We Remember
NIMSICK, Leo Archibald Thomas
March 6, 1936 — June 30, 2024
Judge Leo Archibald Thomas Nimsick (retired) passed away on June 30, 2024, at the age of 88 in Kelowna, BC, leaving a legacy of love, special memories, and inspiration through his service to the community and his philanthropy. At the time of his death, Leo was an Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Ladner, a Rotary Foundation Major Donor, charter member of the Rotary Foundation Bequest Society, and a Foundation Benefactor.
Leo was born in Rossland, BC on March 6, 1936, to Leo and Marie (née Zimmer) Nimsick. After moving to Kimberley, BC and finishing high school, Leo attended Notre Dame College in Nelson, BC, and St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, NS, where he completed his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1958. At the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC he received the degree of Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 1961 and was admitted to the Provincial Bar a year later.
For the next 12 years, Leo practiced law in Cranbrook, BC, becoming senior partner while serving both as a prosecutor and defense lawyer. He also established his home and family in Cranbrook, welcoming a son, John, in 1963. In those early years, Leo was already very active in the community. In 1964, he became a member of the Cranbrook Rotary Club and served as the club’s president in 1967-68. Leo also served as president of the Western International Hockey League (WIHL) in 1972, and as the East Kootenay Director of the British Columbia Amateur Hockey Association (BCAHA) in 1976-77.
In 1974, at the age of 37, Leo was appointed as judge to the Provincial Court of British Columbia, where he served the East Kootenay judicial district for over a decade. In 1984, he was transferred to Vancouver, BC where he worked out of the Chief Judge’s Office on assignment to all parts of the province. In 1985, he was assigned to the North Fraser District to preside in Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, and Maple Ridge. Leo retired as a full-time judge in 1997, although he was appointed as ad hoc judge of the same court and continued in that position until 2006.
Beyond his dedication to the practice of law, it was the community of friends, leaders, and change-makers Leo met through Rotary that remained a major focus of his passion, energy, and skills. He was a strategic planner, fundraiser, and successful public speaker and for over five decades, Leo served as a proud Rotarian, both as a member and Chair of numerous committees. For a list of these and a wonderful tribute to Past District Governor Leo Nimsick, see the Rotary Club of Ladner website here, (www.rotary-ladner.org/Stories/ladner-rotarian-past-district-governor-leo-nimsick-obituary). Still, one of many activities that provides evidence of Leo’s service was his long-term involvement with the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), an intensive experience aimed at helping youth in the community develop their leadership potential through communication, problem-solving skills, and connection-making. For ten years (1982-92), Leo served not only as an inspirational seminar presenter and staff member at these events, but also as a RYLA Committee member and Chair over the same period.
In addition to Leo’s many years of dedication and service, it is his kindness, generosity, love for challenging ideas and conversation, his smile, and charisma that will be remembered by the many people whose lives he touched – neighbours, friends, and family across Canada and internationally. He is survived by his wife, Diana Cabott Nimsick, and her daughters, Kathleen and Tamara (Corey Elliot) Kiengersky of Kelowna, BC, a son from a previous marriage, John Ernst (Sutasinee/Nung) of Marysville, Washington, and his sister, Lynnette (née Nimsick) Kelley (Frank) of West Vancouver, BC.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
So sorry to hear of Leo’s passing. He was a huge influence on my career in the law and in my wife and I moving from our childhood homes in Vancouver to the East Kootenays (Golden.).
If possible let me know when his Celebration of Life will be as I want to attend.
I send my sincere condolences. The Bible promises that your loved one will come to life again on a beautiful paradise earth when death will be no more in John 5:28, 29 and Revelation 21:4.
I had the pleasure of acquainting myself with Leo in Squamish many years ago and I am sad to hear that he has passed. My condolences to the Kelley family for the loss of such a wonderful man whose intellect, knowledge, wisdom and good humour I remember very fondly.
Bernard de Salaberry
Im so sorry to hear of Leo’s passing. Leo was a mentor to me. We worked on RYLA together and he passed those reins on to me! What an incredible experience. I was Leo’s committee chairperson when he was district governor . Leo was an incredible man. Please let me know when his Celebration of Life is