Douglas Leonard Nicholson

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather, Douglas Leonard Nicholson, on the 6th of July, 2026, surrounded by his children and grandchildren, following complications from surgery.

Doug was born on February 8, 1931, an only child to Aubrey Leonard and Lillian Ivy (Malloy) Nicholson. After attending Queen Elizabeth High School, Doug spent several years at sea, mainly on the 'Foundation Lillian', an ocean tug. Following that period, he found employment with Crane Supply, in Halifax, where he spent the next 21 years. During that time he met and married Mary Catherine Curran, and they began their family. After 13 years with Cranes, he decided to further his education, and spent 8 years in part time study at St. Mary's University, graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. He then accepted a position with the Department of Business Development in the Nova Scotia Provincial government. He remained there for 19 years, retiring as the District Manager for Halifax and Guysborough Counties.

Doug enjoyed playing tennis at the Waegwoltic Club and various indoor locations for many years, and also had a love of playing the trumpet, with a number of bands in Halifax.

Doug was predeceased by his wife, Mary Catherine, in 2018, and is survived by his four children, Kevin, Janet King (Wayne), Paul (Connie), and Catherine Gallant (Jean). Also surviving are his 5 grandchildren, Jeffrey (Alana Woods), Patrick (Niina Luus), Madeline Kircher (James Macaulay), Jennifer Jorna (Peter), Gabrielle Gallant (Jamie Curnew), and 9 great grandchildren, Cecilia, Rory and Ewan Nicholson, Julia, Ingrid and Natalie Nicholson, and Aubrey, Quinn and Poppy Jorna, all of Halifax, except for Patrick and his family, who live in Ireland. Doug (Grampy, to all) was very involved in the lives of his grandchildren, who gave him so much joy in his later years, as he did them.

Doug spent the last 8 years living at the Berkeley Gladstone, where he made many friends, including his special friend Barbara, and thoroughly enjoyed participating in many of the programs, as well as selecting and playing movies for the residents, a responsibility he took very seriously.

His family would like to thank the staff at the Berkeley for their years of service to Doug and for making him feel so at home there. We would also like to thank the ICU team on 3A, at the VG site for their care and compassion in his last few days.

Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation. A reception for family and his Berkeley family will be held at a future date. Should you wish to make a donation in Doug's memory, please consider Soul's Harbour Mission, CNIB, or Operation Smile.