NICHOLS, Carl Arden - 75, Hopewell, passed away Sunday, March 22, 2009 in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, surrounded by his family. Born in New Glasgow, he was a son of the late Colburn and Helen (Chisholm) Nichols. He was a member of Trinity United Church, New Glasgow and more recently attended First Presbyterian Church, Hopewell. He was a member of Keith Lodge No. 23, A.F. & A.M., Stellarton and a past member of the New Glasgow City Club. Carl had a rich and varied career. He worked for CPR in Toronto before returning to Pictou County in 1968. He owned and operated a service station in Stellarton for several years. He was a long-time superintendent and foreman for Ocean Paving, Standard Paving and Warren Paving but it was his adventurous and industrious spirit which took him to Cambridge Bay, North West Territories building airline runways. Later Carl worked on the oil rigs offshore Nova Scotia. His coworkers affectionately called him "Gramps". During the latter part of his career Carl owned and operated the Shell Bulk Plant, Trenton and worked with his son-in-law, Walter for sometime. Carl loved tending to his vegetable garden and was looking forward to planting it again this spring, though he reconciled it would be somewhat smaller than previous years. Carl spent time talking on the phone each day with his family and friends. In fact, until recently Carl called his daughters every day just to say I love you. He also enjoyed cutting wood, fishing and spending time with his beloved cat, Misty, who will miss him greatly. Carl was a humble man but had a vibrant personality and made an impression on most people he met. Nothing was more important to him than family and close friends. His propensity to tease and make others laugh was one of his greatest gifts. Carl will be greatly missed by his wife and best friend, Joan Lorraine (Tupper/Vaughan); daughters, Debbie (Walter) Campbell, Chance Harbour; Laura Nichols (Roger Skidmore), Ottawa; step-daughter, Julie Shaw, St. Albert, Alberta. Carl lost his only son Scott in an automobile accident on March 28, 1988. Carl delighted in his grandchildren, Katie, Amy, Melissa, Rebecca Campbell and Cole Nichols; and step-grandchildren, Anthony and Natalie Shaw. He was tremendously proud of his family and his family of him. He was an extraordinary man. He is also survived by sisters, Dudy (Frank) Cranwell, Hamilton, Ont.; Gwen Dalling, Stellarton; brother, Blaine Nichols, Stellarton; former wife, Jean Langley, Pictou; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers, Weldie, Lloyd and Roger. In accordance with his wishes there will be no visitation and a private family service will be held with interment in Hopewell Cemetery. Donations may be made in his memory to the Pictou County S.P.C.A or the Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care Unit.