Obituary of Clayton E. Nicolle

Nicolle, Clayton E. (Nick) a resident of Saint John, NB, passed away on Saturday March 23, 2013. He was the son of the late Ella (Beers) and Clarence O. Nicolle of Murray River, PE. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Hope (MacLeod) Nicolle, daughter Elaine Campbell (Ken), daughter Barb Hutton (Ron), son David (Debbie), son-in-law Wayne McLellan, sister Joyce Renouf of Halifax, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his youngest daughter Nancy McLellan, brothers Elbert, Lee and Lester. "Clayton" as he was called in his home town of Murray River never lost his love of PEI. He decided that the family business of lobster fishing and auto mechanics wasn’t for him so he attended and graduated from Prince of Wales College in pre-med. It was there that "Nick’s" hockey talent paved the way for him to eventually move to Saint John to play hockey for the Saint John Beavers in 1946. He was a talented fan favorite and a member of the 1953 Maritime Senior Hockey Championship Team. He was inducted into the Saint John Sports Hall of Fame and the PEI Sports Hall of Fame as result of this talent which to this day brings back many fond memories for many Maritmers. Playing hockey in the winter and working for Mabey Construction in the off season eventually led him to a career with the City of Saint John spanning from 1957 to 1988 retiring as the Director of Recreation and Parks. During this period, he was instrumental in the planning and development of community facilities including the construction of the Hilton Belyea, Charles Gorman and Stuart Hurley arenas and six community centers. In addition, he was a member of the 1985 Canada Games Committee which successfully hosted the 1985 games leaving a legacy of athletic facilities which include the Aquatic Centre, Canada Games Stadium, Forest Hills Sports Complex and upgrades to Shamrock Park. He was a member of many organizations including the Kiwanis Club, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Past President of Maritime Christian College, a member of the Senior Citizen Advisory Board and an Elder at Douglas Avenue Christian Church. He was recognized for his many contributions to his community and profession receiving an Award of Merit from the Canadian Park and Recreation Association in 1983 and the Recreation Society of Atlantic Canada in 1988 as well as being made a Life Member of the Rockwood Park Golf Course and many more. Most importantly, Nick was a follower of Jesus Christ and was a gentleman to the end and will be missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, 634-7424. Visiting on Monday, March 25th, 2013, 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Service on Tuesday, March 26 at 12 noon at Brenan’s Funeral Home Chapel. For those who wish, the family would appreciate remembrances to Douglas Avenue Christian Church, Maritime Christian College or a pledge to see "Home Run The Movie" coming to theatres April 19th. Online condolences and remembrances may be placed at www.brenansfh.com.