John Richard Nichols

The beloved husband, father and grandfather often referred to as simply ‘Judge’ passed away quietly at home.

Born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia as the son of Professor E.W. Nichols and Dr. Roberta Bond Nichols, originally schooled at Tower Road and Queen Elizabeth High Schools, John finished his senior year at Riverdale Country School in New York City. In that one year, he surpassed players who had been groomed for starting positions on both the varsity football and baseball teams. A consummate joker, John liked to say he was responsible for many young Americans of that time thinking that Canadians used dogsleds as regular modes of transportation.

He completed an undergraduate Arts degree at Dal, and as a proud Sigma Chi, 'Punchy Nick' was active in all aspects of campus life, acting in various theatre productions, writing articles for the Dal Gazette, and reporting on campus sports for local media. He continued his football and basketball career, earning an engraved 'Gold D' in football while being a member of two Purdy Cup championships teams. After graduating from law school at Dalhousie University in 1957, John established a practice in the historic town of Digby, Nova Scotia. He was appointed a Judge of the Provincial Court of Nova Scotia in 1972. He sat on the bench for 30 years, semi-retiring at 65, yet continuing to work in a supernumerary position, filling in for judges where needed. He retired for good on his 75th birthday. Clients, lawyers, court sheriffs, and peers have praised him for his fairness, his consistency, and the ability to do it all with a certain comedic style that is still talked about. Indeed, some of his work was noted in the 1985 book, 'Court Jesters' Long after his retirement, some of the offenders that John sentenced to federal time made an effort to seek him out, friend him on Facebook, or drop by to say hello and thank him for dealing with them fairly. This is a true indication of the character of this man.

John was always actively involved in his community. He served as President, Vice President, and Secretary of the Digby County Liberal Association; President of the Digby Board of Trade; President of the Nova Scotia Lung Association; an Executive member of the Canadian Lung Association; President of the Digby Branch of the Victorian Order of Nurses; Executive member and Secretary of the Nova Scotia Provincial Judges Association; Secretary of the Western Counties Barristers Association; President of the Navy League of Canada; Treasurer of the Hillgrove-Digby Flying Club; President of the Admiral Digby Library and Historical Society; a member of the Town of Digby Planning and Advisory committee; a member of the Digby Area Learning Association (DALA); he is a founding President of the Admiral Digby Museum; active in the Digby Swimming Association and he was responsible for getting the Royal Western Nova Scotian Yacht Club its Royal Charter. He was also a member and Past President of the Friends of Crescent Beach and Area Association on the South Shore of Nova Scotia.

Most recently, John was awarded the 2012 Joe Casey Humanitarian Award. Digby Mayor Ben Cleveland applauded John’s contributions to his town, saying, “He is a man who has, for decades, quietly gone about his business making this a more vibrant and active community… I’m glad we have finally recognized him.” In 2011, John was awarded a long service medal from The Navy League of Canada. In 2004, in the inaugural induction ceremony of the Dalhousie University Sports Hall of Fame, John was recognized as a contributing member of the 1954 men’s football team, the year they won the Purdy Cup. This was his second time on the Purdy Cup team when Dalhousie won for their first time in 1951.

John is survived by wife of 59 years Kathleen (Kiki) Jane McKean Houghton Nichols, sons Michael (Karen Carter), Cluny (Antonia Sly Nichols) and daughter Allison (Chris Parkin), sister Margaret Bishop-Tombleson and grandchildren Aidan, Maximus and Corrigan. He is also fondly remembered by his extended family, many nieces , nephews and friends throughout his community. John was predeceased by his brothers Dr. George Nichols and Robert Hart (Dig) Nichols and by granddaughter Antigone and beloved boxer dog, Ebony.

Since 1968, the cottage at Rockledge, Crescent Beach was a special place for John and family and rarely did a day go by when he was not bobbing in the North Atlantic surf, or maintaining his 'estate'. He especially enjoyed the beach sunrises and did not hesitate to share especially spectacular pictures, enabling us all to enjoy it every day as much as he did.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held on 27 May at 13h30 at Trinity Anglican Church in Digby, Nova Scotia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Admiral Digby Museum, Frontier College and the Friends Of Crescent Beach or the community charity of your choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Jayne's Funeral Home, Digby, NS.