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William Nickerson
William Nickerson
Obituary
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William Nickerson Obituary
A retired Air Canada pilot and avid curler, he lived a life of great integrity and cherished his many long lasting relationships. He will forever be remembered for his mischievous humour. Our family would like to extend our sincere thanks to both the medical team at the Abbotsford Cancer Clinic and to Dr. Robin Wilson for their compassionate care.
At his request there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, our family asks that Bill be remembered by sharing what he so valued throughout his life: kindness.
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" Dr. Seuss
Condolences may be sent to: www.hendersonslangleyfunerals.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
53 Entries
Kenna Blair
October 28, 2017
Fabulous person who did not take fools likely! Loved by his crews! Why cannot we tell them of our respect and affection before their death?
grania Svedic
March 14, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. Always a gentleman with such a sense of humor. Bill was an amazing pilot and yet in many ways a humble man...My thoughts are with his family of whom he loved deeply...Gone to soon.
Anthony Wade-Cooper
March 13, 2017
Many happy memories of flying with Bill. Always a pleasure to work with him.
Rod Ellis
February 15, 2017
Fellow course member, fellow 'Maritimer"; Bill was a great guy ... one of "the best". Too young, too soon; he will be fondly remembered. My sincere condolences to those who knew and loved him.
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Gord Leitch
February 14, 2017
I had the great pleasure of flying with Bill on a number of occasions - he became one of my favourite captains to work with from the very first trip. A wonderfully dry wit combined with a gift for making anyone feel comfortable as so perfectly captured in his picture.
Thank you for being such a great role model for not only how to conduct oneself in the flight deck, but also in life. You have had a strong and positive influence on many of your colleagues and will continue to do so for many years to come.
I will choose to smile when I think of Bill but please know how much he will be missed.
My sincere condolences to the Nickerson family.
Rob Randall
February 14, 2017
Bill was a true gentleman, and a very professional pilot. He was an example for all , sorry he had to go so soon.
Ed Yacyshyn
February 13, 2017
I curled against Bill many times especially at the annual CP Air Bonspiels. His sense of humour on the ice made it difficult to stay focused on making your next shot. A true gentleman also. My deepest sympathy to the Nickerson family.
David Gilmore
February 12, 2017
"Wonderful guy, great pilot and a good friend many years ago during out early years in Langley. Will always remember our trips on the 727 and the many laughs shared. Very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Sincere condolences Clare, Billeh and Janet.
February 12, 2017
Always smiling and helpful.
A wonderful neighbour and friend for over 40 years.Many unforgettable memories. We'll miss you.
Ruth and family.
Linda Watt
February 12, 2017
Clare, Billeh and Janet,
My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. I always have fond memories of you across the hall on Randall Ave.
Linda Watt (Murphy)
Ron Saretsky
February 11, 2017
Flew many very enjoyable, memorable and fun-filled missions with Bill. So shocked and saddened to hear of my ole colleagues passing. A consummate professional pilot and genuinely kind person (his photo says it all about him).
My deepest condolences to the Nickerson family.
February 11, 2017
Clare, Janet and Billeh very very sadden to hear of Bill's passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family, 67 is far to young to leave. Be strong
Graham and Pat Cameron, Halifax, NS
Bob Lyon
February 10, 2017
I was saddened to hear of Bill's passing . Way too young . I also had the pleasure of being his first officer several times. He was always a gentleman and a pleasure to fly with . He's was the type of Captain most of us tried to model in our careers . He will be missed I'm sure .
Bob Lyon
Bellingham WA
Randy Smith
February 10, 2017
One of my very favorite Captains to fly with. We had many good trips. Bill will be missed.
Tony CONNOLLY
February 10, 2017
Bill, if you find any cranky angels where you are now, I know that you will put a smile on their faces. You made everyone that you met here on earth smile and laugh and just relax when in your company. I have no doubt that you are doing the same right now. You took your Last flight way too soon and will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing you and working with you.
