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
Ryan Moore, LCol, RCR
Colin Desrochers Thompson
I'm so very saddened to hear of Nick's passing. I'll never forget the time we spent together as kids playing Risk for days. My heart goes out to his family.
Mike McCarthy
My deepest condolences to Nick’s family. I had the pleasure of serving with Nick in both Petawawa and Ottawa. The description of him as a beautiful old soul is as accurate as could be. He was a gem and will be truly missed.
Jennifer Charlesworth
Dear Fysh family,
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Nick’s . kindness, humour and smile made my life brighter. It was too soon and the world for me is different now that I know he is not here with his family. Jennifer
Ron and Kim Licari
Our sincere condolences for your loss, we are short on words that could possibly comfort you in this time of need for reasons and explanations, Nick always impressed us as a strong stand up guy who would love and protect our niece Cassie, I only wish we could’ve spent more time with Nick to get to know him better but are glad to have had the opportunity to chat with him from time to time. There is no doubt that Nick will carry on watching over his family.
Rest in peace,
Marie and Dave Larabie
We were so sad to hear the passing of Nick. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Jordan
What a sad time. Nick was a super talented leader and warrior; hilariously fun loving friend to share adventures with, an exceptionally loyal friend. He was a good man.
I always appreciated the inscription on his sword: 'If I want a crown, I must go and hunt it for myself" it tied in his sense of devotion and determination, which was huge. We will remember him.
Sean Leithead
I remember Nick from 51 Sqn Air Cadets. Really good guy. My condolences to his family.
Jillian Hopkins
Nicholas Fysh. My swing dancing partner. A solid leader in Air Cadets exemplifying team moral, Witt and passion. True to his word; for example, if we won the drill competition he would let us shave his leg. So we got to shave his leg! He was a role model to me in my younger years and my world is better because he existed. I am very grateful for him. May peace be with his family and also to him.
Alex Haynes
I am truly saddened to hear of Nick's sudden passing. We met a few times over the years and I will always remember Nick for his professionalism and kindness. My sincere condolences to Cassie, Anna and Nick's circle of friends and family.
Nic,
It was a pleasure to have served with you. I was shocked and saddened to hear of your passing. Rest in peace. My sincerest condolences to the entire family. PRO PATRIA