David NICOL

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NICOL: David Patrick “Patrick” 1949 ~ 2014. It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Patrick Nicol on January 15, 2014 in Vernon Jubilee Hospital from complications ensuing from leukemia. He will be remembered lovingly and thoughtfully by his brother, John, relatives and innumerable friends, community workers and volunteers and associates in the radio broadcasting industry and North Okanagan civic life. Patrick was an innovative radio broadcaster, a dedicated public servant and community volunteer and a passionate humanitarian and naturalist. He was born in Brandon, Manitoba on July 13, 1949. He attended Central and then Brandon Collegiate schools. From his parents, he acquired an abiding interest in Christian living, community engagement and current affairs. His mother nurtured in him a love of poetry and reading. Patrick tracked sports and popular music closely, broadcasting his own simulated games using sports cards and tokens and charting his own top music lists of the day. The family moved to West Vancouver, British Columbia in 1966. He took voice lessons and completed an announcer course with the Columbia School of Broadcasting in Vancouver. After many job application rejections from radio stations across Western Canada, he was offered his first show, the graveyard shift at CJAT Trail, in February 1969. Subsequent brief radio stops included CHBQ Powell River, CJME Regina and CKXL Calgary. From 1972 to 1976, Patrick hosted the morning show at CFGP Grande Prairie and acted as music director under the mentorship of general manager, Walter “Wally” Everitt. 1977 marked a watershed in Patrick’s life and radio career. He moved with Wally to CJIB Vernon assuming a position as program director and on-air personality and, in 1987, the role of vice-president and general manager. He enjoyed all aspects of the radio business but took particular interest in his Talk Back show where he interviewed a wide spectrum of guests, the Saturday afternoon Classics music show and his annual favorite, the Christmas program. The AM and then FM Vernon radio station became an integral part of the community and received much support and loyalty from its listeners throughout Patrick’s career.  Patrick loved Vernon and the North Okanagan district and diligently promoted and supported arts, cultural, sports and other civic activities. He served on Vernon council for 22 years and twice ran unsuccessfully for Mayor, and, at his death, was the current chair of the Regional District of the North Okanagan. He delighted in responding to the needs of all citizens and building a better community with such initiatives as the Vernon Performing Arts Centre and Multiplex Sports Arena and libraries, museums, local parks and sports facilities. Patrick organized the Canada Day celebrations at Polson Park for many years and served as President of the BC Canada Day Committee for 12 years. His involvement, personally and under the aegis of the radio station, in community organizations and events included Remembrance Day observances, Vernon Winter Carnival and its Auxiliary Hospital Special Needs event, Special Olympics, C.N.I.B., Cancer Society and many minor sports associations. He was honored to receive the Order of JOPO from Carnival, the Queen’s Jubilee Award and the Vernon Distinguished Citizen award in 2006. He welcomed every opportunity to support local musicians and artists. Music always was playing at Patrick’s home in East Hill either on the radio or on his Wurlitzer jukebox while he watched the quails and other wildlife in his garden or read or prepared for his radio shows and council work. Patrick was predeceased by his beloved mother, Joan (née Ellis), and father, Laurence. The family gives special thanks to the hospital staff of Vernon Jubilee and his dear friends for their care, support and consideration during his lengthy period of ill health. A memorial service will be held at Trinity United Church (3300 Alexis Park Drive, Vernon, B.C.) at 2:00 PM on Monday, February 3, 2014. Flowers gratefully are declined. In memory of Patrick, donations may be made to any Vernon and district community charity or the Canadian Cancer Society (#104, 3402 – 27th Avenue, Vernon, BC V1T 1S1). You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family’s on-line obituary at www.MyAlternatives.ca Arrangements entrusted to Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services® at Vernon 250-558-0866 & Armstrong 250-546-7237

As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 29, 2014