Theadore Patrick "Ted" Nicholson
1942-2024
Theadore Patrick ‘Ted’ Nicholson, aged 82, died peacefully at the Valley Regional Hospital on Sunday, October 27, 2024. Born on St. Patrick’s Day in 1942, Theadore Patrick "Ted" Nicholson was the seventh son of Archibald and Mary Ann (née Gillis) Nicholson of Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia. As one of 17 children, Ted was happiest in crowds full of laughter, music, and, of course, food.
A man of deep faith, Ted married Ethel (née McIntyre) also from Sydney Mines. They eventually settled in New Minas, Nova Scotia, where they were anchored by their church, New Minas Baptist, and the most wonderful group of friends. As Scotch Presbyterians with coal miner fathers and fearless, hardworking mothers, Ethel and Ted dedicated their lives to work, family, faith, and community service. They volunteered for the Apple Blossom Festival serving on the executive with Ted as President of the Apple Blossom Committee, supported the fire service and local housing boards, and was instrumental in starting the local food bank and took on leadership positions in their church. Ted and Ethel were proud Kinsmen and Kinettes and shared many great times in that vibrant service community.
Ted loved to say his first job was helping deliver horse drawn wagon loads of ice at the age of five. He graduated high school and began his first career in the bank in Sydney Mines. Both Ethel and Ted worked in the banking industry as they moved away to the mainland. Ted worked to become a social worker and remained one in the Annapolis Valley until his retirement, touching many lives. His clients remember him fondly. During his career and into his retirement, Ted's commitment to the community led him to run for municipal politics. He served many years as a councillor for the village of New Minas and was proud of his accomplishments as chair of the village commission. His children often introduced themselves as New Minas royalty because Dad was Mayor!
Ted is preceded in death by his loving parents, his proud parents-in-law, John and Johanna MacIntyre; brothers, Don, Jack, Melrose, Cavell, Shelby, Angus, Richard and William; sisters, Christine Allen and Margie MacLean; brothers-in law, Earl MacIntyre, Ken (Christine) Allen, Bill (Florence) Ellis, Lorne (Margie) MacLean; and sisters-in-law, Chrissy (Cavell) Nicholson, Alta (Gary) Nicholson and Charlene (Richard) Nicholson.
He is survived by the love of his life, Ethel; their two cherished children, Angela (Loc) Nicholson Do and Brent (Jen) Nicholson; brothers, Gary Nicholson and Daniel (Theresa) Nicholson; and sisters, Florence Ellis, Anne (Fred) Burt, Sandra (Ralph) McKeigan, and Lynn (Lorne) Tate; brother-in-law, David (Betty Ann) MacIntyre; sisters-in-law, Judy (Earl) MacIntyre, Connie (Don) Nicholson, Gloria (Jack) Nicholson, and Rose (Angus) Nicholson. Ted was happiest as "Grampy" and was most content when with his adored grandchildren Sam, Lily, Matthew and John. They will cherish memories of Grampy watching them play sports, unwrap Christmas gifts, and enjoy shared treats. A family of 16 brothers and sisters and two brothers-in-law gave Ted the chance to be the proudest uncle of 41 Nicholson and 2 MacIntyre nieces and nephews. Having a houseful of family with the commotion and joyful noise that ensued brought Ted great joy.
If you played sports as a kid in the '80s, Ted probably drove you to a game in the Nicholson’s station wagon, coached your team, or cheered the loudest at your games. A lifelong lover of all sports, he faithfully supported Acadia Hockey and Basketball, the local Kentville Wildcats, and, of course, his Boston Red Sox. A yearly family tradition was to travel to Massachusetts, stay with Jimmy and Wilena and their warm family in Framingham, shop, and catch at least one BoSox game at Fenway.
A talented member of a musical family, Ted was often found by his teenage children alone in a dark house, happily playing the family piano. He sang in the church choir and, with close friend Laurie or his brothers Angus and Gary, performed at many weddings. Ethel and Ted were noted dancers and often graced the dance floors of community and family celebrations. They filled their house with music and love.
Ted loved being on the road with Ethel, with Ethel driving, of course. They visited family in Cape Breton and Ontario, took those great trips to Boston, and enjoyed countless US trips with dear Valley friends to New York, Maine, and Florida to name a few. He was proud that Angela made a life in Asia and was thrilled to visit Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Australia to share wonderful vacations with Angela, Loc, and Sam. Ted thrived on the road, excited to see the sights, watch as Ethel and friends shopped till they dropped, and, of course, eat—he loved a good meal!
Ted’s family would like to thank the amazing staff at Shannex, Kentville where Ted stayed for the last few years, and more recently the staff in the Emergency Department and on Medical Floor A at Valley Regional Hospital. Ted received the best of care, and all involved made a very challenging time easier. Family and friends miss Ted terribly but take comfort that he is now with dear departed family in Heaven. Oh, what a party they must be having!
If able, please join Ethel and the family at a visitation at the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville on Friday, November 1 between 7 and 9 p.m. A funeral will follow at New Minas Baptist Church, New Minas on Saturday, November 2 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Ethel requests you consider donations to New Minas Baptist or a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.