Norman Wayne Nicholls
February 20th, 1952
July 14th, 2020
At the age of 68
Norman Nicholls was known as The Miracle Man after he survived a serious heart attack on his way to his office on January 20th. A heart full of kindness helped him survive complicated surgery, rebound with rehab and return home on March 31st, ready to begin a new life. He’d written a piece each morning at Bridgepoint describing the emerging of the light and his joy at being alive and loved.
When his recovery seemed to stall, tests on Canada Day revealed advanced lung cancer which took his life on July 14th, surrounded by shocked and saddened members of his family and friends.
Norm was a survivor. Born on February 20th, 1952 in Timmins one of 6 children of Joy Juliff and Harry Nicholls. He and his siblings were separated in a series of foster homes, reuniting as adults. Despite this difficult start, Norm loved and valued his parents, with compassion for their difficulties. His relationship with his brothers Clarence (died in 1999), Alfie and Bob and his sister Lynn were a source of great comfort and joy and he kept in close touch once the connections had been made. Unfortunately his sister Carol died as a child. A highlight was joining Bob and his wife in their camper last summer to visit Lynn in New Brunswick and meet her four sons. Norm adored Clarence’s daughter Karen and her daughter Anastasia (Annie) who were a constant presence in the life of their Uncle Norm.
Norm’s work history reflects his varied interests and talents. From dancing in a club on Spadina as a teenager, working in the office of an MPP and at the Playwrights Guild of Canada, managing the opening of the Isabel Bader Theatre at Victoria College to his last administrative role at Moneris, he always performed with enthusiasm and creativity even if it wasn’t his dream job. He brightened the Elections Canada office on many occasions with his wit and energy, as well as doing a good job.
His long term relationship with Ross Skelton took him to New York City for most of the eighties where they lived in a railway flat and worked as court reporters, taking acting classes in their spare time. Ross’ death in 1988 shortly after their return to Toronto was a blow that deepened Norm’s appreciation of friends.
His love of music was born early and sustained him throughout his life; his beautiful voice was a source of pride for him and joy for the rest of us. He’d downloaded a composition program and hoped to devote some of his time after finishing work to composing music and singing in a group. He also planned to donate time to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in appreciation of the help he’d been given.
Equally important family members are Clarence Campsall’s widow Pierrette, their children and Karen’s siblings Jennifer and brother David; his brother Alfred Nicholls wife Lise and their four children, Tracy, Shelly, Randy and Ryan; his brother Robert (Bob) Richards wife Norma; and his sister Lynn Craig husband John (deceased 2014) and their four children, Rory, Wesley, Dayna and Jonah.
And friends, Sue and Ken in England, and in Toronto, Heather and Don, Del, Wendy, Julia and John and all the people who spent many Christmases enjoying Norm’s company…and his shortbread cookies.
He’ll be missed by many people for his songs, his generosity, his jokes and his kindness which will live in our hearts always.
Due to the constraints of COVID 19 a small memorial for family and close friends will be held at Manor Road United Church in Toronto on Thursday, July 23rd, 2020 at 7pm.
A graveside service with be held in Timmins with close family at a later date.
In remembrance of Norman please consider donating to the following or a charity of your choice.Heart and Stroke Foundation
https://www.heartandstroke.ca
Black Lives Matter
https://blacklivesmatter.ca
Bill&Gerri Campbell
To family and friends of Norm.We had a unique friendship with him through our cousin Wendy.
He was a regular visitor giving us the opportunity to share idle chit chat and a lot of laughs.
When recovering from his heart attack, we spoke together about mutual approaches in making things better.
He had a great personality and will long be remembered…may he rest in peace!
Bill& Gerri Campbell
shevon
He was always a light at work he will be deeply miss
Kimberley Ann Renwick
Deepest Condolences to Family and Friends
Thoughts and Prayers sent your way xox
Kimberley Ann, McKayla, Kolten, Toriah, Tyanna and Miss Rosalie xox
Karen
Such an elegant man, with humour and grace. I will always remember his laugh. He will be missed. My condolences.
Jeannette Adams
To the family & friends of Norm. I had the priviledge of working with Norm at Moneris over the last few years, and the incredible priviledge of calling him “friend”.
I will miss his joviality, beautiful singing voice & “Normisms”.
My sincere condolences to you all, as his light was definitely one of the brightnesses I looked forward to every day.
Ray Carroll
I worked with Norm at Moneris and we started on the same day back on Feb 20, 2006. It was his birthday, I remember. He had such a great energy, expressions and wisdom about him that I’m going to miss.
