Beverley Wayne was born in Chesley on Saturday, January 10, 1959, to proud parents Walter and Jean (Thomson) Nicoll. He was the youngest of five children and joined older siblings, Isabel (1942), Georgina (1944), Murray (1945), and Carol (1953). The Nicoll family resided on Bruce Rd. 11 for a short period of time before relocating to the 2^nd of Elderslie when Bev was still a toddler. Elderslie Central Public School opened in 1964, and Bev was in the original kindergarten class. Bev enjoyed rural life, and as he got older tagged along with his dad, and brother whenever he could. He played hockey in his youth and enrolled in high school at Chesley District. As many of you might expect Bev was never known as a scholar when it came to school, and instead elected to do what he must to make it through. However, by grade 11 he had enough and left school. His life-long friend Robert “Doc” Calhoun never let him live it down, often reminding Bev that he lasted longer in school.

When he was 16, Bev headed west for work, but his trip was cut short due to some health issues. He soon found work with CN Rail, spending the week on the road working, and returning home on weekends. In 1979, Bev made a change and started working at Murray Thomson Construction. He caught on quickly and enjoyed the work, as he gained experience in the field. A highlight of his early career was hauling fill into the new Owen Sound Regional Hospital in 1982-1983. The winter months were quieter, and so he started to help Bill McClure with snow removal to fill his time and make a little cash.

In 1981, while attending a casino night in Desboro, Bev was introduced to a young woman from Burgoyne by the name of Donna Orma Lyness. The youngsters soon began dating and were married the following year, in a snowstorm nonetheless, on Saturday, April 3, 1982, at Knox Presbyterian Church in Burgoyne. They settled just east of the Nicoll family farm on the 2^nd of Elderslie, where they welcomed sons, Brad (1983), and Brent (1985). In 1986, the Nicolls moved into Chesley where their family was made complete with the arrivals of Melanie (1989), and Brady (1993).

In late 1982, Bev tried his hand at farming on his own farrow to finish pigs, just ask Doug Bailey all about the shipping days; early mornings and late nights and sometimes it even took two days to get home from Elmwood. April of 1987 marked the start of a new era for Bev, as he purchased his own dump truck. Bev Nicoll Construction was officially born, and a bucket dozer and loader were soon added to his collection of equipment. With determination, hard work, and long hours, Bev quickly made a name for himself. His strong work ethic and high standards were good for business, but not so ideal for prospective employees. You have probably heard the term, “My way or the highway…” Bev could have invented that phrase and therefore went through his fair share of employees. Some only lasted hours, others a few days, and on occasion, some lasted the season, but Bev never wanted his level of work to be compromised. Through the years, additional equipment was bought as needed, all the while Bev did snow removal and repairs during the winter months.

In 2000, Bev and Donna moved to the family farm of Bev’s parents. Brent (2004), Brad (2008) and Brady on nights and weekends joined the family business and allowed Bev to take on more work and bigger jobs.  His expectations remained high, but the boys knew their father and were up to the challenge. The Nicolls took on a wide variety of jobs, and Bev would never complain about a job – no matter the task. He would never give someone else a job that he would not do himself. Although Bev had no clear favourite when it came to an equipment brand, he leaned towards JCB – “Just Call Bev!” Lol! Seriously though, it was rare for Bev to turn down a job, he always prided himself on being there to help. Bev was known to put in long days and take little time off. He was often out in the shop by 6:30 a.m. and rarely back in the house before 9 p.m. These hours remained similar on the weekend, whereby he would take on additional jobs or tend to the equipment and complete general maintenance. The kids recall many times throughout their childhood when they enjoyed rides in the back of the dump truck. Periodically, Bev would change it up for them and tarp it, to create a different experience. Donna was also quick to add, that on more than one occasion, one (or more) of the kids were sent off with Bev for the day, as they were testing her patience at home.

Although not one to have much spare time, Bev coached hockey when Brad was young, played with the Stingers for a period, was a member of the Chesley Curling Club and played broomball. In the early years, he was a proud member of the Chesley Optimist Club and a member of the Bruce County Heritage Farm where he enjoyed watching his son’s tractor pull and grandsons show tractors. Bev always made time for his beloved Tim Hortons coffee – always black! He was an avid collector of diecast trucks, tractors, construction equipment and believe it or not, pens! You might just be missing a few. Bev was a longtime season ticket holder of the Owen Sound Platers and later the Attack – often taking along his grandsons, loving a night out and watching the great hockey.

Back at home, he rarely missed picking up and leafing through the latest edition of the Truck Trader. Bev enjoyed a few camping trips with his children and grandchildren at the Bruce County Heritage Farm and Scone. He wasn’t one for venturing too far away from home. And who could forget time on the phone… thank goodness for cell phones. His cell phone, and the conversations, often helped fill his day, as he spent countless hours talking to family, friends, and colleagues.

In recent years, Bev enjoyed spending time with his grandkids. His proudest moments were seeing the grandchildren take an interest in the equipment and having the grandchildren help with snow removal. They have all had a taste of shovelling snow. He loved watching his grandkids learn to drive the four- wheeler, snowmobile and dirt bikes. Most weekends would include a visit from grandpa whereby he would take turns stopping in at the different homes, usually with a pack of Timbits from Tim Hortons. His grandchildren loved those visits and treats, and they will be missed. Bev was so proud that his children and grandchildren all lived close by and he always enjoyed a Sunday side-by-side ride to visit with them. Bev never showed how proud he was but truly was very proud of his sons when they completed their Ag Technician course and Mel for her business diploma.

During the pandemic, Bev established a coffee group that gathered in his shop. Visitors started arriving by 7 a.m. every Saturday morning, where everyone would catch up on the local gossip. As you can imagine, I am told not all the content was 100% factual, but it was always entertaining and everyone left with a little new intel. Coffee time ended by 9 a.m., as it was time for Bev to start his workday, whereby he was off to the next job.

Life continued as normal until twenty-three days before Bev’s death. He began to not feel well, with abdominal discomfort. After a few medical appointments, he was diagnosed with metastatic cholangiocarcinoma, a rare form of bile duct cancer. The prognosis was not good; however, no one expected his health to decline so quickly. Sadly, much of his last few weeks were spent in hospital where his condition and discomfort could be managed. He enjoyed the visits from family and friends, which helped fill his days. Unfortunately, the advanced stage and his declining condition didn’t allow for any treatment, and Bev’s condition became palliative during the last week. He passed away surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness, at South Bruce Grey Health Centre, Chesley, on Friday, March 7, 2025, in his 67th year.

Beloved husband of Donna (Lyness). Loving father of Brad (Lisa), Brent (Joyce), all of Chesley, Mel (Tyler) McTeer, and Brady Nicoll (Sarah Gregg), all of Paisley. Cherished grandfather of Braden, Brandon, Claire, Kaylie, Chase, and Kacie. Bev will be missed by his sisters, Isabel (Doug) Bell and Georgina Duff, sister-in-law Dianne Nicoll, brother-in-law Keith Coleman, as well as Donna’s siblings Dave (Michelle) Lyness, Lenore (Steven) Horner, and Linda White. He was predeceased by his brother Murray Nicoll, sister Carol Coleman, brother-in-law Larry Duff, and his parents, Walter and Jean (Thomson) Nicoll.

Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. Spring inurnment in Chesley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Chesley Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.