Hon. John L. Nichol, C.C.

After his wife Elizabeth was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, John Nichol learned that funding for research to find cause(s) and potential cure was extremely limited. Other well-established organizations were focused on patient care, and awareness of Parkinson’s and the need for research funding was much lower than it is today. Firmly believing that research was and is crucially important to a future without Parkinson’s disease, John began work with Elizabeth’s neurologist, Dr. Donald Calne, then Director of the Movement Disorders Centre, UBC, to establish the charity now known as the Pacific Parkinson’s Research Institute (PPRI). The sole mandate of the Society then, as it is now, was to raise funds to support research towards not only identifying a cause and a cure for Parkinson’s, but improving treatments for those living with the disease. 

John took a personal and direct approach to fundraising through community and conversation, connecting directly with those interested in supporting the vital research work being done. In the mid-90s, he established PPRI’s Scientific Review, an annual event that reports on progress and shows appreciation to donors. Decades later, this event continues to foster a sense of collaboration between donors, board members, and researchers. 

Before founding PPRI, John Nichol led a life full of service and dedication to his country and the people in it, devoting himself to community service in areas where his efforts could make a difference. After returning home from World War II where he served in the Royal Canadian Navy, John was active in the Liberal Party of Canada. Years of volunteering on federal campaigns led to a position as President of the Party from 1964 to 1968, and appointment to the Senate of Canada by Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, where he served from 1966 to 1973. John was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1980, and was promoted to Companion of the Order in 1996 in recognition of his work with PPRI. 

Outside PPRI, John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who enjoyed a day on the water around Savary and Hernando Islands as much as a downhill run at Sun Valley Peaks in Idaho. John passed away in 2020 at the age of 96.