Antonio "Tony" Italo Ernesto Nichini

Dr. Antonio (Tony) Italo Ernesto Nichini MB BS MRCS LRCP FCBOM MBA, 96, of Vancouver, BC, died gently on July 1, 2026, with family by his side and his partner of the past 16 years, Hilrie Reimer, holding his hand.

He was born in London, England, on October 23, 1929, the son of the late Giulio and Angela Rosa (née Bazzano) Nichini. Both of them were from the northern Italian lake town of Orta San Giulio, where Tony spent many summers as a child and enjoyed visiting as an adult.

After completing his National Service in the British Army, Tony attended Westminster Hospital Medical School in London, England, and graduated with his medical degree. He built a long and fulfilling career as a physician, moving to Canada with his wife and young daughter in 1959 to practise in Kirkland Lake, ON, where they welcomed three more children. Tony and family then moved south to Clarkson, ON (now Mississauga), to establish a successful family practice. In 1978, the family moved to Vancouver, BC, where Tony practised Occupational Medicine with the Workers’ Compensation Board of BC (now WorkSafeBC), retiring as VP, Medical Division. Tony then worked for the Victims Fund of BC before retiring fully at 81 years of age. He was also proud to serve as a reservist in the Royal Canadian Medical Service. Tony enjoyed many hobbies and activities including sailing, golfing, curling, and travelling. He was a life-long Scrabble player and loved cooking, entertaining, eating and a robust red wine!

Tony was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Rita (née Bento), in 2009, and by his younger brother, Dr. Franco Nichini, in 2021. He is survived by his children with Rita: Marisa, Carlo (Heather), Aldo (Brenda Fraser), and Lisa. He was incredibly proud of his grandchildren, Steffanie Davis, Alexander Nichini (Brooke Shaughnessy), Reece Conn (Maeve), Tom Nichini, and Téa Nichini (Jake Singer). He took immense joy and delight in his young great-grandchildren Malikai and Maizie Conn. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. As Tony would say, “C’est la vie Boo Boo.”

To honour Tony’s wishes, there will be no service.