as much or more. A beautiful friend shared “Grief is the price we pay for great love”. We miss you and always will. Xo We want to acknowledge the excellent care Dad received, especially from Dr. Greg Myatt and staff; the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Palliative Care Team (including Dr. Ann Frances D’Intino, Dr. Jean Crosby, Dr. Mary Ann Campbell and all of the Palliative Care nurses and LPN’s); VON; New Dawn; 4A staff (Dietary, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Respiratory, Housekeeping); Cape Breton County Homemakers; Sandra & Deb and all those who were there for us on this journey and at this most difficult time. You are outstanding! Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, we request that any donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia, or charity of choice. There will be a celebration of Life on August 17, 2019 from 2-5pm at the home of Bill & MaryLou: 2807 Grand Narrows Hwy, Ironville, Nova Scotia, B1Y 3P6. Cards of condolence may be sent to the above address.