Rest well my friend.
Patricia Anacleto
Norm always made me laugh every time I bumped into him, we even had our own inside jokes. I will miss him greatly. My deepest condolences to his family & friends.
Keturah Layne
I worked with Norm for a number of years at Moneris and he was quite the character. What I remember most is that he was a people person, had a great sense of humour, and took a lot of pride in his work. We had many great chats and interactions over the years. He will be missed . May he Rest In Peace.
Sending deepest condolences to his family and friends .
Courtney
I worked with Norm for several years and absolutely adored him! I’m very saddened by this news and regret not having a way to have stayed in contact with him – taking for granted seeing him nearly every single day in the office.
My sincerest condolences go to Norm’s family, and anyone else who loved him.
I will remember with a big smile all of our conversations, laughing until we were crying and our stomachs hurt, the philosophical debates, and general talks about life. I know he would look at this, and make a face and tease me at how sappy it is!
Cheryl
Loved, with warm memories
and never to be forgotten…. RIP Norm
Sylvie Stewart
My deepest condolences to all of the family. I had the pleasure of meeting Norm on my very first work trip to Toronto in 2008. I always made sure to come say hello in the years that followed. I will miss our morning chats, he always had something interesting to say and he always made me smile. I really enjoyed the little time that I spent with him. He will be missed, my work trips will not be the same without him.
Rodney
I had the great pleasure of working with Norm at Moneris for a number of years. It seems like every day we would share a laugh over almost every topic imaginable and we would have some good conversations about local politics and technology (I can remember when you got your cell phone). Norm your family at Moneris and those around the building will miss your sarcasm, laugh and kind hearted demeanour. My condolences to your family and friends.
Stefanie Areal
My deepest condolences go out to Norms family & friends.
I had the pleasure of working with Norman at Moneris for several years. He was a bright soul with endless life stories and lots of laughs.
You will be dearly missed <3
Rashmi
Truly saddened… he always had a warm smile, a silly joke.. with such a positive attitude, every single time I bumped into him at work… Will remember you fondly, Norm..
Lindsay
I loved reading about Norm, and I equally loved hearing his stories. Norm was a beautiful ray of grumpy sunshine and we will all miss him dearly at Moneris.
Angela Reynolds
To Norm’s family & friends, my deepest condolences. Norm often brightened my day at the office with jokes or a tune, sometimes just a smile and a wave.
It was a pleasure to have known him, and he will be missed.
Myriam Simon
My sincere condolences to his family and friends. May his spirit, sense of humour and kindness stay forever in our memories.
Ruth Lauzon
My sympathy goes out to the family. Mrs. Ruth Lauzon (Joseph Lauzon mother) .
Dominique Martin-Schmitz
I first met Norm in late 2007 when I started working at Moneris. He was very helpful, kind and caring, always stepping forward to help anyone in need. He had a positive approach to life and a wonderful sense of humour. He spoke often of his love of music and I will always remember the Christmas he stepped forward and sang along with the Christmas Carolers. He will be missed.
My condolences to his family and friends.
Jocelyn
I worked with Norm for years and he could always make me laugh. Good conversation and an all around good man. RIP my friend. Condolences to his family.
Minnie
Deepest Condolences to Family and Friends. I only got to know Norm for one day at the office when I joined Moneris in 2019 when I went to main office but his personality and kindness are unforgettable. He is funny, kind and very strict at work. Everybody loves him at work and he will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace!
Minnie
Spencer
My condolences to the entire family! I am shocked and saddened. I worked with Norm for more than 8 years and have developed a very respectful and friendly work relationship with him. I am the guy who always seems to leave or, lose my desk cabinet key; so Norm to the rescue. He would jokingly slap me around-not physically-for being so careless.
Then, he’d remind me not to be on his Duck. He had a wooden Duck statue on his desk whose beak is a clip, and that’s where his note to get his copy of the key back from me would be held. So, I said: “What’s with the duck!?”. His response was the ultimate Donald Duck. It was the funniest. At that moment I named him-Norm-‘Quackky” and from that day I rarely called Norm. LOL. And he’d would always oblige with a Donald Duck interlude.
I will donate to your Charities.
Great guy! Rest In Peace Quackky.
Roberto Manfredi
I was truly shocked and saddened by these news. I’ve only know Norm for 1 year while in the office, but he was always kind and available to help you right away. My father lost his battle to lung cancer 3 years ago, I can truly understand the pain you are going through right now. Please accept my deepest and sincere condolences.