Tony Connolly
Brian and Julie Dallyn
February 10, 2017
Clare, Billeh and Janet,
Our hearts were filled with sorrow and a deep sense of loss when we heard of Bill's passing.
We met through Peter as we joined CP Air and became fast friends.
Our families grew up camping together in our earlier days. There were fantastic Grey Cup Parties, Curling Bonspiels, unbelievable Fishing Trips and memorable flights together when we were both on the 727.
Bill was a true friend and the world could not find a nicer Gentleman.
Our deepest Sympathy and Love to you all.
George and Annie Zuk
February 10, 2017
We all have such a short time on this earth to share happiness and friendship with our friends. Bill was always one to do just that while working on the airplane or socializing with anyone, not just his friends.
It was unfortunate that we could not have worked together more during our airline careers but, when we did, it was to my benefit to be in his company. He influenced more people, for the better, than he would ever have imagined.
Warm regards to his family who will have many loving memories of a wonderful husband, father and beloved friend.
Rob Kozniuk
February 9, 2017
I first met Bill when he was flying the B737 and I was the B737 Pilot Training Scheduler at CPAir. All pilots required recurrent simulator training every six months and it was my responsibility to schedule the date and time for simulator. On occasion it would go like this. I'd advise Bill of his simulator time, he would negotiate, I would re-negotiate and Bill always made sure it would work for both of us. Bill, always the professional, always the gentleman, always kind and always... a pleasure to work with. He will be missed.
Chester&Judy Glendenning
February 9, 2017
Clare, Janet and Billeh with our deepest sympathy.
Rest in Peace, Bill as a friend and a wonderful gentleman you will be sadly missed. A little prayer from Flying west,
"I hope there's a place, way up in the sky
Where pilots can go when they have to die.
A place where a guy could buy a cold beer
For a friend and a comrade whose memory is dear". Amen
With Sympathy
Chester & Judy Glendenning
Glynis Santee
February 8, 2017
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was one of the very best to work with. He was respectful and kind and loved by many. You couldn't meet a nicer man. He was a true gentleman with the most beautiful smile. He will be sadly missed. My condolences go out to the family...he was a gem!
February 8, 2017
Clare, Billeh, Janet and family.
Our hearts go out to you at this time.
Very warm memories meeting all of you, through Peter, in our early days at CPAir and curling in Langley.
Bill was an amazingly light hearted and happy person with such an East Coast personality. It was a pleasure to know him.
Remembering the smiling, the laughing, and the good old times.
With sympathy,
Chris and Kathy McLean
Sherry Sands
February 8, 2017
Gone far to soon, Bill! I still can see your smiling face when opening the flight deck door to serve you and the guys coffee and meals. We knew each other throughout our whole flying careers both having started with CP Air. You were a pleasure to fly with and made layovers fun. Sending healing thoughts to Bill's family. He was a true gentleman and will be missed.
Doug Moore
February 8, 2017
I was shocked to learn of Bill's passing. His infectious smile and droll wit was ever-present, and ensured that any time spent with him was going to be a happy experience. I did not fly with Bill that frequently but the flights that we did fly together were most enjoyable. Bill was a true gentleman, a kind soul and a pleasure to be around. As a fellow Maritimer we had much in common, including, if my (failing) memory is correct, budworm spraying in NB. My deepest condolences go out to his wife and children and to his many, many friends; my thoughts are with, and of you all.
Dave La Pierre
February 8, 2017
Very saddened to hear the sad news of Bills sudden passing. Bill was a great aviator and always a pleasure to work with. We were both from Halifax and the Moncton flying club. He will be missed.
