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With family by his side, on May 27th, 2024, at Ed's House in Cobourg in his 79th year, Bruce started his journey back to the Spirit World, to be reunited with his life-long partner, Heather Purvis and both their Bichon 'good boys' Elmo and Beau. Predeceased by his parents Bessie Chase Nicholas of Alderville First Nation and Orville Nicholas Hannon of Oneida of the Thames, Bruce is also survived by sister Joanne McKenna (nee Nicholas), brothers Leonard, Larry & John Nicholas and brother-in-law David Purvis. Predeceased by siblings Charlotte Dugan (nee Nicholas), Harvey and Melvin Nicholas. Bruce was also very proudly a Great Uncle to Anna & Jack and fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.
Bruce was a player and strong supporter for the Cobourg Cougars; in fact, he was part of the original team for the 1965/1966 season. Bruce was a long time train collector and enthusiast, with many adventures on actual trains and even more through the imagination of all his trains sets with hydro, buildings, trees, landscapes and actual smoke coming from the engines. During his free time, Bruce also liked to umpire and referee for local sports teams to fill in the time between the NHL and MLB seasons.
The family would like to extend their most sincere thanks to Dr. Kwok, Team Lead Nurse Michelle Annis and all the absolute amazing nurses, PSWs and staff at Northumberland Hills Hospital and Ed’s House Hospice for their amazing kindness, attentiveness and compassion to Bruce and our family at a time when we needed it most. A very special thank you of appreciation to Beth Brook and Charlene of Flourish at Home for their outstanding services to ensure Bruce was comfortable and happy.
To honor Bruce's wishes, he & Heather will be laid to rest privately and quietly at Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Kirsten and Layla would love for donations to be made in Bruce's honour to Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre. All those who knew Bruce in the community are encouraged to get together, share stories and have a few laughs at all the memories you all have together.
I was sorry to hear about Bruce, such a familiar face and name to me. He was a good friend of my brother Robert LaBrash since they were kids and I heard many stories of their past. Bruce was always so pleasant when we met.
So sorry for your loss.
Rest in Peace Bruce. Your confidence, sense of humor and natural athleticism were just some of your fine qualities. You will be missed, but not forgotten.
Just read of Bruce’s passing sorry for your loss. Bruce was a very good childhood friend. When we would run into each other our love for model trains was always a taking point. Rest in peace.
My Love & Condolences to Nic’s Family. Had many conversations over the years. Nic was a True Friend to my late Husband, Ric. Starting in their younger years. Love & Hugs. Marilyn Q
Have known Nick for years .Hoisted a few with him over the years .My condolences to the family .RIP Nick
Saddened to hear of Bruce's passing i had known "Nick" since my early years and always enjoyed his company. RIP Bruce
Sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. Always knew him as "Nic". Remember him from my hockey years. He was a good athlete. He was also a tough, honest and good referee. RIP Nic.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
My Uncle. Ever present throughout my life, you encouraged me to be an athlete in my youth. You bought me my first baseball glove, I cherish that memory. I will miss you as I miss Heather. I hope you have found her in the Spirit World where you will spend all your time with your boys. Love you both so much!
Bruce was a wonderful brother in law. I will miss him and his visits to my home. Rest well brother.
Rest in peace my friend always looked forward to seeing you at your house normally on snow days we would always talk about sports especially I’ll miss seeing you Bruce your friend. Rob cooke
My heartfelt condolences to Layla and the family. Donation made in Bruce’s memory. Hugs.
Rest peacefully Bruce. You are a good man. I know that both you and Heather are happy to be together again. True love .
Our condolences to Bruce’s family and friends. Bill umpired many times over the years with Bruce. He was always up for a friendly chat. Rest in peace
Very sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. He coached me in the old CCHL, golfed on many golf courses, umpired in softball leagues and told wonderful stories that had no bad guys in them. To all family and friends, while we will miss him here, we will reunite on the other side. Deepest condolences to all family
We have a long history of growing up beside and with the Nicholas family sharing many memories of good times and losses . This is a tough loss of a true gentleman, always had great conversation when we met and caught up with each of our family's news. Our prayers are with you all,
My condolences to Bruce's extended family. He was a good man who generously gave of himselt to his family and community. Rest in Peace.
My condolences to Bruce's extended family. Rest in Peace Bruce.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
I remember Bruce mostly from Cortesis Pool Hall where he played a lot of Odd Ball and Poker Pool. A great guy. Sorry to hear of his passing. My sensere condolences to all the family.