Larry J. Nicholson

July 23, 1941 - March 2nd, 2015

On a not so sunny day in Mesa, Arizona, we lost a man, Husband, Dad and friend who will be sorely missed. He brought laughter and fun to all and for those who didn’t meet him, we bet after reading this you wished you did. In his passing he leaves to grieve the apple of his eye Maxine (Dureault) Nicholson who was his everything. After a solid 53 years of marriage their partnership created some pretty special kids who were heart-broken to say good-bye. His business partner and best bud Michael (Susan), his fast-paced city girl Cyndi, his nurturing snail-mail loving daughter Nadine (Jamie ‘aka’ Peaches) and his baby and business savvy youngest Trina (Scot). He was a proud Grandpa to Justin, Amber, Brendan, Danté, Lucan, Karlen, Charlie and Anna.

Larry John Nicholson was born in Indian Head, Saskatchewan a seemingly short 73 years ago (July 23, 1941). An only child to John and Nell Nicholson who predeceased him several years prior. He married the short and feisty French girl who, on first sight, knew she was perfect for him.

He was a mischievous young boy who kept his parents on his toes and grew into the fun-factor at many an occasion. He was a big hit in Maxine’s large family who loved to gather and celebrate….well….almost anything. Carmelle Breeze is the only surviving sister-in-law. Aunties Annie, Doreen, Evelyn and Polly also morn the loss of their nephew. In his passing his numerous nieces and nephews recount the lively memories they had of good olé Uncle Larry. He was truly one of a kind.

One of his greatest attributes was his earnest and hard-working style. Something he did out of selfless love to be a strong provider and patriarch to his wife and kids. Mike loving referred to his Dad as ‘Ebenezer’ and teased him endlessly for the moths he collected in his wallet from never opening it to spend a dime. He worked hard for every dollar he earned. No use being careless and throwing it around he thought.

Larry started as the editor at the Canora Courier and took a leap of faith in 1978 buying the Sundown Motel in Watrous, Saskatchewan. Four young kids, a station wagon and a Mother-In-Law in tow he worked tirelessly, day after day with Maxine to succeed at something of his own. Next Larry and Maxine bought the Burger Corral and Liberty Motel Hotel where they kept their kids gainfully employed.

He was admired for his generosity especially with Maxine’s family and opened up his home to not only Maxine’s Mom who lived with them for 17 years but all his brother and sister-in-laws, nephews and nieces with absolutely anything they needed.

Through all the good times and bad he developed a witty and crafty sense of humour that left a strong impression on all that he knew. Once semi-retired Larry and Maxine started traveling to Mesa to live under the hot sun and avoid the cold days in Watrous. Larry was again a crowd favourite at his regular watering-hole Groggy’s.

Simple, earnest, hard-working and fun-loving…that was Larry in a nutshell. We wish you peace from here on in and hope you walk pain free all the way to them Pearly Gates in your ‘Jesus Boots’. Reunite with those who have gone before, pour a rum and catch up.

Larry was not much to make a fuss about much so the family is very sincere in asking that all contributions of sympathy be directed to the development of the walking trail between Watrous and Manitou Beach where he proudly owned and operated Mike’s Beach Bar. Cheques can be made out to: Watrous Rotary Club, Box 764, Watrous, SK, S0K 4T0.  Or direct funds to: speisers@shaw.ca to be forwarded on your behalf. Take a walk, stop by for a drink and make new friends in honour of the man who impacted these small communities in a big, big way.

A gathering to share in the stories and love of Larry will be held at the Watrous Civic Centre at 10:30am on Saturday, April 25th, 2015. We miss you Dad!