Shannon Cawdell (Farris)
February 8, 2017
I was so saddened to hear the news of Bill's passing. Most memories I have of 'Mr. Bill' were made during my childhood where my family would spend our summers in the Cariboo, more specifically Bridge Lake, with the Nickerson's, Porter's, Nalutka's and Jackson's ... and I'm sure a few other families that I may be forgetting. I will always remember his smile and laugh, both which were so contagious. He was such a kind man and would always make the effort to wave or stop to say 'hello' at the back fence. My heart and thoughts are with the Nickerson's during this very difficult time.
Bill Wickett
February 8, 2017
Bill was always one of my favourite Captains to work for. We shared a love of family and of course fishing, which kept our conversations lively and our flights never long enough. A nicer gentleman you could not meet! I have very fond memoirs of Bill, which I will forever keep in my heart.
Leila Crozier
February 8, 2017
My condolences to the family. I never met Bill but I
am sure my late husband, Capt. Kim Crozier, with Canadian and Air Canada , and his father, Capt. John Crozier with CP Air, that their paths had crossed.
Bill Wickett
February 8, 2017
Bill was always one of my most favourite Captains to fly with on both the old 737 and 767. We shared a true love of our families, as well as of course fishing! Too many great stories to tell here, but our many hours and flights together never seemed long enough. A true gentleman, I will truly miss him and remember him fondly. My sincerest sympathies to Claire and the rest of his family.
Barb and Ted Farris
February 8, 2017
Our neighbour but most of all, our friend for 40 years. We all will miss Bill so very much - his smile, his quick wit always kept us laughing. We are all so blessed to have had him in our lives.
February 8, 2017
Very sad news! Bill was much too nice of a man to be taken so young. He was always a pleasure to fly with. Thanks to Pete for a great story.
Hugh Mullen
Brian Croft
February 8, 2017
Bill, Clare and their children Billeh and Janet once lived right across the street from us; you could not hope for better neighbours. Bill was a great pilot to fly with, a guy who always kept you smiling. When the flying schedule showed that you were to fly with him, even that made you smile. His warm dry wit and caring personality meant that the flightpath of his life was admired by all who knew him; Bill flew his flightpath high and smooth and he took good care of all his passengers, friends and loved ones. Bill flew it all well except, as I think we can all agree, he arrived far too early. So long Bill, we'll miss you.
Brian and Sharon Croft
John Hargreaves
February 8, 2017
I met Bill in 1971 on the YHZ Flying Club ramp as we had parked to get fuel with Spartan Air Services, Air survey Aztec. Bill graciously offered to give us a ride into our hotel in Halifax. I met Bill again a year later in December, 1972 at CP Air latest new hire class. We were paired together in CP's DC-3 with Murray Neilson to undergo assessment. We took turns in the right seat including sitting between the seats on a meal container. Our careers would mirror each other as we were one seniority number apart on the list until we retired.
Bill was a great pilot, always gracious, and friendly. The world is an emptier place for me with Bill having passed away.
My condolences to his family at this difficult time.
Jan Jackson
February 8, 2017
Clare,Billeh and Janet, words cannot express how my heart breaks for you. I will hold my memories of Bill close to my heart.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of his hands.
My love to you all.
February 8, 2017
Bill was a tremendously friendly, gracious and true friend. You could'nt help but smile each time you met him. He greeted you with his big smile and genuine nature and always made you feel welcome. I will truly miss him but fondly remember him. A tremendous role model ! I will miss him and remember his inspirational smile. Bob Hallin
Matt Sheehy
February 8, 2017
I was very saddened to hear of Bill's passing. Peter Jackson words on how he felt about Bill were very moving and captured the essence of Bill completely. I also flew & knew Bill & Peter from the Flying Club days. Bill was one of finest fellows I ever knew .I remember he had one of the most infectious laughs full of humor & mischief . He will be missed but we are blessed to have known him and call him a friend. Adieu my friend.
February 8, 2017
Always with a smile, never saw him "down". Great guy, 67 was not enough. Gerry Saunders, Kamloops
Hary Dhillon
February 8, 2017
I lost contact with Bill and Peter Jackson after they left MFC. He was a nice guy a great loss to family and friends. My condolences to all.
