Joseph Patrick Nickerson

Retired Halifax Firefighter and Lifelong Northend Halifax Resident

Joseph Patrick Nickerson, beloved husband of the late Mae (MacNeil) Nickerson passed away peacefully on October 28, 2015 at the Halifax Infirmary on unit 8.1 following a brief hospital admission.

He entered this world with his twin sister Mary in Halifax on April 21st, 1931 to Mary Alice (nee Shea) and Matthew Thomas Nickerson. Joe grew up on North Street as a child and in 1968 he and Mae bought their first home on Basinview Drive in Halifax's North End. He was always very proud of being a life-long North Ender.

He attended Saint Pat’s School on Brunswick Street and at fifteen left school to work as an electrician's helper. Joe continued to attend night school and completed his electrical journeyman's certificate. In 1955, he became a member of the Halifax Fire Department living out his boyhood dream of being a Professional Fire Fighter. He was a proud and dedicated firefighter for 32 years, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant in 1987. In 1966, Joe was honoured with the Most Venerable Order of St. John of Jerusalem Priory of Canada for his part in rescue two children from a house fire on Cornwallis Street.

Joe played many sports including hockey, soccer and was an avid sports fan. He attended many games at the Montreal Forum and Fenway Park watching his two favourite teams. He loved his visits to Lynn, Massachusetts were he developed lifelong friendships with the Famolari Clan. For many years, Joe was a huge supporter of Al MacNeil's Nova Scotia Voyageurs sitting in Section 12 Row M and regularly helped out as Santa at the teams annual Christmas party. He was a loyal supporter of the late Ralph Hollett and followed his boxing career including his first Canadian championship win.

Joe met the love of his life, Mae, a school-teacher in 1959 and was quickly indoctrinated into her large Cape Breton Family. Joe was very happy to have become an “Honourary Cape Bretoner” and after Mae’s retirement in 1992, they enjoyed 6 months of the year in Irish Vale at the family home. They travelled to many places and enjoyed vacationing and making new friends and acquaintances while cruising around the Caribbean. Joe was always happiest though getting up with the sun walking along the shore of the Bras d’Or and sharing his view on life with the locals.

Joe was a man of great faith and developed close relationships with many clergy and parishioners particularly at Blessed Mother Teresa Parish and Sacred Heart Parish in Johnstown.

A few months following Mae’s death Joe moved to Portland Hills with his daughter, Barbara, son-in-law, Ken and Cameron "his little man". Until recently, he enjoyed daily walks in the neighbourhood and daily calls to his great friends, Mary, George, Billy and Betty, Jim and Sarah. After a diagnosis of Vascular Dementia in 2015 dad was supported at home with loving care provided by RJF home care service. His care providers loved Joe's stories, his love of music particularly Northwood Broadcast and his independent and positive attitude. Many thanks to Clara, Mark, Charibelle, Deanna, Roxanne, Lisa, and Olivia. Special thank you to Paula Boudreau (Flynn) long time friend of Barbara's who provided Joe with many hours of laughter and support. Joe was especially grateful for the relationship he had with his longtime physician Dr. Stephen Gibbon. All the staff of 8.1 at the Halifax Infirmary including Dr. Mallery and Dr. McKnight were instrumental in ensuring Joe's short stay in hospital was comfortable and dignified.

Joe is survived by his daughters, Anne Louise (Larry) O'Brien, Barbara (Ken) Scott. Papa Joe is survived by his beloved grandchildren Kathleen, Connor, Jane and Cameron. He was so very proud of their accomplishments. Joe is survived by his twin sister and best friend, Mary, brother-in-law Harold (Red) Conrad, brother-in-law George and sister Annabelle. Nieces and nephews, Paul (Pat), Janet (Shawn) Smith, Brian (Carolyn), Susan (Mike) Culligan, Paul (Emma) and Joanne (Jason) LeRue.

Joe was predeceased by his loving wife, Mae (MacNeil), his parents, and brother, Tom.

Family and friends are invited Monday November 2, 2015 from 4pm to 8pm to visit at Cruikshank Funeral Home Windsor Street, Halifax. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday November 3, 2015 at Blessed Mother Teresa Parish, Normandy Drive, Halifax at 11 am. Father Andrew Rembarczyk officiating. Joe will be laid to rest beside Mae at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville.