Thomas Ross Nicholson

Tom was born in Orlando, Florida to Jack and Dottie Nicholson on January 26, 1949. They lovingly supported him through his severe case of Polio in 1954, his subsequent paralysis, a year in an iron lung, and years of surgeries and rehabilitation. Tom didn’t feel sorry for himself, and said that since he almost died when he was 4, every day was a gift. And he enjoyed sharing that gift with others.

Despite being a paraplegic and needing to use a wheelchair, Tom lived a full, active, and independent life. He went to college at Florida Presbyterian in St. Petersburg and was committed to being a lifelong learner. Tom worked for the state of Florida in the Department of Community Affairs and the Department of Education where Tom worked in the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. In both agencies, he helped create accessibility standards that made life easier for other people with disabilities.

Tom was very intelligent and engaging. He was a dapper dresser and always wore starched shirts. He loved the arts, music, and history and kept a list of the best museums he wanted to visit. He loved good food and adult beverages. His drink of choice was either a good Irish whiskey or a Perfect Manhattan. In his later years, his choice was vodka and pomegranate juice.

Tom loved women and married several times and had several other significant relationships. In his last 18 years, however, Tom was inseparable from his life partner—Lynda Hartnig. During their travels, Tom would drive and Lynda would handle logistics. Together they went everywhere--to the West Coast; to the Northeast; to upstate New York; to Alaska; to car shows, to the Alamo, and Presidential libraries. When in town, they were frequently seen at performances of Seven Days of Opening Nights.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled on December 27 from 5 until 7 pm. At Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home (1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee FL, 32308). Toasts to Tom and stories you would like to share will begin around 5:30 p.m. Those unable to attend the toast for Tom, may join virtually by visiting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOXqhySk7Tc

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Ability First, Center for Independent Living of North Florida, 1823 Buford Court, Tallahassee, FL 32308.

Tom is survived by his sister, Janine Nicholson, of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Lynda Hartnig of Tallahassee, Florida.