February 8, 2017
My parents knew Bills and they played cards and partied together. I later met Bill when I moved to Halifax, it just happened to be across the street from Bills parents home. When Bill would visit his mother he usually walked across the the street for a cold one. A fine man as we all know, our condolences to the Nickerson family, John & Rita Jardine (Ret.A.C Pilot 2007}
Bob Mitchell
February 8, 2017
It was always a pleasure to see Bill's name on the crew list and his smile at briefing, a very kind hearted guy, always the same person, great guy to fly with. Impossible to remember without bringing on a smile. Condolences to the Nickerson Family on your loss. Good Flight to you Bill.
roger shergold
February 8, 2017
A great loss. He was a really nice guy ... always smiling and always friendly. Always good to talk with when one of his flights came in. My condolences to his family.
Jaimie Graham
February 6, 2017
I will always remember Uncle Bill's humour, warmth and affection. I am so honoured that he was part of our family and I was able to spend some time with him. Love to him and the family, Jaimie.
Peter Jackson
February 6, 2017
Clare, Janet and Billeh...my heart is so heavy, I can't imagine how sad you all are...Bill was my best friend, I thought of him as a brother...we did so much together, good and bad...we had plans to do even more...Bill put family and friends before himself...pilots loved to fly with him...he made their jobs easier and layovers memorable...I will cherish my memories of him just as you will too...my love to all of you...
Jen Jackson
February 6, 2017
Uncle Bill was one of the kindest people I have ever known. I am forever greatful to know such an amazing man. He is family. Even though we aren't related by blood he was the best uncle I could have asked for. Thank you for being a brother to my dad. Auntie Clare, Billeh, and Janet, I'm so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. All of my love,
February 4, 2017
Clare, Billeh and Janet
It is with great sorrow we send our most heart felt condolences at this most tragic time with the loss of your Husband, Father and Best Friend Bill Senior. Bill made this world a richer place and will be missed by so many. Bill was one of the kindest, gentlest, selfless person I personally have ever known and to be friends with, my family and I will forever be richer.
Ben, Linda, Mathew and Cheryl Nalutka
Tracey Serviss - Bartos
February 4, 2017
Clare, Billeh and Janet,
Bill was such a great man - one of my favourite patients and one of my dad's best friends! Thinking of you, and sharing your heartbreak. I'm sure that he and my dad are flying together right now!
Audie Lajeunesse
February 3, 2017
Bill was always so kind to me. When I would call to speak to Clare, if Bill answered, I knew I was going to have to go through an obstacle course before I got through. I will remember Bill with a smile - lovely man ❤
Susan Croucher
February 3, 2017
To Lynn, Charlotte, Susan and Billy's family:
I was so sorry to read of Billy's death. I remember so long ago the good times the Spencers and Nickersons had. Sounds like he grew up to be a good person. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Susan (Spencer) and George Croucher
Des Desbiens
February 2, 2017
Very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Way too soon. What a gentleman. Always a pleasure to be with. To the family.. cherish the memories!
Karyn Jackson
February 2, 2017
Uncle Bill, we will miss you so much, thank you for being such a good friend to my dad all these years and for being there when any of us needed your help. Aunty Clare, Billeh and Janet, our hearts are broken for you and we share in your sadness. Sending you all love and peace.
February 2, 2017
Clare, Billeh and Janet thinking of you at this difficult time.
Diane & Wayne Menzies
February 2, 2017
Clare,Janet and Bill thinking of you at this time love Al and Mary Phillips
Rob Macdonald
February 2, 2017
Bill was one of the guys I always looked forward to flying with, whenever his name appeared on my block I knew I was going to have an enjoyable trip. Always a true professional and a kind and caring person, he will be missed. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
chrissie oldford
February 2, 2017
Claire, Janet and Bill my deepest heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you at this time.
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20786 Fraser Highway, Langley, BC V3A4G6
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