In Loving Memory

John Charles "Jack" Nicholson Sr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jack. He was one of 18 children born to the late George and Margaret (Renner) Nicholson in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Jack married the only love of his life, Margie, on September 8, 1956, and is survived by her, his wife of 70 years, Lauretta Margaret (Cogswell) Nicholson. Jack is also survived by his beloved children, Julia Boutilier (Mike), Carol Shirley (Bill), Angela Babin (Ross), John Nicholson Jr. (Heather), Tina Sabine (Barry), and former son-in-law Rick Moffatt (Kelly).

Jack will also be sadly missed by his grandchildren, Jennifer Helm (Mark), Laura Slaunwhite (Josh), Melissa Wentzel (Jake), Luke Duggan (Kelly), Victoria Moffatt (Tristan), Richardson Moffatt, Robyn Nicholson-Canfield (Andrew), Courtney Nicholson-Patriquin (Thomas), Hunter Nicholson (Jamie), Holly Sabine-Wilson (Blake), and Leah Sabine-Canova (Chris), and by 17 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, he is survived by his brother, Kenny Nicholson (Doreen), and sister-in-law, Virginia Nicholson (Arthur), as well as many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.

Jack was predeceased by his sisters, Joan Ripley (Frank), Edna O'Neill (Cyril), Dorothy Smith (Walter), Margaret Travers (Jack), Marjorie O'Neill (Don), Ruth Boutilier (Gerald), Anne Muise (George), and sister-in-law Doreen Nicholson.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Buster (Mary), Ernie (Eileen), Donnie (Phyllis), Ralph (Gwennie), Reggie (Helen), Walter, Vernon (Shirley), Arthur (Virginia), and Eddie (Joan), and by his beloved son-in-law, Peter Duggan.

Jack and Margie met while Jack was serving with the Black Watch (RHR) of Canada from January 1954 until January 1957. He always spoke fondly of his service to our country and was quietly proud of those times. Over the years, Jack and Marg enjoyed numerous Black Watch reunions at Camp Aldershot with all of his brothers-in-arms, many of whom were family and lifelong friends.

As a professional carpenter, Jack was a lifetime member of Local 83 of the ACRC of Carpenters, Millwrights and Allied Workers Union. Jack built and helped build many storefront, commercial, and residential housing projects, as well as several homes for himself and his family. Jack was very proud of his work and the opportunities he had working in Ontario and Newfoundland with his son John. He helped build a home for his daughter at the age of 85, his final building project.

In his youth and later in life, he loved to swim and grew up swimming and playing hockey for hours on nearby lakes. He played hockey as a member of the Black Watch team.

Jack was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed countless adventures with his brothers, son, sons-in-law, family, and friends. He participated in, and was successful in, finding a lost child and bringing her home safely during a search and rescue operation. As a hunter, he learned at a young age how to navigate the forests.

He also enjoyed family gatherings at their camp, at home, and generally being surrounded by his family and friends.

Memorable experiences included attending baseball and hockey games with John in Toronto. Another highlight was his and Margie's vacation trip to Mexico with Carol and Bill. Jack's other interests included raising and harvesting chickens, turkeys, and pigs. He was also an avid gardener and especially enjoyed the process of making maple syrup from trees on his property.

As his family, we want to express our gratitude and sincere appreciation for the kind, loving, and caring treatment given to our Dad by the amazing caregivers at East Cumberland Lodge in Pugwash, NS, where he passed peacefully.

Please join us as we celebrate Jack's long, full life on August 4, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Wentworth Recreation Centre, located at 13752 Highway 4, Wentworth, NS.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Jack's memory to The Nature Conservancy of Canada or a charity of your choice.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Coulter's Funeral Home in Tatamagouche.