Richard Bernard Nicholls “Rick”

February 8, 1954 – October 1, 2025

A great heart has been stilled. Rick passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his

family.

A lifelong Victorian, Rick is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Esty Nicholls;

children Starr Parsons-Scheuer (Greg), Melanie S. Murphy, and Michael J. Abbott;

brother Ronald Gary Nicholls (Simone); as well as Stacey Taylor (Mike), Jackie

Taylor, Andrea Berger (Mike), and Clayton Nicholls (Kendra). He was the proud

grandfather of six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, and leaves behind many

cousins who cherished him deeply.

He was predeceased by his parents, Bernard and Claudia (Caldwell) Nicholls, his sister

Judy Gale Taylor, and his uncle Leonard Nicholls.

Rick grew up in Esquimalt, where he attended elementary and high school. As a boy,

he attended Camp Kalatan, later returning as a counselor. He loved the outdoors,

especially fishing, hiking, and camping. He shared memorable adventures, from

boating the Bowron Lakes Circuit and flying excursions, to road trips to Reno with his

lifelong friend Ray Morgan and whitewater rafting through Hell’s Gate with Byron

Houston.

Rick served with the Canadian Coast Guard on the CCG Vancouver (Station Papa),

working in the engine room alongside Byron Houston and Ray Morgan for two years.

He later worked at James Bay Safeway for 10 years, then Nova Beauty for another

decade. His passion for craftsmanship led him to Spofford, NH, where he apprenticed

under Gerrit Vanone Sr. at Designer’s Edge International. After 18 months, Rick

became a Master Shear Maker, achieving a lifelong dream. In 1991, he founded

Custom Edge, a business that brought him immense pride and fulfillment.

Rick earned a national reputation for his skill in reconditioning and sharpening

hairdressing and barber shears. His clients spanned the country, and his work was

recognized as unparalleled — “finished as only Rick could.”

Family meant everything to Rick. He was a fun and adventurous “Gramp,” taking his

grandchildren to Newfound Lake, the family cottage in Stoddard, NH, and on outings

to Clark’s Bears and Six Gun City with their great-grandmother. He was quick with a

laugh, and his wide, warm smile lit up every room.

Rick also had a lifelong love of billiards, known as a talented pool shark. He continued

to play International Snooker and was still at the top of the league as recently as August

2025.

Together with Barb, Rick enjoyed traveling the world. Their cruises took them to

Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, and the Mediterranean-but Europe always held a special

place in his heart.

Rick was accomplished, respected, and admired for his many talents, but above all he

will be remembered for the love he gave so freely to family, friends, and all who knew

him.

At Rick’s request, there will be no service.