Keith Patrick Nichols

Keith Patrick Nichols, affectionately called “Pat” was born in Jamaica in the parish of St. Mary on May 20th, 1942. The first child of eight siblings for Adeline Skeene (nee) Moncrieffe, whose names are Karl, Beverly, Ludlow, Hermina, Joan, Paulette and Pauline. Keith was enthusiastic and possessed a great sense of humor. Growing up in St. Ann under the guidance of his aunt Cassandra Simpson and her husband Mr. Victor. Keith showed great promise as a young man and after being educated at Clapham All-Age, he moved to Kingston at age 17 to live with his mother and step-father. He then pursued a career as a mechanic, a skill that he perfected at Lincoln Auto School and later Caledonia Motors. Keith was an excellent mechanic and worked at Caledonia Motors Limited for over 40 years becoming one of the company’s senior and most accomplished mechanics. Keith was a visionary and was not confined to only being a mechanic. He was also a horse owner, owning the famed Rika, a thoroughbred that dominated the racing scene in Jamaica during the 1980’s. He was also an entrepreneur. He and wife Olive (Aunt Jean) owned and operated a Restaurant/Bar on Waltham Park road in Kington.

It is often said that “behind a successful man there is a successful woman” and Olive Norman (Aunt Jean) is that woman. Keith met Olive, the love of his life and the two courted for several years before getting married on October 17, 1985. This union produced a son Neil. Both Keith and Olive had children from previous relationships. They proved to be excellent parents to Sharon, Michael and Neil and nurtured their blended family the best way they knew how. It was very rare when you saw Keith without Jean. It was always entertaining to be around them to hear their playful banters and Keith poking fun at her as she simply smiled at his jovial antics. Keith lived with his daughter, Sharon in New York but as time progressed with ailing health, he and Jean went to reside in Florida with their son, Neil.

It is always difficult to lose the ones you love but it is important to remember the precious moments that have been shared. Keith passed away on July 25, 2020 after a long illness. He was 78 years old. Keith is survived by wife, Olive, daughter Sharon, son Neil, stepson Michael. Grandchildren: CJ, Michaela, Jordon, Joshua, Jasmine, Alexander, Christian and Matthew, 2 brothers, 5 sisters, nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

As we mourn the passing of a father, brother, grandfather and friend let us take comfort in knowing that “…God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21: 3-4

May his soul Rest in Peace and light perpetually shine on him.