1942 – 2024
With great sorrow, we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband and father, Fred Lorence Nicholson, on January 7, 2024.
He is survived by his wife Karen; his daughter Jill (Paul Vaala); son Chris (Dana); daughter Kirsten (Francesco Belgioioso); and two grandchildren, Macaul and Tatum Nicholson.
Raised in Morris, Mb, Fred was always proud of his role on the school’s 1960 championship basketball team. He graduated from the University of Manitoba with a B.Sc. (M.E) and later an M.B.A. He worked for the City of Winnipeg from 1967-1998, becoming its Chief Building Official, and serving on the Building Standard Board which is responsible for Building, Fire, and Plumbing codes for Manitoba. He worked to improve and enlarge the Building Inspections Branch and initiate improvements to policies and procedures between the City and professional associations such as those of Architects and Engineers.
At the national level, he served on many committees pertaining to construction and fire codes and standards. In 2003 he was given a Merit Award by the Manitoba Association of Engineers and Geoscientists. Following his retirement from the City, he served as the Director of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Manitoba, until his second retirement in 2008.
At the community level, he was the Co-chair of the Building Committee for Trinity United Church, was involved in the Scout movement, and served as a community coach, organizer, and fundraiser.
Fred and his wife had a passion for travel and golf. They were long-time members of Carman Golf Club. They traveled the world, enjoying different cultures, historical sites, and making new friends. Most of all, Fred was a family man. Fred was the only child in his family’s generation, and he greatly appreciated the large family into which he married. When the children arrived, he committed himself to fatherhood and became a loving and nurturing father.
Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life service will be held at Trinity United Church, 933 Summerside Ave, on Friday, January 12 at 2:00 p.m., with lunch to follow.
In lieu of flowers donations to the Manitoba Lung Association or to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
5 thoughts on “Fred Lorence Nicholson”
Admittedly, I did not know Fred well, however, as a person who married into his extended family on Karen’s side, he always went out of his way to approach me and make me feel welcome during our, albeit it limited, interactions. He had a sincere and interested way of reaching out and I always appreciated him for making the effort – have a feeling he put a lot of people at ease that way. Even in not having been around Fred very often, one could see the descriptors of “loving and nuturing” being quite accurate. And it didn’t hurt that he knew about and enjoyed athletics, particularly, the sport of basketball – we had a bit of a small connection there. My condolences and sorrow go out to Karen, Chris and the rest of his family.
Respectfully,
Gabe Ostyn (Fred’s niece Jennifer’s (Peters) husband)
Our deepest condolences to our cousin Karen and the family.
We always enjoyed our time with Fred and Karen when visiting us in BC.
Love to you all from the Hildebrand family.
Doreen & Dianne
So sorry to hear Fred has passed… is the celebration of life going to be on line?
Will be thinking of you and praying for peace and comfort for you and your
family.
Carol and Paul Rigby
Karen and Family – so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. Our thoughts are with you. Nice you were all together over the holidays – special memories. Brian & Elaine King (Sharon’s sister)
I am so sorry for your loss, Karen and family. Always enjoyed visiting with you whenever you came to BC. May your many good memories sustain you during this difficult time.