Keith Meredith Nicholson

Keith Meredith Nicholson

April 28,1945-October 7,2017

Husband, Father, “Boppa”, Brother, Uncle, Son, Accountant, Volunteer, Sports Enthusiast, avid reader, business owner, 1st baseman, curler and Friend; Keith wore many hats over the span of his 72 years of life.

His memories of growing up in Dauphin, Manitoba on the farm with his mother(Ella), father(Harry) and brother(Donald) were fond ones. Walking uphill both ways to a one room schoolhouse where attendance in his opinion was not always mandatory sums up his childhood. The day after graduating high school, he headed out west where he was to meet the love of his life, Annette and they began their next 50 years together. They were married in Coeur d'alene, Idaho in a lovely little wedding chapel; never underestimate the magic of a blind date. Financial goals pointed them in the direction of Thompson, Manitoba where work was plenty and where Darryl was born. A proud day indeed. With goals attained, it was time to move back to Kamloops which would be the place where Rhonda(Eckerman) was born. Another proud day for Keith.

He worked at Campbell and Company until retirement except for eight years when he was part owner of Black Pines Manufacturing. His advice was practical and sound as an entrepreneur and an accountant. He volunteered as a director of Thrupp manor, a position that he felt was important work. He travelled regularly to the Clearwater office to manage the Campbell and Co office. He was a dedicated professional.

Keith and Annette purchased the Shuswap property in 1985 and enjoyed their second home for 25 years before relocating part time to Arizona as Canadian snowbirds in their retirement. “The lake” produced years of family memories and lifelong friendships. Keith was instrumental in leading the Shuswap “Stumphunters” association. Daily trips out in the aluminum boat in search of the perfect stump that had washed up on the beach following those famous Shuswap storms. There was nothing like watching the massive stump shoot flames out of the end like a cannon with it’s audience staring in awe. Best memories Ever!

Keith was pleased to welcome Lisa (Darryl’s wife) into the Nicholson family. He had the privilege of walking Rhonda down the aisle and welcome Mark Eckerman into the family.

The arrival of grandchildren topped the “proudness scale” as he would often comment that life with those kids was absolutely “Fantasmigorical”. Rory, Paige, Lily and Maya learned many important nonsensical life lessons from Boppa. He felt it was very important to learn what aisle in the grocery store where you can find “Boppa’s special carrots”. We thank Boppa for his silly sense of humour and for sharing hours together listening to his favourite songs in his music room. He sang his heart out but we can all safely say that he was a far better whistler!

Retirement took Keith and Annette to Gold Canyon, Arizona to escape the Canadian winters where Keith played golf and slow pitch while folks back home shovelled snow. He enjoyed hikes with friends, visiting the Arboretum and enjoyed those famous Arizona happy hours. He especially LOVED to shop at the “Superstition Market” where he could buy so much produce for so little……..an accountant until the end!

He will be missed by ALL!!

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 26, 2017 from 11-3 at the Brock Senior Center.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Kamloops Hospice Society.

Arrangements under the direction of First Memorial Funeral Service, Kamloops, British Columbia.