Father Thomas Adrian Cyril Nicholson

Thomas was educated at Downside Benedictine School and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he obtained a degree in law. He emigrated to Vancouver in 1957, spending 5 years at the law firm of Russell & DuMoulin.

In 1962 he entered the Seminary of Christ the King (Mission). He received a BA in philosophy in 1963 and finished four years of theology in 1967.

He was ordained a priest on May 19, 1967 at St. Augustine’s Parish in Vancouver by Archbishop Carney. He said his first mass two days later at St. Mary’s Church next to his family home in Ardmore, Derry, N. Ireland.

His first parish was at Powell River, which began his close lifelong connection with the First Nations of Canada.

Over many years of parish work, he was the pastor of St Paul’s, Richmond, St Patrick’s in Maple Ridge and St Joseph’s in Mission, as well as Sechelt, where he made many friendships amongst the congregations.

He was a dedicated member of the Focolare movement.

At age 75, he retired from full time pastoral duties. From Vancouver he then returned to Mission, where he concelebrated masses at St. Joseph’s Parish. He was also a concelebrant for 15 years at Our Lady of Lourdes Annual Grotto Pilgrimage in the Park, Mission.

He remained very close to his family, particularly his sister Felicity in London, and his brother Michael in Ireland, sister-in-law Augusta and their children. They holidayed together in Europe, USA and Canada. He also remained close to the Nicholson family on Vancouver Island.

He celebrated his 50th priestly ordination in 2017. His final years in retirement at Carrington House and TRIM were enriched by the loving support of his friends, and his family wish to pay tribute to Ann Mariner and Linda Christensen in particular.

He was a fine bridge player and an enthusiastic golfer. He enjoyed fishing rain or shine either on the Sunshine Coast or the Fraser River, and delighted to share the fish he caught and cooked with his friends. He loved classical music and attended many concert series with friends over the years. He was an avid reader, with his most cherished read being the Bible, followed by prayer.