DEREK NICHOLAS

Mr. Derek John Nicholas passed away after a tragic accident while on his way to work during the early-morning hours of Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003.
Derek was born in Thunder Bay, Ont. on Nov. 5, 1973. He attended Heath Park School and graduated from Westgate High School. Derek furthered his schooling with a business course at Confederation College.
After his one year of business studies, Derek decided to enter the Culinary Management program, also at Conferation College, for a two-year course.
Derek’s love of cooking and baking led to a job at Roma Bakery. For the past three-and-a-half years, Derek was employed at the Airlane Hotel. He worked in the pastry kitchen, where he prepared many delicacies for various occasions.
Derek was a dedicated and hard-working individual, who was well-liked by
all fellow co-workers.
Derek appreciated the outdoors, and he enjoyed hunting and fishing at the family camp on Lake of the Woods. Derek also had many hobbies and interests.
Two of his favorites were cars and music. Derek was a car enthusiast, taking special interest in old muscle cars. He loved to talk about cars and share his knowledge with everyone around him. His second great interest was music.
Derek had a vast collection of music from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, which he loved to relax and listen to. He also loved music trivia and could name just about any tune from these eras.
Derek loved his wife, Tammy, and seven-year-old daughter, Jessica, with all his heart. He was a very loving and devoted father to Jessica, whom he spent much of his free time with.
Some of the activities they shared together were their frequent trips to the park, where they played together for hours. Derek also enjoyed story time with Jessica—she loved to have her Dad read her favourite stories to her.
Derek is survived by his loving wife, Tammy, and much-adored daughter, Jessica; parents, Don and Stella Nicholas; brother, Dan (Shannon Schiffer); sister, Heather (G.J. Ninivirta); father- and mother-in-law, Rick and Carol Gallinger; brother-in-law; Gordon McCooeye (Gill Throupe); and sister-in-law, JoAnne Nimchuk.
He also is survived by aunts and uncles, Don McTavish, Ken (Joan) McTavish, Allan McTavish (Lorraine Gosselin), Ed (Gail) McTavish, Bob (Karen) McTavish, Ron (Charlene) McTavish, and Doug (Patti) McTavish, all of the Fort Frances, Ont. area, Flora (Bob) Richardson of Oklahoma, Shirley (Harold) Atkins of Brighton, Ont., Pat (Bob) Gosselin of Atikokan, Ont., Evelyn (Fred) Hyatt of Thunder Bay, Ont., and Janet (Ken) Shewchuck of Thunder Bay, Ont.
He also is survived by many cousins, and great aunts and uncles. Derek will be missed by his many longtime friends.
Derek was predeceased by his grandparents, Jack and Leah McTavish and John and Violet Nicholas; aunt, Shannon McTavish; and uncles, Jim McTavish and Ken Nicholas.
A memorial service to celebrate Derek’s life will be held Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2003 at 10 a.m. in the chapel of Jenkens Funeral Home, with David and Pauline Bell officiating.
As expressions of sympathy, in memoriam donations may be made to “In Trust for Jessica Nicholas” at the Scotiabank, 501 Victoria Avenue E., Thunder Bay, Ont., P7C 1A8.
On-line condolences at www.jenkens-funeral.ca