Obituary of Elis Nicholson

Elis Lorne Nicholson was born on March 4, 1939 in Dawson Creek, B.C., the youngest son of Bob and Florence Nicholson. He grew up in Little Prairie, and quoting from Chetwynd's history book he was a true "Chetwyndite". Elis grew up in a time when it was a struggle for his parents (who came from Saskatchewan in the mid 30's) to make a living in a little wilderness settlement. There were no children his age to play with, only a few neighbors, so he had to rely on his two older brothers and two older sisters to be role models, along with his parents. The first ten years of his life were spent in Little Prairie until his folks bought a ranch at Twidwell Bend. He spent twenty two years on the farm working with cattle and ranching. He looked after his mother when she moved back from the Okanagan to the ranch in 1964. After his mother passed away in 1982 he moved up to the Sukunka where his older brother Nick had established the "Upper Ranch". He loved the life of a rancher. Elis and Nick looked after the older stock at the Upper Ranch and left brother Bob looking after the younger stock at Twidwell Bend. He spent 22 years up river until his older brother passed away. Nick's passing was a hard time for Elis and he seemed to lose interest in the ranch. His health started suffering so he moved into town where he could be closer to family and doctors. When Surerus place opened he was one of their first residents. Elis seemed the happiest when the family got together for Easter, Christmas and other family functions. Everyone that knew him, grew to like him. He loved to play card games (including crib), was quite a bingo fan, and loved to call the numbers. He also enjoyed doing Sudoku puzzles. An important thing in Elis's life was when he and his oldest sister Jean did an alter call and committed their lives to Jesus. The most enriching thing to occur in his life. Elis passed away on Friday, May 30, 2014 in Peace Villa Extended Care, Fort St. John, B.C. at the age of 75 years. Elis was predeceased by father; Eric, mother; Florence, brothers; Eric and Wilbert, and sister; Jean. Elis is survived by sister; Joyce, brother; Bob (Bobbie), brother-in-law; Ray, many nieces, nephews, and great nieces & nephews. A memorial service was held on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 1:00 pm at Chetwynd Fellowship Baptist Church, Pastor Bill Evans officiated. Interment followed in the Tuscoola Mountain Cemetery. Special memories of Elis presented by Nephew; Doug Wark. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Elis to Surerus Place, Box 1679 Chetwynd, B.C. V0C 1J0. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium