Bruce Nickerson

Bruce MacLean Nickerson - Passed away at Halifax on August 9, 2012. Born in Halifax, N.S. on July 14, 1917, the son of Eugene and Laura (Bruce MacLean) Nickerson. Bruce Nickerson grew up in Halifax’s North End in the 20’s and 30’s. He commended troops in combat during World War II, co-founded a successful law practice, was active in his church, community and politics, and above all was a loving and committed family man. He will be remembered as an avid raconteur of many highly entertaining stories from each phase of his remarkable life. Bruce was a survivor of the Halifax Explosion: when it struck he was five months old in his crib at home, five streets up from Halifax Harbor in the city’s north end. Later in life, he was active in establishing the Halifax Explosion Memorial Bell Tower at Fort Needham. Bruce attended Alexandra School, St. Patrick’s Boys School and Halifax County Academy. He played rugby for St. Pat’s High and various intermediate and senior championship teams. He was also a member of the North West Arm Club swim team. After graduation he worked at Canada Packers and Standard Brands. On the day World War II was declared, Bruce enlisted as a private and rose through the ranks to Infantry Lieutenant, after completing the Officer’s Course and Battle School. He served as an Instructor at bases in Canada and in England. Ultimately, he served as a Platoon Commander of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders in Holland and Germany until the War ended. On August 6, 1941 Bruce married Fern Elizabeth Langille who was then training as a Registered Nurse. They had three children, Bruce Jr., Marsha and Colin. After the War, Bruce returned to Canada, and his family, and entered Dalhousie Law School. He was a founding member of the firm Blois, Nickerson & Bryson. He was a Queen’s Counsel (Q.C.), a member of the Canadian Conference of Uniformity Commissioners, President of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society (1979-80) and a Life Member, and a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. After retiring from practice, he served on the Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities. Bruce was an active member of the United Memorial Church in Halifax. He was also an active organizer in local, provincial and national politics. Bruce is survived by Fern, his loving wife of 71 years, their children Marsha and Colin (Mara), grandchildren Merav (Ryan Keller), Dina, Ami, Laura and Adam, and great-granddaughter Hannah. Bruce was pre-deceased by his sister, Jean MacDonald, and his brother, Alex. Bruce and Fern’s eldest son Bruce Jr., his wife, Dina (Temple) and their children, Bruce II and Denise, were killed in a traffic accident in 1974. A memorial service will be held at United Memorial Church, 5375 Kaye Street, Halifax, N.S. on Tuesday August 14th at 2:00 p.m., with a reception following the service. A private family service will be held at the burial. Family flowers only: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to United Memorial Church or the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, NS, (902-455-0531). On-line condolences may be sent: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com