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The family of George Nicholson uploaded a photo
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
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The family of George Nicholson uploaded a photo
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
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Rodger Griffiths posted a condolence
Monday, February 9, 2009
Eulogy
Good morning, I am Rodger, one of Wynne†™s brothers. Like you and everyone else in this room I stand here is utter shock. A part of all of us has been torn away. Although as I look around this room I do not know many of you, but I know something about you. What I do know is that you loved George and he held a special place in your heart. How could you not love George?
When Wynne first brought George home to introduce him to the family, for George, I think it would have been an intimidating sight. Wynne†™s three younger brothers looking on at this older guy that had captured their sisters heart, Mom and Dad looking on skeptically at what this fellow would be like. I do not know if George grasped that he was under the gun because as we started firing questions at him about Ireland, his masters degree, his rugby playing, he just motored on talking, engaging us all in his strong Irish brogue. When he left we all agreed that he had captivated our hearts as he had Wynne†™s although I have to admit none of us had understood a word he had said. Since then, George has become an integral part of our family and I think we all thought of him as glue that keeps a family together.
Although lately I have not notice George having an accent, he has remained strongly proud of his Irish heritage. Although he was a proud Canadian he never forgot his roots back home. He told me once that a great thing about being Irish was that you could pour on your Irish accent when needed. One of his fantasies was if he ever got stopped by the police, he would put on his Irish accent, (where he would start talking with a very thick and fast Irish accent). He said he would starting asking the policeman direction, saying that he did not understand theses Canadian road, what had he done wrong etc. and that the policeman would let him go out of shear frustration.
When George first came over to Canada he would talk in terms of conflict and problems and the need to solve such problems with violence. What was so bizarre about this is that I think George was one of the most gentle people I have ever met.
I could stand here and tell you numerous stories about George and all of them would tell you something about who he was and how he lived and savoured life. If George were here he could stand here even longer and entertain you with adventures and situations that he had encountered. A big part of who George was lies inside those stories. The funeral home has set up a web site, where you can express your condolences. I encourage you, no I beg you, to go there and tell a story about George or a story George has told you. I also suggest that you return, again and again, to read other peoples stories. Through these stories you will laugh, you will cry but more than anything else you will learn a little more about George and appreciate and cherish memories of him.
In this world I have found people who love to talk and people who love to listen. George was one of the few rare people I have met that actually loved to do both. He rarely talked about himself. He would listen to what you had to say and then would augment your conversation. Now do not let me mislead you, George had opinions and liked to express them. In fact George had very strong opinions. He would debate passionately to defend his opinion but never thought less of you if you did not agree with him. He certainly respected your opinion. At the same time you could not help but respect George†™s opinion. You always knew that he formed his opinion after much thought, mind you, because George thought so quickly, much thought did not take long. You also knew that his opinions were based on a strong moral compass and were not based on some hidden agenda. I do not think that George had any hidden agendas.
Not to long ago I said to George that I thought Laura (Ty†™s Fianc�©e) was a lovely girl. George agreed whole heartily but added that Laura reminded him of Wynne when he first met her. Although, George meant this as a compliment to Laura, the comment was actually about Wynne. To me he was making a statement and proclaiming that after 37 years his love and passion was just as strong and present as it was when he first met Wynne.
George was a passionate person. He was passionate about family, about friends, about politics, about this faith, in fact he was passionate about almost everything. Of course as you all know he was passionate about land use in the Niagara region. As a geographer and urban planner he toiled over the challenges that being a regional planner in Niagara involved. One of George†™s pet projects was the trail around the Niagara region. As a cyclist he saw the value of such a trail. This trail is part of George†™s Legacy. That is why the family has suggested that if you want to make a donation in honour of George that it could be to the region to help finish this trail.
More then anything George was a Husband, a Father, a friend. He cherished all his rolls and took his responsibilites seriously.
Everyone here who knew George is better for it. He enriched our lives. George rejoiced with us in our success and empathized in our failures and losses. He was always there to help, to support, to organize and to cheer for us and he asked for nothing in return. No was not in his vast vocabulary.
We will miss his vibrancy, his smile and his energy.
We will not see the likes of George again .
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Phyllis Agg posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Dear Wynne and family,
My sincere condolences to you at this time of loss. It was always a pleasure to see you and George at the theatre.
Sincerely,
Phyllis Agg
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Stephen C. Wilson posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of George. He was a good friend over the passed 10 years. He worked very hard on the Greater Niagara trail and on the East side trail. Off road motorcycle people throughout the peninsula will always have a place to ride because of his hard work. I will miss him.
Stephen C. Wilson
Niagara Timberline Riders Motorcycle Club
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Ralf & Jacqueline Winter posted a condolence
Sunday, November 9, 2008
It was with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of George. We met him for the first time this summer while cycling the Great Waterfront Trail. We shared stories, laughter and the joy of cycling with him. George was a gentleman - our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very sad time
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Anne Mayne posted a condolence
Thursday, November 6, 2008
On behalf of the Stuart family formerly from Minterburn we want you to know you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
I remember when we lived in Belfast George used to visit us quite often and I will always remember him standing in front of the fire with his hands behind him getting warmed and him talking nineteen to the dozen. Although you are in Canada we still hear about you all from Brenda McClelland and of course the family back home.
Love to you all John & Anne
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Eric Ring posted a condolence
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Dear Wynne, Scott, and Ty
My father just alerted me about George. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Since leaving St. Catharines I have lost touch with many people I grew up with and though it is great to get in touch again after so many years I would have hoped it would be under better situations. I remember being mesmerized by the stories George told about a trip you all took to Northern Ireland and Carrickfergus Castle. That story stayed with me and inspired me to visit as many castles as possible when I visited Scotland.
I wish I was able to be in St. Catharines but unfortunately I am now in Saint John. Please send me an email and I can get in touch with you. I will be visiting my parents and Christmas and would like to see you if you are up to it.
Eric Ring
ericring@nb.sympatico.ca
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Wilma & Bill Dixon posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Dear Wynn, Scott & Tye
We are very sorry to hear of George's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will remember George as a "fun guy" and a friend whom we always think of fondly!
Bill & Wilma
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Kerry Thomas posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
I am so sorry to hear about Geroge....please accept my condolences.
Kerry Thomas
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Susan Forgeron posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Dear Wynne and family- we were shocked and saddened to learn of George's death. He was a true gentleman. Our sincerest sympathy to all of you.
Sue, Dave, and Rachael Forgeron
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Jim Diodati posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
We will greatly miss George's energy and vibrant personality! I'm sure he will ride his bicycle into the pearly gates and see to it that the path is improved! God Bless!
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David Hunt posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
George was always good company on cycling trips and in more formal settings such as meetings. His contributions to cycling will always be appreciated, and his good humour and friendship will be missed.
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Brenda Mills posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Wynne, Ty, Scott & Laura - I am so sorry and in total shock as you must be. I feel so blessed to have known George and the gift and love of cycling that he shared with me. You must know how precious all of you were to him - we shared many talks about our families and although very humble - the pride and love shone through. One of my fondest memories will be the day that George invited me into your family and the wonderful dinner you shared with me and Linda. I have a lost a dear friend - loving thoughts.
Brenda
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Aurora Testa posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
I would like to express my sincere condolences to your family at this difficult time. We always enjoyed listening to George's stories, because they were always entertaining no matter what the subject.
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Shirley Van Egmond posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Dear Nicholson family, I don't know if you remember me, I was formerly a Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor at Bodymax when your family had memberships there. I had the privilege of instructing George in spin classes and out on the gym floor. He was a wonderful man who always had a bright smile. I am sorry to hear of George's passing and would like to send my condolences to you and your extended family at this difficult time. May you feel comfort knowing that many are thinking of you and praying for you at this time of loss and sorrow.
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George Darte Funeral Home proudly serves St. Catharines ON and the following (but not limited too) communities of: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Thorold, and Lincoln ON.