PDG Leo Nimsick passed away on June 30, 2024, in Kelowna.
Leo was born in Rossland, BC moving to Kimberley, BC where he completed his early education. He attended Saint Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, NS where he completed his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1958. He returned to BC to obtain his Bachelor of Laws Degree at the University of British Columbia, completing it in 1961.
Leo practiced Law in Cranbrook, BC until 1974 when he was appointed to the Provincial Court of British Columbia working in the East Kootenay of BC. 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 October 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 on April 30, 1997. He then worked part-time as an Ad Hoc Judge until March 2006.
Leo joined the Rotary Club of Cranbrook, BC in 1964, serving as President in 1967-68. He moved to the Rotary Club of Burnaby, BC in 1985. He was the District Governor's Special Representative for the formation of the Rotary Club of Burnaby-Deer Lake. He was a charter member of the club and was a member until June 30, 2002, when he transferred to the Rotary Club of Ladner.
Leo was a member of the district 5040 RYLA Committee 1985-87 and Chair of the Committee 1987-91. He was Chair of the 1992 Districts 5040-5050 Joint Conference and Chair of the District Rotary Foundation Committee 1992-95 and 1999-2000. He was elected District Governor for the Rotary year 1997-98. He served as the Strategic Planning Chair for the District 1998-2001 and the Membership Chair 2001-2005.
Leo is a Rotary Foundation Major Donor, a charter member of the Rotary Foundation Bequest Society and a Foundation Benefactor.
Leo is survived by his wife Diana Cabott Nimsick and one son.