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Obituary For Donald Clarkson Nicholls
February 18, 1939 – February 14, 2025
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Donald Clarkson Nicholls, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Valentine’s Day, a fitting tribute to a man who took a small piece of each of our hearts with him.
He leaves behind his devoted wife of 58 years, Shirley, his only daughter Kimberly, and her husband Greg Kimpe, along with their children Jaydin (Carson), Connor (Candace) and Annika; son Darren and his wife Tonia, their daughters Samara (her husband Colter and son Emmett) and Alycia; son Jason and and his wife Lori with their three sons Jonah, Kayden, Shea; youngest son Trevor and his wife Lisa and their daughters Olivia and Brynn. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren and great grandson as well as all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Don was born on February 18, 1939, to Doris and Clark Nicholls in Blind River, Ontario. He was the youngest of four children, with older brothers Keith and Murray, and his sister Audrey. A spirited and energetic young man, Don loved the outdoors and was often found playing ball, hockey, or swimming in the lakes and rivers around his home.
At the age of 19, Don enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force, beginning a 21-year career that took him across Canada. It was during his posting at the Beaverlodge radar base in 1966 that he met a beautiful young nurse’s aide, Shirley, who caught his eye. Their romance began in the hospital when Shirley cheekily shorted his hospital sheets. Their relationship blossomed from there, and on November 12, 1966, they were married, embarking on a 58-year journey of love and faith. Throughout their life together, they shared a strong belief in Jesus Christ, which remained the foundation of their marriage. Over the years, the couple was stationed in various cities, ncluding Whitehorse, Edmonton (where Kim and Darren were born), Calgary (where Jay and Trevor were born), and Kingston, Ontario, before moving to Grande Prairie, Alberta, in 1979. There, Don began his second career with the City of Grande Prairie as a Public Works Coordinator, a position he held for 25 years. Don was deeply involved in his community, playing and later refereeing hockey, as well as umpiring baseball for many years.
In 2014, after Don and Shirley retired, they moved to Kelowna, British Columbia where they spent eight years. In 2022, they returned to Alberta to be closer to family.
Don’s love for sports, especially hockey and baseball, never waned. He was a dedicated fan of the Edmonton Oilers and the Toronto Blue Jays, and he found joy in spending time woodworking, creating beautiful pieces that will be cherished by his family for years to come.
Don’s warmth, sense of humor, and the twinkle in his bright blue eyes will be missed by all who knew him. His laughter and light will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
A funeral service for Don will be held on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wembley, Alberta at 1:00PM.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Alzheimer’s Society or St. John’s Lutheran Church, Wembley.
Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780-830-7742 bcfh.ca
Services
22
Feb
Funeral Service
01:00 PM
St. John’s Lutheran Church 90079 Township Road 712 Wembley, AB
18/02/1939 14/02/2025
Death notice for the town of: Grande-Prairie, Province: Alberta
death notice Donald Clarkson Nicholls 18/02/1939 14/02/2025
obituaries notice Donald Clarkson Nicholls 18/02/1939 14/02/2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Donald Clarkson Nicholls 18/02/1939 14/02/2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
