Daniel Richard Nicholes died in Fredericton after a surprising diagnosis last summer of pancreatic cancer. He loved his life, all of it. He chose to be a Canadian after marrying his wife of 13 years, Susan Butterfield. 

Dan was born in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1944 to Richard Nicholes and Frances Seelander. They lived in Chicago and then moved to Danville (you read that right) just south of Chicago, where Dan spent his school years.

After an undergraduate degree in Russian studies, he was with the American Air Force for 5 years. Then, following a Doctorate in American history from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, he worked in several states, both in the private and public sectors. 

Before moving to Fredericton, he had been living in Worcester, Massachusetts, teaching for Clark University. He felt fortunate to have assisted in the establishment of business programs for Clark University in Poland, Russia and Israel. 

In Fredericton, he worked for several years with Yorkville University. He was inspired by the hope and spirit of young people. It was here where, for the first time, he became active in politics, volunteering for the Liberal party, and in 2024 he was presented with the volunteer of the year award by Jenica Atwin.

Dan will be missed dreadfully by his wife Susan and poodle Max. He has a brother- and sister-in-law, Michael and Karla Butterfield, and became close to their children, Nigel and Rachel. Another brother-in-law, Nigel Butterfield, lives in Edmonton, as do his children Andrew, Simon, Ashley and Emily. Dan was warmly embraced by Susan’s family in England; so many happy memories, and he loved them back with all his heart. An only child, he has a chosen brother, RJ Horwitz.

He made new friends throughout his Canadian experience; he was grateful to be so warmly accepted, thank you. How inclusive to be welcomed to the British car club when he drove an Italian Alfa Romeo Duetto, that he bought in 1967. 

Special mention is given to his close friend Gerry Clarke, whom he met at Carnegie Mellon University in 1972 (just yesterday) and Gerry’s wife Jennifer Pazienza. It was during a visit to them in 2010 when Dan by chance met Susan.

In spite of all the struggles of our health care system, Dan received excellent care. Our health care workers need our support; they work in very difficult conditions not of their making, and that are within our power to improve. Dan would thank all those who provided that care; there are too many to mention from the ER, the oncology clinic, palliative care, extramural nurses, hospice, ambulance service, shopper’s drug mart on Regent street, and to those who gave in-home care.  

We were and are surrounded by loving friends and family who lit the lamp when it was dark.

Dan was heartsick that so many children in Fredericton are hungry every day. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the student hunger program that provides lunch to 250-300 students each day, and a backpack of food to take home on the weekend. 

Swiftly home brave spirit.