September 15, 1948 - November 25, 2020
It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Paul Nixon, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He passed away at Hospice House on Wednesday, November 25 with his family by his side.
Paul was born in Turtleford, Saskatchewan on Sept. 15 1948. He spent the first two years of his life in Vancouver while his dad attended UBC. In 1950 the family moved to Vernon, where, except for his years at UBC, he lived ever since. A highlight of his younger years was spending each summer on the family farm in Saskatchewan.
Partway through achieving his law degree Paul married his high school sweetheart, Darlene Bilinski, in Vernon on July 29, 1972. In 1974 Paul and Dar moved back to Vernon and purchased their 11 acre farm in Lavington.
In 1981, their first son, Braden, was born, followed by their second son, Jordan, in 1983. Braden married Kristy and made Paul and Dar the proud grandparents of Meila, followed by Riley. Jordan married Chelsea and made Paul and Dar the happy grandparents of Rhodes, followed by Carter.
Paul was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle. Nothing gave him more pleasure than having his family gather at their cabin on Okanagan Lake for a day of boating, swimming, conversation and laughter. In the winter Paul enjoyed snowmobiling with Braden, Jordan and his nephew, Taylor.
Paul had a long farming history in his family. He was an avid ginseng farmer and enjoyed nothing more than spending the day in his oversized JD tractor.
Paul began his law career in Vernon with Dantzer and Company. Eventually he became named partner of his law firm, Nixon Wenger, and in 2011 was instrumental in planning and constructing the current law offices of Nixon Wenger LLP.
Paul had an illustrious career as a lawyer from 1974 until his retirement in 2015. Following is an excerpt from one of Paul's former law partners: "Paul was a friend to everyone who knew him, as well as a teacher, mentor and advisor to everyone who worked with him. Paul was the creator and driving force behind Nixon Wenger, and the culture of Nixon Wenger came from him.
His legal and business successes were many, although I am sure that if he was asked about his greatest success, he would say it was his family. Even with his passing we will continue to rely on his guidance and wisdom."
Another of Paul's former partners states that it was always Paul's vision that Nixon Wenger play a meaningful role in supporting and giving back to the North Okanagan community. Yet another partner states, "He made it part of the firm culture that everyone recognize the importance of community spirit and contribution.
His name gave any community effort instant credibility." Paul actively supported a variety of capital projects for charitable organizations as well as many nonprofit organizations in the community, including the Boys and Girls Club, Community Futures, the Hospital Foundation, Community Foundation of the North Okanagan, North Okanagan Community Life Society and Kalamalka Rotary.
Over the years Paul received many meaningful recognitions for his skills as a lawyer as well as for his giving spirit. In 2004 he received a QC (Queen's Counsel) designation - a coveted designation from the Lieutenant Governor on the recommendation of the Attorney general, given to top lawyers "to recognize exceptional merit and contribution to the legal profession". In 2012 Paul received the Vocational Service Award from the Kalamalka Rotary Club, and then in 2014 he was awarded Good Guy of the Year from NOCLS.
Above all else, Paul was a dedicated family man. He will be forever loved and missed by: his wife, Dar; his sons, Braden(Kristy) and Jordan; his grandchildren, Meila and Riley, Rhodes and Carter; his sister, Liz; his brother-in-law, Ron(Donna); and his niece, Elise (Glenn) and nephews, Taylor (Kim) and Kyle (Roxy); and his great nieces. He will also be greatly missed by very good friends, Roy, Evie and Rose Marie, as well as many other friends and associates.
The family wishes to give special thanks to Dr. Dueck, Dr. Pritchett and the very caring staff at VJH and Hospice House. A private graveside service will take place at the Coldstream Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date when it is safe to do so. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Paul's name to BC Cancer Foundation (399 Royal Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5L3).
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.MyAlternatives.ca
Arrangements entrusted to Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services® Vernon 250-558-0866 & Armstrong 250-546-7237
Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services