Brian Nicholds

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian Nicholds, who died peacefully on Sunday, January 8, 2023 in London, Ontario. Brian was predeceased by his older brother, Kenneth, and is survived by his loving wife Teresa Nicholds; his daughters Nadine Nicholds (husband Brian Wilker) and Samara Nicholds (husband Gregory McGrade); and his brother David Nicholds, Teresa’s sister Karen Holmes, as well as his nieces and nephews.

Brian was born in Alliston, Ontario, and grew up in London, Ontario. Brian is the middle of three boys to Gertrude Mae and Kenneth Edward. He attended high school at Central and Beal Tech and he was active in many sports including football, hockey and diving. All of the Nicholds boys enjoyed sports, culminating in the Nicholds brother’s golf tournament where they were later joined by nephew Kenneth Brian.

Brian always enjoyed the water: swimming, scuba diving, sailing, and canoeing. He enjoyed many canoe treks in Northern Ontario, particularly with Tony Heckendorf, but also with his brother David and lifelong friend, Rob Wright. It was through Tony Heckendorf that Brian met Teresa Heckendorf, who would become his wife of 57 years. Together, they lived in Woodstock (Ontario), then Saskatoon (Saskatchewan), and finally settled again in London, where they eventually moved back into Brian’s childhood home on Forward Avenue, and where he lived until his death. Brian took great pride in the renovations and addition that he planned and built himself with the help of close friend John Van Marwyk.

With his gift of the gab, Brian spent his entire career in sales, working primarily in the printing and insurance industry. Before taking early retirement, he was the regional sales manager for Speedy Auto Glass in Southwestern Ontario. Once retired, Brian became active in the Lions organization, gaining many distinctions for his fundraising efforts supporting Guide Dog Training and the CNIB.

Brian’s adventurous spirit took him all over Canada, the United States and further afield to New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, the South Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, Great Britain, the Czech Republic, Germany, and China.

A highlight in his life was exploring the South Pacific Islands by sailboat with his good friend, John Bilton, and later returning with Teresa so she too could experience these incredible places and wonderful people.

In Canada, Teresa and Brian took their camper from coast to coast. Brian and Teresa were joined by his older brother, Ken, in a memorable trip across the country to eventually arrive in Victoria to visit his younger brother, David. Brian and Teresa especially enjoyed touring Newfoundland where they made lifelong friendships. His family will be comforted by the abundance of love that he shared.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London where the funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. Those wishing to make a donation in Brian’s memory are asked to consider Nature Conservancy Canada or a charity of their choice.