It is with sorrow and regret that we announce the passing of Brian John Nicholson on January 31st at the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital after a brief illness. Brian passed peacefully surrounded by family, including his beloved wife, Helen.
Brian was born in Glasgow, Scotland on September 29th, 1950 to the late John and the late Catherine Nicholson. He is survived by his siblings in Scotland – Aileen (Edward) McAuslan, Rena (Edward) Hunter, Anne (Kenny) McCusker, Paul (Ishbel) Nicholson and Kenneth Nicholson. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews. He will also be sorely missed by Helen’s sisters and their families.
Brian leaves behind his wife of over 50 years, Helen, their feisty cat, Tiger, and their dedicated caregiver, Edlyn Galang. Edlyn has been a blessing, helping Brian to maintain their life at home while providing safe and compassionate care for Helen, and bringing joy to their lives. She remained loyal at Brian’s bedside until the end, providing words of comfort that brought peace to us all in our time of immense grief.
Brian had a personality that was larger than life. He made friends wherever he went, his hearty and contagious laugh proclaiming his presence. He was a music lover who enjoyed playing guitar and serenading his love, Helen, especially in these last few, challenging years, after her affliction with Alzheimer’s disease. His tireless effort to keep her at home was a testament to the strength of their half-century of marriage.
Many thanks to the staff of the Neurosurgical ICU at St. Michael’s Hospital, and to the staff of the ICU, Pod B at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital for their compassionate care for Brian and his family.
Friends will be received at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) on Thursday afternoon, February 15th from 2 to 4 o’clock to pay their respects and to wish Brian a fond farewell. Immediately following, in honour of Brian’s Scottish heritage, he will be carried out to the funeral coach while bagpipes are played. Everyone is welcome to attend a social gathering afterwards at his local St. Louis Bar and Grill on Queen Street, Bolton.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
So fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate’er befalls
Then gently rise and softly call
Good night, and joy be to you all
Bobby & Suzan Cameron
Brian was a larger than life character. We have very fond memories of Brian from when Suzan & I were married in 1984. He will be missed by all who knew him. A man who was dedicated to looking after his wife Helen during he Alzheimer’s journey.
Rest in eternal peace Brian.
Bobby & Suzan Cameron.
Linda Hughes
BRIAN
My Brother-in-law
Loved by all
Dedicated to Helen
in life and beyond
The void will never be
filled
*REST IN PEACE*
Jane Scade
Brian was larger than life & dedicated to Helen, Edlyn Galang, who Brian had in the house, a Jack of all trades who looked after Helen & managed the home. God bless her. R.I.P. Brian. Love Jane Scade
Carole
I was so sad to hear this news. I can still hear Brian’s larger than life laugh that so often accompanied him wherever he went. My family has so many memories of happy times with Brian and Helen that I know will be cherished forever. Sending love and my deepest condolences to Helen, Edlyn, and Brian’s friends and family. I hope you’re resting in peace and shining bright amongst the stars now, Brian.
Laura Hunter
Per Castra Ad Astra Uncle Brian
A larger than Life character indeed.
We cousins in Scotland fondly remember Brian& Helen’s visits home, all very exciting for us weans going for a big day out to meet them coming off the plane& gathering together for family parties& Nana’s amazing home cooking.
Our thoughts are with all the family, with all that knew Brian & most of all, with Helen.
Allan Gillis
Brian loved his football,
At the Toby Jug we affectionately called him “Baggio” cuz as everyone has noticed Brian’s presence was bigger than most !
Bless you Brian and Godspeed .
Al Gillis, Bolton
Fiona Stackhouse
So sorry to hear about Brian’s passing! He was a warm, fun, loving guy with a great sense of humour! And when my husband Darrell & I would see him at St. Louis, he always had a smile on his face, and was very friendly!! Being a fellow Scot, we would usually talk about the ”Old country” & sometimes share childhood stories! He was a loving husband & very concerned with Helen’s care, and took great pains in that regard , along with the wonderful caregiver Edlyn!! My condolences to all the family! I am sure he will be sadly missed by all who loved him !! Fiona Stackhouse
Anne & Kerry McCusker
On our phone calls Brian loved to talk about years past as a welder, his football visits to Ibrox cheering on Glasgow Rangers and all the family, Granny Burns was a favourite.
He was dedicated to Helen and we were proud of his efforts to keep Helen at home with the help of her full time carer Edlyn.
Here is a photo of our son Paul with his Uncle Brian on one of Brian and Helen’s visits back to Scotland. (Take care of each other).
Our love and thoughts are with you Helen.
Brian’s sister Anne.
Jason Galang
Brian we gonna miss you…you know how much we love you….thanks for helping my sister and treating her/us like your family.
Thank you for all the good memories
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Fly high sir BRYAN….WE LOVE YOU
Evelyn
Sir Brian, I cry a river remembering the memories you share with us.. The happy conversations we had tru videocalls with my sister Edlyn.. I will miss your jokes, your singing, your laugh and everything.. I really appreciate you and Helen and everything you do for my sister Edlyn.. You treat her the best and for that we love you and Helen so much.. Thank you is not enough to say how grateful I am for meeting you.. How grateful we as a family to be part of yours.. We love you Sir Brian, thank you for your love and life.. Be at peace with the Lord.. We will never forget you.. Never.. ❤️
Ednalyn Guilaran
Bos Brian! until now I have not even thought you left the world.. Your memories will remain on us here in philippines!! I will miss the funny chitchat, jokes, your songs, the advises you are saying…i will cherish the word you always say “Do not worry to much just enjoy the life life is short” We will miss you Bos Brian!!!! Thankyou for coming to our life and for being a great Bos for my sister edlyn You and Mam helen and also tiger is a blessing to our family. We know that you are with our Lord safe at peace and happy. We love you! and you will always be remembered. Until we meet again Bos Brian.
Jeff Austin
Condolences to the entire Nicholson family-over the last number of years i have many memories of having a beverage or 2 with Brian! We had lots of laughs together! he had a good sense of humour! His laugh &good nature will be missed!! R.I.P Brian!
Chris and Maria Wojciechowski
Our condolences on your loss. We know Brian for 8 years. He was a person with sense of humor and great conversation. He was a proud Scott man. He will be greatly missed.
Terry Coles
Very sorry to hear about Brian’s passing. I will miss his outgoing friendly nature. My condolences to his wife Helen , the rest of his family and his caretaker.
Terry
Rita
Brian … I can’t believe you are gone from our lives. Our sisters never had a brother, but you Brian were our brother and always will be. I was the first to come to Canada and both you and Helen were my only family in Canada.. That’s why it hurts so much … you both worked so hard and I only wished that you could have enjoyed your “retirement “ years longer together. Sadly, Helens health took a turn for the worse and because of your love for her it took too much of a toll on you. I’m sorry that you had to endure that Brian. I know that you and Helen will meet again. I can honestly call you the brother I never had. RIP dear brother you are forever in my heart. Love Rita
JOHN M TRAYNOR
Farewell to our beloved friend and brother, Brian, who has truly earned his angel wings. Loved and missed forever.
John, Laura and Jean Traynor. Alliston.
Stacy
I wish baby Rory got to experience a big cuddly Uncle Brian hug – full of love with a big vivacious personality! You & your laugh will be greatly missed xx