59, Whitney Pier
It is with sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Walter George Nichols on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014, at home, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Sydney, Walter was the son of the late Walter ‘Dick’ and Anna Vera (Sinclair) Nichols.
Walter lived his whole life in Whitney Pier. He loved most sports, especially hockey and baseball, for Walter was a diehard fan of Toronto Maple Leafs. He was a loving and devoted family man and had a special bond with his belated mother, Vera. After retiring from Sydney Steel, Walter dedicated his time to Pier Community Funeral Home. Walter will be remembered by his family and friends for being thoughtful, strong-willed and most of all, caring for those in need.
Walter is survived by his partner and best friend, Debra ‘Debbie’ MacDougall; children, Walter (Ceilidh Forrest) Nichols, Selena (Brad) Mader, Patricia (Brad) Casey and Michelle (Stephen Cheetham) Nichols; stepchildren, Patrick (Karen) MacDougall, Laura (Gary Coones) Eagles, Pamela (Steven) Steele and Heather (Kevin) Keller; grandson, Brady Mader, who was Walter’s pride and joy; step-grandchildren, Dawn, Breigha, Kevin, Rodney, Emily, Meghan and Kyle; step-great-grandson, Camden; brother, Daniel ‘Nicky’ (Anna) Sinclair; sisters, Anna ‘Sookie’ (David) LeBlanc, Priscella ‘Cella’ Duffy, Margaret ‘Sister’ (Paul) MacAdam, Barbara (Stewart) Zahara, and Carmella ‘Carmie’ (Duncan) Gillis; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Walter was predeceased by his step-granddaughter, Jaelynn, brothers-in-law, Jack Smith and Jim Duffy.
Visitation for the late Walter George Nichols will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) on Friday, Oct. 10, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014, at 10 a.m. in Holy Redeemer Church with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Following the mass, reception will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home. A private family burial will take place at a later date in Alfred E. Smith Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
Donations in memory of Walter may be made to the VON or Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County.
Our sincere thank you to everyone who visited Walter and thought of him in their prayers. We also give a special thank you to VON and palliative care staff for the care given to Walter during his time of need.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
Sookie and Dave So sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
From: Kathy and John Hackett
Dear Sookie, Dave, Natasha and family, We are sorry to hear of your loss and our thoughts are with you all. Love, Patti and Graham
So sorry to hear of Walter's passing. He was a wonderful man.
From: The French Family…The Burt Family
I am a long time friend & team mate of Walters. We hung around as teenagers, played hockey & ball together & we both married our teen-aged girlfriends. Walter was always a very caring man, in sports, in growing up as teens & in adulthood. His time spent with the Pier Funeral Home people was well spent… Bill couldn't have had a better person greeting people & comforting people. I will surely miss his friendship. May God comfort Walters family in these trying days. RIP in His arms my friend.
From: John (Chico) MacDonald
We extend our deepest condolences and blessings to the Nichols Family. You all are 'one of a kind'. We appreciate your friendship and will always remember Walter fondly. The Nichols and the MacChesney families have special affection for one another. We stand along side all of you during this difficult time.
From: Mike and Marie MacChesney
YOU WILL BE MISSED FOR YOUR CRAZY STORIES AND JOKES! THANKS FOR HELPING US NOT TO TAKE OURSELVES SO SERIOUSLY! WE ALREADY MISS CRAZY UNCLE WALTER S LAUGH!
From: Ann-Margaret, Brion, Marlena Kathleen, Annelise
Sorry to hear of Walter's passing. Walter and I were fastball buddies and enjoyed playing against each other and also as teammates in our day. We shared a lot of laughs on our trips and even more laughs on the ball field. "A Good Ole' Buddy". My condolences to Stu, Sookie and all the family.
From: Donnie Robertson
Walter, a friend I grew up with and a great person. All our sympathies go out to his children and families. I am certain he will be missed by many.
From: Greg & Nancy MacChesney
Sookie,Cella, Sister, Barbara , Carmie So sad to lose you're favourite little brother. The notes from the Macchesney family brings back fond memories of the Victoria Rd neighbourhood and the special friendships that endured.Walter was blessed and will be missed. Much love to you all.
From: Theresa Fennell
From: Edward MacPherson
My sincere condolences go out to the Nichols family and friends for the loss of their dear brother, Walter, a true Pier boy. Although not in Cape Breton at this time to express my sympathy, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
From: Paul Leblanc
Sending our deepest sympathy.