Trot Insider has learned that Allison Nicholson of Hantsport, Nova Scotia (Bedford) passed away quietly on June 17 at the Hants Community Hospital in Windsor, Nova Scotia at the age of 92. Nicholson, an all-around horseman, was a past director of the United States Trotting Association and past member of the Nova Scotia Racing Commission.
Allison was born in Baddeck on April 4, 1921 to the late John Thomas and Rhoda (MacKay) Nicholson, he is survived by his three daughters, Jessie (Clyde) Brewer, St. Georges, NFLD, Joyce (Paul) Gray, Pugwash, Jean (Brian McChesney) Nicholson, Cape Coral, FL, granddaughter Novadawn (Victor) Oulton, great- grandson Wyatt Oulton, Windsor and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
Allison was predeceased by his wife, Mildred (Murphy), granddaughter Michelle Gray (New York ), brothers John George (Baddeck), Charles (Baddeck), Alexander (Halifax) Malcolm (North York) and sister Lenora (Baddeck).
Allison began his working years in Baddeck where he was employed by Gypsum Mine from 1937-1939. From 1939-1943 he worked for Dominion Bridge Company at various locations in Canada, and in 1943 he was called to service with the Royal Canadian Engineers. He met his future wife, Mildred, in Baddeck while home on leave in 1944 --- they were married on December 22, 1945 in Bedford. After leaving the Army in 1946, Allison took a position with Maritime Telephone and Telegraph where he remained until his retirement in 1976. He served as a Consulting Engineer for the Halifax Dockyard from 1978-1979.
A number of organizations received the benefit of Allison’s involvement over the years, as he was a past president of the Bedford Home and School, a member of the Bedford Horticultural Society, a past president of the Nova Scotia Clan MacNichol. He was a 70+ year member of the Masonic St. Mark’s Lodge, No. 35, Baddeck, as well as a 70 + year member of the Amity Lodge of the IOOF, Halifax. He also held a life membership in the Telephone Pioneers of America.
Allison’s love of horses began very early in his life, as he watched his father race harness horses in Baddeck. He became actively involved in the industry in the 1960s when he started racing his own horses at Sackville Downs and the racetrack on the Halifax Commons. It was during the early 1970s, while continuing to be an owner, trainer, and driver of his own horses, Allison took on the role as a director of the USTA, a position he held for six years. During the early 1980s, Allison accepted an appointment to the Nova Scotia Racing Commission, where he continued his advocacy for all aspects of the harness racing industry for 18 years. Even after his retirement from racing he continued to avidly follow his friends and colleagues efforts in the industry.
In addition to their shared love of their horses, Allison and his wife were well known gardeners, and they won many trophies and awards for their efforts in horticulture. Over the years, their gardens in Bedford, Port Hood and Florida drew many admirers, who came to see the Nicholson gardens. Their extensive travels took them far and wide in Canada and the United States throughout their marriage and Allison continued those travels for many years after Mildred’s passing. Even though Allison was not physically able to continue his travels after moving to the Rose Marie Care Home in Hantsport , the ongoing visits, phone calls and letters from family and friends kept him involved in everyone's life.
Allison's deep love of family and life as well as a never-ending desire to enjoy both as much as possible will be greatly missed by his family who loved him dearly.
It is not possible to name all those who have helped to bring joy and love into Allison's life, but please know, however, that Allison's family does truly appreciate the kindnesses that have been shown him.
Visitation will take place at the T.K. Barnard Funeral Home, 527 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville , NS on Thursday, June 20 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
A funeral/memorial service will take place at the T.K. Barnard Funeral Home, 527 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville, NS on Friday, June 21 at 1:00 p.m. Internment will be at Brookside Cemetery in Bedford. Reception at the T.K Barnard Funeral Home on Sackville Drive to follow internment.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Allison Nicholson.