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Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
MAJOR ROBERT ALLEN NICHOLS (retired)
On Sunday, November 12, 2023, following an extraordinary life, Bob passed away peacefully at 82 years old.
Bob leaves behind his loving wife Louise (née O’Bready), son Glen Robert, daughter Theresa Kimberly, and granddaughters, Ava and Brynn (Curtis).
Bob enrolled in the R.C.A.F. at 17 years old, ultimately becoming a highly decorated Canadian military officer who served across Canada and the U.S. Throughout his career, he earned a number of diplomas, certifications and accolades, including the prestigious Order of Military Merit. A farm kid at heart, he remained forever curious and eager to master diverse roles and responsibilities: from air plane maintenance to air traffic control, from leading operations teams to becoming senior staff officer cadets, from conducting operational evaluations to working in nuclear, chemical and biological safety. After 36 years, he completed his career with NORAD before returning to Canada.
He also believed in duty and service through volunteering. While in the U.S., he flew with the Civil Air Patrol to manage airspace during the St Louis floods, dispatched relief convoys following the Los Angeles earthquakes, and flew search and rescue missions for the USAF Coordination Centre. Back in Canada, he supported numerous charities, including organizing the annual Grace Hospital’s Breakfast with Santa.
Bob will best be remembered for his talents as a landscaper, a mechanic, a gifted self-taught engineer, a pilot and a trained craftsman, who ultimately combined his hobbies and skills into building his own home in Headingley, Manitoba.
A celebration of his life will be scheduled in the spring of 2024.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Siloam Mission or the Alzheimer Society are encouraged.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 14, 2023, Nov 14, 2023
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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I first met Bob when he joined the ATC world in Cold Lake in the late 60s and we served together again in Valcartier and Chatham in the 70s. After my retirement Bob, who was at that time SOCadets at Aircom, hired me as Training Officer and then CO at the Penhold Cadet camp. When he worked for me I consider him to have been the best I have ever seen at whatever position he filled. The same applies to my feelings when I was working for him, he was excellent at getting me up to speed on a new job and supportive when needed. I will always appreciate my good fortune in being fortunate enough to be a small part of Bob’s life. RIP Bob. - Posted by: Jack Fielder (Friend and coworker) on: Nov 16, 2023
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This was very sad news...Bob, you were a great BATCO, helping this new person settle into her role with the group so many years ago. There were a lot of good chats about so many things but what always stuck in my mind was that place in Headingley. That was 30 some years ago when you were already eyeing up some property and wanting to build a home. We have driven through Headingley many times and I always wondered if you were able to reach your dream. I am so happy to know you did. Louise and Family, Our sincere condolences to you and may you find strength in helping you live through your coming days with lots of good memories of Bob. - Posted by: Tannis/Jim Corfield (Former Coworker/Friend) on: Nov 14, 2023
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Louise and Family, as I am close to Bob's age we crossed paths many times during long careers in ATC. Please accept my sincere condolences. Another Controller has made his "Final Approach", he will be remembered. Les Al-Molky Courtenay, BC - Posted by: Les Al-Molky (Colleague) on: Nov 14, 2023
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Thank You for Your 36 years of Service. R.I.P. I am a U.S.A. Army Vietnam Vet. - Posted by: Russell McRae (Saw His OB.) on: Nov 14, 2023
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You fought well dear friend….your journey the last few years has been rough but you cruised with dignity…you will be missed but we will meet again Major Bob ….so sorry for your loss Louise, Theresa, Glen and the beautiful granddaughters …forever loved….fly high and free…. Maureen and David - Posted by: Maureen Sheehan/David LeBlanc (Friends) on: Nov 14, 2023