Calgary, Alberta
Rev. Larry Nicolay was a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Veterans’ Association, the Royal Canadian Legion and the Fort Calgary Preservation Society for over 30 years. His primary role within these organizations was as a Chaplain/Padre. His volunteer service has included duties such as hospital visits, counselling, leading various forms of memorial services, benedictions and being a comforting presence to all those he served.
In addition to his vocation and role as a Chaplain, Rev. Larry Nicolay was also a Veteran of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). It was noted that as a Veteran himself, Larry had a far better understanding of the issues surrounding Veterans and was better equipped to provide them the assistance they needed. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Veterans’ Association and served as President and Vice President. In these roles he provided Veterans, spouses and families with critical information and assistance concerning governmental and public programming concerning Veterans.
In 2003, Larry became the Chaplain/Padre of the Calgary Division RCMP Veterans’ Association. These duties included assisting members by providing pastoral care such as hospital and care centre visits. It would require research, preparation, travel time to preside over funerals, memorials, and celebration of life services. He had to be available to members to provide guidance or help in dealing with difficult situations such as suicide prevention, providing benediction at social events, reciting the Act of Remembrance and other roles including the dedication of the Colonel McLeod Statue at Fort Calgary.
As Chaplain, he was on the Chaplain list, which placed him “on call” for the “K Division” (Alberta) for any RCMP and Veteran that was in need. He also contributed written articles four times a year for the Division newsletter, which had received positive feedback. He contributed over 2,500 hours of volunteer service over the years. Rev. Nicolay was known to be open-minded and unbiased and served all those in need.
As a volunteer with the Fort Calgary Preservation Society - which is a not-for-profit organization responsible for the oversight of the Fort Calgary Museum – he acted as a greeter to visitors to the museum. Dressed in his Red Serge uniform, he provided answers to their questions and provided information about the museum. His role has been invaluable to the museum and has helped maintain a positive relationship with the general public. He had also conducted the annual Remembrance Day services at Fort Calgary since 2006.