FR Kenneth Cecil Alexander Nicholls (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter FR Kenneth Cecil Alexander Nicholls (Ret’d) in Mistissini QC on 24 December 2021 at the age of 92 years.

Ken grew up during the Great Depression. Living on a farm, he helped with chores and learned to hunt and trap for the food his family needed. After Grade 6 he found a job as a mechanic’s assistant to earn money for himself and the family. Eventually, Ken left the small town they lived in and travelled to find work. He returned home, got married, and had a son.  But the war in Korea reared its ugly head and he volunteered with the 2^nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. With his hunting background, he was given sniper training and won many shooting competitions. In Korea, he led sniper teams on patrol behind enemy lines and fought in the Battle of Kapyong.

When Ken returned from Korea, he settled in Chibougamau QC and had a new family. He worked as a miner and firefighter before retiring. Ken’s postings as an FR Firefighter were Canadian Forces Stations Chibougamau QC and Moosonee ON as well as Canadian Forces Bases Edmonton and Petawawa.

Burial will be at the Beechwood National Military Cemetery in Ottawa this summer.