It is with great sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Nick, due to an unexplained medical event.
Nick is survived by his wife Cassie Licari and his daughter Anna. He is also survived by his parents John and Nina (Budowski) Fysh. He will be greatly missed by his twin brother Alex and his sister-in-law Sylvie Recoskie and his niece Stella. He will also be missed by Cassie’s family, Larry and Joan Licari, Jenny (Licari) and Colin Richardson and their children Cameron and Charlotte, and Laura (nee Licari) and Justin Cooke and their children Nora and Avery.
Nick was a beautiful, old soul who brought us all so much happiness and joy and was such a bright light in our lives. Nick was a wonderful husband to the love of his life and best friend, Cassie. Nick was an amazing Dad to his daughter Anna. They were two peas in a pod. Nick was a warm, gentle, patient, and loving father and was always passionately teaching Anna new things. Nick loved to go for walks, spend time outdoors, travel, and explore new places and things with Anna and Cassie. Nick also adored his good friend, siamese cat, Oliver. We know Nick is sitting somewhere in front of a fire with a good book, while watching over his family.
At the age of 12 , Nick joined the 51 Air Cadet Squadron based in the Canada Air and Space Museum. At 17, he joined the Governor Generals Foot Guard. He stayed with the GGFG through his university education. At 20, he was commissioned as an officer in the GGFG and was eventually promoted to Lieutenant. Upon completion of his degree in International Relations, he transferred to the Regular Force as a Lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment in Petawawa. Upon promotion to Captain, he was posted to Halifax during which he did a six month tour in Afghanistan. He then returned to the regiment in Petawawa. Upon promotion to Major he was posted to Ottawa and worked as a staff officer at CANOFCOM HQ. In 2020, Nick made the decision to leave the Regular Force to become a public servant in the Department of National Defence. At the same time, he transferred back to the GGFG as a reservist. He quickly became a popular and dedicated company commander. He was an avid amateur military historian and collector of military history books. On Remembrance Day, Nick made it a practice to go to the local Legion branch and visit with veterans.
Nick was fiercely loyal to his friends. If he decided you were his friend, you were a friend for life. He also had a keen sense of justice. Nick was an avid fan of rugby. He joined the Cairine Wilson S.S. boys rugby team in his first year of high school. In his last two years of high school he was the team captain. He actively supported the the establishment of Cairine Wilson S.S. girls rugby team.
A private family funeral service and burial will be held at the Beechwood Cemetery. A celebration of Nick’s life is being planned and details will be announced at a later date. Please provide your contact details should wish to attend the celebration of life to “celebration.for.nick@gmail.com’.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Nick’s honour to Soldier On, to the Canadian War Museum , or to a charity of your choice.
Digital Guestbook
Kathleen Smith
BGen Steve Hunter
Cassie and Anna. This is absolutely heartbreaking. I had the privilege of working with NIck at CANSOFCOM HQ. NIck was reliable and respected and brought his great personality to work every day. He will be missed by many across the CAF. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Chris Mihal
Nick was a good man and will be very missed. In the two short years I got to know him I knew he was a wonderful man.
Aidan J. Solar
Thank you for your mentorship, Nick. You will not be forgotten.
Richard Desaulniers
I did some of my training with Nick. He was a good man. I enjoyed his company. He seemed easy to talk to.
Ken
Had the honour of serving with Nick during our time in Halifax. He was a highly respected officer but more importantly, an honest and caring person. His loss is felt in all corners of the Army. He will be missed. My thoughts go to his family during this difficult time. Rest easy, friend.
Kristi Randhawa
Such heartbreaking news to hear of Nick's passing. I remember Nick fondly from our time with 51 Squadron and running into him later living next door to his parents. Nick was a really wonderful human and had an impact on so many, even at a young age. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.
Amber Licari
Beautiful Tribute ❤️ I am so sorry to all of Nicks beloved family and friends. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love Cousin Amber,
Hunter, Hannah, Hogan & Hinton
Brad Browne
Rest peacefully shooter. I shared the range with Nick in Bisley and Connaught. A fine man, a strong leader, a marksman. Our world is lessened by your passing.
Erica Lidington
I am absolutely speechless to learn about Nick’s passing. Like others, I knew him through our time on AOC. Nick was very intelligent and a walking, living history book. I remember thinking I wish I had the same passion for history as he did. Nick, you will always be remembered. Thank you for all the kindness you gave this world - you made it a better place.
Nick, what a wonderful person. I was lucky enough to have Nick in my life while we were both members of 51 squadron and even more closely tied together in the family that was the 51 award winning Drill Team.
Nick came to my house every week to be mentored by my father in the chanter to learn the bagpipes, hoping to grow to the bagpipes- let me tell you that THAT in its self was a memory.
As everyone here has already written, Nick was kind. Driven and so focused. Goals and teaching were important but so were the people he held so dear in his life. I’m thankful that I could say that Nick was a precious friend, and as these messages come from across the country and even farther we can all see and see easily, the impact Nick made and the sweet memories we’ve been gifted with from him.
Thank you Nick. Always dear to and in my heart.
Please, anyone else who needs a shoulder or an ear, I offer mine.
Katie Smith