Rory Kirk Nicholson

May 26, 2019

NICHOLSON , RORY

Rory Nicholson of Airdrie passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2019 at 59 years of age due to complications arising from major cardio surgery last December. At the time of his passing, Rory was a student at Ambrose Seminary in Calgary and completing a pastoral internship at DayBreak Community Church in Airdrie in preparation for ministry as a chaplain.

In addition to many friends at Ambrose, DayBreak and Millarville Community Church, Rory will be greatly missed by his colleagues in Canadian chaplaincy circles and in Cowboy Church circles.

Originally from Saskatoon, Rory was predeceased by his father, John Nicholson, Peter Deck (birth father) and is survived by his children, Jessica and Jonathan; their mom Pat(Darren) Stubbs; his mother, Dora Chorel; sister Susan (Doug) Smith, nephew Brady (Meghan) and their children Talan, Carter, Maci; nephew Christopher; sister Laressa (Claude) Sander and their children, Eve, Mathis and William; Helen Seneshen (birth mother); half brothers, Kelly, Michael and Bruce Deck; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and good friends.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will take place on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at 1:30 pm at DayBreak Church, 2014 Yankee Valley Blvd SW, Airdrie. Donations in memory of Rory can be made to DayBreak Community Church and designated "Benevolent Fund." Any funds remaining after expenses are covered will be divided evenly and forwarded to DayBreak Community Church, Millarville Community Church and Teen Challenge's Prairie Hope Women's Centre (Saskatoon).

Messages of Condolence

While we only knew each other a short period of time we immediately became best friends. He called me sweetness because of the Snickers bars for him. Blessing to all Rory's family. God Bless Doug

- Doug Lein (Sweetness)

Rory, with your cane in hand and a limp in your leg, we met and shared our last supper together at Montana's in Airdrie. You talked of getting back to Ambrose to finish your courses, graduating and then to see what the Lord had for your future in ministry. You were at peace with the physical damage your body suffered from your heart attack and stroke and your trust in the Lord's direction, provision and sovereignty was inspiring. You have walked quite a journey since your arrival at Millarville Community Church and have always sought how to serve our Lord with the skills and passion He has given you. Rory you have graduated, far beyond Ambrose, far beyond ministry, far beyond this earthly life into the presence of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Although I grieve in your absence, I rejoice in your coronation and know that precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints. Until we meet again where there is no more tears or death or mourning or crying or pain but eternal life with our Lord.

- Allan Burney

I met Rory, @ Foothills Cardio, although we only spent a day together as roomies, I felt as though I knew him longer as he had shared names we both knew from Saskatoon. I was shocked to hear of his passing, as I thought his recovery was going well. He will be truly missed, as he was a real people person. My prayers in place for my new friend Rory. Amen.

- Jim Doyle

Rip Rory I will miss you greatly. A great coworker and friend

- Elaine parrish

Our dear friend Rory. We were looking forward to you coming to Saskatoon to stay with us this coming week. You weren't doing well but were still hoping to make it out here. We will miss you, your visits and your great laugh Rory! Our condolences to all the family. Winn Smit & Keith Janzen

- Winn Smit

Susan and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Rory’s passing. I went to school with Rory in grades 3-4,5-6 and part of grade 7. I remember Rory as a smart guy and was always friendly. I lived with Jim and Nora Burns for 5 years. Rory is an Angel now and watching over you guys. Again I’m so sorry.bc6ybn

- Carol Wipf

I will never forget the sound of your laugh, the honest, truthful belly laugh that can be herd a block away. It's something I remember from my earliest memories of you, and Steve and Eli coming over in PA. The sound of family, the sound of joy. You earned the nickname "Yogi" honestly, you did a great impersonation. My last memories of you are of you and I taking the horses out for a ride. You'd embraced the "cowboy" lifestyle in your core and it was very special to be able to share that with you. A photo of us on the horses was taken that day and I'd printed out a few copies and brought them to your celebration with me. Thanks for being a big part of my life and teaching me about family, faith and taking what life throws at you and not getting upset about it. A closed door only means a window will open.

- Amanda Preston

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