March 28, 1937 – August 17, 2025
With great sadness we announce that Donald Hugh Nicholson of Thornbury passed away on August 17, 2025, at PeopleCare, Meaford, at the age of 88, surrounded by the love of his family.
Don was married to the love of his life, Carrol Ann (nee Kirkham), for almost 68 years.
Loving father of Kimberley, Annette (Bob), Bernadette (Bill), and Donnie.
Proud grandpa of Brandy Mazerolle (Stacy), Kameron Nicholson, Brian Gehl (Kelly-Ann Paul), Richard Gehl (Tina Rodrigues), Eric Gehl (Jessica Johnson), Stephanie Gehl (Derek Parker), Ian Ellis, and Amy Liverance (David).
GiGi (great-grandpa) to Devon, Jordan, Skye, Riley, Rayne, Emma, Oliver, Benjamin, Liam, Kyla, Alex, Sophia, Emily, Anthony, Ava, Xavier, and Gwendolyn.
Don was also survived by his brothers Mike, Robert (Yvonne), Archie (Erika), sister Michele Kuchma, in-laws Barb Nicholson, Ron Herold, Moe Baxter, Judy Sheild (nee Kirkham), Bill Kirkham, and many, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.
Predeceased by his parents, Neil James Nicholson and Margaret Ann “Peggy” (nee Campbell), brothers Paul, Charles, James, Fredrick, Edward, sisters Mary Grant, Lillian “Lindy” Smith and her late husband Ron, Yvonne Baxter and Margaret “Margie” Herold, brother-in-law Ken Kuchma, infant daughter and son-in-law Douglas Gehl.
Don was the second child (of 14) born into a “good, Scottish Catholic” family. He was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia. His family moved to Guelph, Ontario, in 1947. He later joined the Militia, and during that time, met his soul mate, Carrol Kirkham, and the love story began. Don and Carrol were married in a quiet ceremony on October 12, 1957, in Guelph, Ontario. Together they enjoyed a passion for fishing and the outdoors. They raised four active children (three girls and one boy). Don was a devoted family man who became deeply involved with his children’s activities. He became equipment manager and bus driver for the Opti-Knights Drum and Bugle Corps that led to his involvement in the Optimist Club of Guelph, where he became a Life Member and eventually President, then Lieutenant Governor of the Zone. He lived by the Optimist Creed all his life.
Don was an active member of his church and an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus.
He was a gentle soul and loved family and friends alike. He was compassionate and always willing to help others as he was able. He is already and will continue to be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Don’s family thank the doctors and staff at Brightshores Health System, Meaford, for their compassionate care over the past year. The family would also like to thank the staff at PeopleCare LTC, Meaford; his table mates Peggy, Jan, and Len for making his last weeks brighter.
A funeral Mass will be conducted on Friday, August 29, 2025, at St. Vincent’s Roman Catholic Church in Meaford at 11 a.m. A luncheon will take place at the church, with interment following at Lakeview Cemetery in Meaford at 1:30 p.m.
As expressions of sympathy, and donations to Parkinson Canada, Meaford Hospital, or charity of your choice would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON, N4L 1B9, to whom arrangements have been entrusted.