Anoosh BIjany
I was absolutely privileged to be acquainted with Norm during the couple of years we worked together at Moneris. I always found him very helpful and full of jokes.
Rest In Peace my friend. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Kristine B.
My condolences to Norm Nicholls’ families and friends. He expressed his feelings, thoughts, humor and songs with a hearty laugh. He was always caring about my health and wellbeing. He was always in my prayers after his heart attack. Norm has left a void at Moneris that no one can fill. He will definitely be missed. May his soul RIP.
Michelle
My sincere condolences to his family and friends. May his spirit, sense of humor and kindness stay forever in our memories.
Olivia
I’m deeply saddened. I had the privilege of working with Norm during my time at Moneris. Never a dull moment when we would go for a walk outside. I’ll always remember his hearty laugh. My most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Norm.
Carol Haines
So very sorry to hear of Norms passing. Norm and I spoke many times on the phone with both he and I worked. Norm always had such a positive outlook on everything and always made me feel positive on the day ahead.
My prayers and thoughts and condolences go out to each and everyone of you and all who knew him personally.
Sue and Ken Codling
Our deepest sympathies to all of Norm’s family and friends.
We are remembering a wonderful friend who will be greatly missed.
Forever grateful for fabulous memories made in Cornwall and Canada. All filled with love, laughter and the warmth of Norm’s huge personality. A true gentleman….. you will remain with us always in our hearts.
Love Sue and Ken
Gabriela L.
I was very saddened when I found out of the passing of such a happy, kind and free spirit as Norm was.
I worked with him for many years and he would always find a good word to make me smile when I was sad. He had such a powerful soul. He will be missed.
May his soul Rest in Peace. My deepest condolences to family and friends.
Ryan Helms
I had the pleasure of being Norm’s manager until his recent retirement. He was such an energetic and memorable character. His jokes lifted our spirits and his strong spirit never seemed to waiver. He was one of a kind – he will be missed.
Catalina
I am so shocked by this news… Norm always brought a smile on my face; he always was supportive and loving. Have known Norm for years, and am very sad to find out he didn’t get to enjoy his retirement… the world got a shade darker with his passing. My heartful thoughts go to his family and friends, he will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace, Norm
Patrick Lee
So sad by this news… My condolences goes out to the family of Norm.
We lost a funny, caring and kind man.
I remembered working together in the contact center days. As a contact center agent, he was so caring to the customers he talked to. I’m sure he brought a warm smile to anyone that he has encountered. He’ll be missed…
Helen P
My deepest condolences to the family. You will be missed. Rest in Peace Norm.
Clara
I am deeply saddened but I am grateful for the time that I knew him. He was an wonderful friend and co-worker. I will miss his sense of humor, kindness and his one of a kind character. My sincere condolences to his family. He will be missed. Rest in Peace Norm.
Ximena
Norm I will miss you and your bright smile and how to forget your delicious shortbread cookies! Will always miss you!!
Rochelle
Norm always made me laugh no matter what! He will be missed. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Sheridan
You will be missed Norm! You made me laugh each time we spoke. You were the “inventory control officer” at work. You made sure every item burrowed were returned to its original spot. You put anyone on the “duck of shame” when they loose a key for their cabinet. I got scolded if i reapeated my behaviour. I missed you telling me ” yull beat your husband from the waist down” cause i look soo strong.
Rest in peace my friend!
danielle P
deepest sympathy for your family and friends
Mr Norm rest in peace you will be missed especially for your quick and great debates
Shirley Chiasson, Patterson
Sending my Condolence to family and friends, Norm will be missed R.I.P Buddy had great times and will never forget them, till we meet again.
Samuel M.
My deepest condolences to Norm’s family and all that were close. I worked with Norm for several years and will always remember how expressive and lively he was. We used to always share stories together over shortbread cookies. He will be missed.
Marti K.
Very sad to hear of this news. Norm was a wonderful person who made me laugh whenever I would run into him at work. He was always willing to help me with anything and he had a unique zest for life. May his memory be eternal and may God comfort his friends and family.
Raltz Supan
Norm you always kept it real. I missed setting beside you at work, all the long talks we would have, you constantly singing, to your yearly walk around the office sharing your delicious short bread cookies during Christmas time. I thank you for your friendship, may you rest in paradise.
Kiran Sharma
Norm, I will always remember our times spent hanging out together, going for breakfast, and our conversations. Rest in peace my friend.