Special to the Star-Herald
After 45 years as a family practitioner in Mars Hill, Dr. Eric F. Nicholas has closed his office practice, although he continues to see patients at the Aroostook Health Center. A retirement dinner-roast was held at CAHS on Friday, Jan. 11, to honor him for his faithful service to the community.
Over 300 people were in attendance to enjoy the evening with the doctor and his family. There were people there who had come from coast to coast, from his daughter Cathy of Florida and his brother Bill from Mississippi, to his former neighbor, Bernard “Beaver” Smith, from Oregon.
After graduating from Dalhousie Medical School in 1962, he worked in Fort Fairfield for a year before moving to Mars Hill to begin his practice. He has delivered over 900 babies in the area, a number of whom were in attendance at the dinner. He was also the medical examiner for over 20 years – the one job he had that he didn‘t enjoy.
Doc and his wife, Georgia (Gardner), raised four children in the town they chose to call home. Their oldest, Camilla, lives in Acton with her husband, Dana Snowman, and is in the X-Ray Department at Eastern Maine; Charles (Chas) lives in Naples with wife Elisa and teaches math in the Lake Region Middle School; Cathy lives in Florida with her husband, Bion Davis, and their children, Brice and Blaine, and teaches elementary school; and Chris is a teacher/principal at a Christian school in Ellsworth where he resides with his wife, Kristie, and their two children, Annika and Stetson.
The evening began with Roger Shaw, master of ceremonies, and some opening remarks. Rotary President Bruce Hussey welcomed everyone to the event. Pastor Mark Carter gave the invocation.
Following a delicious dinner of prime rib or chicken, during which a video loop presentation prepared by
Jill Hotham ran, several individuals and organizations spoke to honor the doctor.
He was recognized by the community with Penny Rideout of the Mars Hill Town Council speaking of his service to the townspeople. John Babbin spoke on behalf of the Aroostook Health Center on the doctor’s value to the facility. A Legislative Sentiment was presented by Rep. Jackie Lundeen.
He was recognized by Dr. Philip McFarlane, president of the Aroostook Medical Society, for his experience and respect for all those he comes in contact with. Dr. Jay Reynolds spoke on behalf of The Aroostook Medical Center, remembering the doctor’s actions on behalf of his own brother some years ago.
Nicholas was recognized by his own brother, Dr. Bill Nicholas, who spoke of his pleasure in seeing his brother honored by the community that he has called home for so many years. He shared many memories of growing up with Eric in Canada, where their parents owned a general store. They worked at the store in many capacities – from stocking shelves to bagging potatoes that were stored in a crawl space under the store (not their favorite job). He likened his brother to the Apostle Paul – he is aggressive and knows what he wants. Bill practices internal medicine in Jackson, Miss.
The doctor’s son, Chas, spoke of his memories of his father and the great role model that he is to both his family and the community. There were some special hints given throughout the evening of things that Doc Nicholas can do now that he is ‘retired.’ His daughter, Cathy, came up with a list, which included: buying a computer (and hiring the Geek Squad to show him how to turn it on!); driving around the neighborhood in a yellow Cub Cadet advertising ‘handyman for hire’ (ala Dr. Cliff Huxtable); spending more time in Florida; and learning how to swim so he doesn’t have to share the inflatable pool toys with his grandchildren!
He was recognized by many special friends: Joe Shaw, who stated that the doctor’s personal touch was very evident in all he did; Rhonda Orser spoke of his special way with everyone at the nursing home; and Carolee Hallett, who remembered the many games of bridge and also of the doctor having a sagging visor in his vehicle – from parking tickets!?!
Marjorie Grew spoke of working with the doctor through the years at the local schools. The Health Office at the high school will be named the Dr. Eric F. Nicholas Health Clinic in his honor, with a plaque mounted over the door.
Milton Adelman spoke of his memories, especially of when Doc and Georgia met, and also of his appreciation for the doctor and all he has done for the community. Adelman, a founding member of the Mars Hill Rotary Club, also presented the doctor with a Paul Harris Fellow – the highest honor bestowed on a Rotarian. Nicholas has been a firm believer in the Rotary cause of polio eradication.
Nicholas reflected on his life in Mars Hill where he shared some of the most beautiful and difficult happenings. He said he felt that his life has been lived in three parts. He spent about 15 years building his profession. He has charts for over 1,500 families and 3,000 patients! He also spent 15 years as part of the community – visiting the homes of his patients and their families, attending many of the community activities and sporting events. He has also spent time with his family – working at being a better husband, father, grandfather, doctor, workmate, neighbor and friend.
The doctor is truly a treasured and honored member of the community – from being a 24/7 doctor to being a friend and neighbor. Doc’s love of his Lord Jesus Christ is evident to all he comes in contact with. God broke the mold after He made Eric!
Nicholas was grateful for the public honor and all the kind words expressed at the dinner on his behalf.
The doctor later stated: “I wish to express my sincere thanks for those involved in and those attending my recognition dinner. The overwhelming expression of love was felt by me and my family. My brother, Bill, from Jackson, Miss., was ‘blown away’ that so many attended, especially under the adverse weather conditions. My family and I love and appreciate you all.”
Photo courtesy of Tomi Henderson
OUTSTANDING CITIZEN Doctor Eric Nicholas was recognized at the Monday, Feb. 4, basketball game at Central Aroostook High School. The award to the doctor read: “On behalf of the children, senior citizens and organizations in our communities, we want to express our thanks for all the support, caring and dedication you have shown and given to us over the years. Our communities are truly a better place to live because of you. Thank You, Eric 2008. From the citizens and the Recreations Committee of the towns of Blaine, Bridgewater and Mars Hill.” Dr. Nicholas, Georgia and his family wish to express their heartfelt and sincere appreciation for the unexpected recognition at the game. They want to thank everyone for allowing them to be part of such a loving and caring community. Pictured are Doctor Nicholas and Blaine Town Manager Chappy Clark.
Photo courtesy of Tomi Henderson
Mars Hill Rotary Club President Bruce Hussey, at left, is pictured with his former classmate, Bernard “Beaver” Smith, from Portland, Ore. Beaver flew in to attend the special dinner to honor Dr. Eric Nicholas on Friday, Jan. 11. Beaver lived across the street from the doctor when he lived in Mars Hill.
Photo courtesy of Tomi Henderson
DR. ERIC NICHOLAS and his wife, Georgia, have called Mars Hill home for many years, where the doctor operated a family practice for several decades, before his recent retirement.
