Gary Douglas Nicholson

Gary Douglas Nicholson

February 25, 1942 - August 9, 2025

It is with sadness that the family of Gary Nicholson shares that he passed on Saturday, August 9 in the ICU unit at Soldier’s Memorial Hospital. Gary was 83 years old.

He is survived by wife Janice Nicholson; stepdaughter Jayme (Steve) Thomson; stepson Trey (Kailey) Reynolds; son Brian (Grace) Nicholson; Blaine (Loren) Nicholson and sister-in-law/brother-in-law and goddaughter (Jo-Anne, Jack and Kaslyn) Kallio. He proudly holds title of Papa to eight grandchildren: Taylor Thomson; Liam, Amina, Stella and Oaklen Reynolds and Douglas, Kellie and Alissa Nicholson. Gary is predeceased by parents Mona and Morley Nicholson.

Gary touched the lives of many with his generosity, unwavering devotion, zany humour and wit. He will be greatly missed by family, friends and colleagues at Info Orillia where he served as a volunteer.

Born on February 25, 1942 - Gary remained a loyal and proud resident of Orillia his entire life. His commitment runs deep: from a boy scout leader to a Lion’s Club and Royal Canadian Legion member. He supported numerous charities and recently donated 100 acres of land to the Couchiching Conservancy. Some may also recognize him for his commitment to raising funds for Soldier’s Memorial Hospital through his pop can tab campaign. Gary, aka “Tab Man,” was the mastermind of this project and singlehandedly managed it for years. He took great delight swinging by various collection locations and meeting all the people involved. The logo for the program was a caricature drawn by his wife Janice. People began to recognize “Tab Man” and approached him around town to offer tabs. Gary was thrilled to learn his homegrown project was approved for a provincial grant. Info Orillia will continue the program.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Bailey, Dr. Vimalendran, Dr. Frechette, Dr. Fernandes and the ICU nursing team for their extraordinary care. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Soldier’s Memorial Hospital would be greatly appreciated and may be made through the Mundell Funeral Home 705-325-2231.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 24th at the Orillia Legion (215 Mississauga Street East) from 2:00 - 6:00pm. Feel free to bring tabs in honour of “Tab Man”. Collection bins will be provided. Let’s keep Gary’s dream going.