Thomas George Nicholson, BA 1966

Thomas George Nicholson, died suddenly at his home in St. Catherine’s, Ontario, Canada, on November 2, 2008.

George was born in Minterburn, Co Tyrone, on 9th October 1943, the eldest son of Thomas and Connie Nicholson.  After attending Minterburn P. E. School, he moved to Dungannon Royal School, and from there to Queen’s University, Belfast.  He graduated from Queen’s in 1966, with a BA in Geography.  In the summer of 1966, he emigrated by tramp steamer to Canada, where he earned his MA at Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, followed by his PhD at Penn State University, USA. 

Aged 65, George had very recently retired after 30 years working for Niagra Region Planning Department, retiring as Associate Director, Policy/Implementation, having spent much of the last number of years developing the Greater Niagara Circle Route, a recreational facility which will be a lasting memorial to him.

Outside work, he was an avid cyclist, often seen riding the trails of Niagara, and had recently cycled the Waterfront Trail from Niagara to the Quebec Border.  He also had a keen interest in both Irish and Philatelic history, combining these with an extensive collection of postcards from the Irish Home Rule period, with which he had won prizes at many philatelic exhibitions in North America.

A funeral service to celebrate George's life, attended by a large and representative congregation, was held in St. Thomas Anglican Church, 99 Ontario St. St. Catherine’s, on November 6, 2008, at 11am, followed by private cremation.  He is deeply missed by all his family connection, his wide circle of friends, and his former work colleagues.

Pre-deceased by his parents, George is survived in Canada by his wife Wynne, sons Scott and Tyrone, and in Northern Ireland by his brothers Jim, Harry and Mervyn, and his six nieces.

 

 

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