Nicholas (Nick) Peter Summers

December 24, 1953 to April 6, 2022

Obituary

To view the service for Nicholas (Nick) Peter Summers, on Monday, April 11, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. please click the following link: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1649427106177467

 

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Nicholas Summers (Nick) on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at the Health Science Centre following a brief illness.

Nick was first called to the Bar in Ontario in 1981 but spent most of his legal career with Legal Aid NL, working as a staff solicitor and then Director until 2019, where he championed equitable access to justice in this Province for over 29 years. Nick was also a passionate advocate for the protection and recognition of refugees in Canada, and served for a number of years as a board member and President of the Canadian Council for Refugees. He also served as a Bencher with the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.

An avid traveller, photographer and technology-tinkerer, Nick was renowned for his quick wit and dry sense of humor as well as his love for red wine and books (Lots and lots of books…). Nick took great pride that his history with progressive causes and political activity caused a certain Conservative Prime Minister to rise in the House of Commons and dismiss Nick’s criticism of government patronage by referring to Nick as “a former candidate of a political party”. Nick was a kind and decent man who helped many of those who sought his wisdom in matters professional or personal.

Leaving to mourn with wonderful and lasting memories his wife of 45 years Ann Ryan, son Jeff (Candace) daughter Elyse (Joe Crowley) grandchildren Zach and Alex, siblings Tim (Patricia Heath) Elizabeth (John Lubar) Patrick (Ermalinda Nogueira) Charlotte, Jacqui (Timm Dawson), Rebecca (Chris Turner) and Christine, brother in law Paul Ryan (Mabel), nieces and nephews Jillian, Heather, Tansey, Geordie, Nate, Rachel, Isaiah, Adam and Grace and best friends John and Debbie Duggan. Pre-deceased by his parents Dr. William F. Summers and Mary Summers (nee Tansey).

The Summers family would extend a special thanks to Dr. Matthew Ryan as well as the amazing doctors and nurses at the Health Science Centre who helped care for Nick over his last few months. We would also like to acknowledge our sincerest gratitude to John and Debbie Duggan for their unshakeable support during this difficult time.

Flowers gratefully accepted but donations in his memory to the Association of New Canadians preferred.

Visitations will be held at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, St. John’s on Monday April 11 2022 at 10 am – 12 pm and 2 pm – 3 pm. The service for the celebration of Nick’s life will be held at 3 pm. The family requests that attendees wear masks. The service will also be livestreamed for those who wish to attend virtually. Please visit www.carnells.com for the link.

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I am so sorry to hear of Nick’s passing. I met and knew Nick through working at the Legal Aid office.. He was a considerate and kind man, and well respected by all who knew him. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family and to his dear friends.

I am so truly and deeply heartbroken to have learned of Nick’s passing. I came to Canada as a refugee more than 20 years ago and met Nick through Jerry Vink (Director of NL Human Rights Association) when I was most desperate and hopeless. Nick kindly and graciously took my desperate case and presented it to the court and saved me. I became a proud citizen and had the honor to serve and represent our country in various capacities because of Nick! I really can’t express what a significant role Nick played in my life and certainly in the lives of many other refugees he advocated for throughout his beautiful life. I am so sorry for your loss; it is also a loss for all of us. My thoughts and prayers with you and May God Bless Nick’s soul more.

Reza Alaghehbandan, MD
Clinical Professor of Pathology, UBC
Department Head, Royal Columbian Hospital

Sorry to hear of Nick’s passing. Condolences to his family. Kathy and Wayne Tucker.

Ann, we were saddened to hear of Nick’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family . May he rest in peace and light perpetual shine upon him.
With deepest sympathy.
Mary and Ches Warren

So sorry to hear of Nick’s passing. We were high school friends and in recent years connected again. Nick had a fulfilling life and leaves a legacy that will continue to honour him.

Ann and family
I am extremely sorry to hear about your terrible loss. My prayers are with you and your family. Another star joined the bright galaxy in the sky today.

Ann and Family,
I was very sorry to hear of Nick’s passing. My sincere condolences.
Sandra LeFort

My sympathies to the family. Nick was a balanced and dedicated lawyer who served our province so well during his tenure with Legal aid NL.. He developed Legal Aid into the first rate ‘firm’ of professional lawyers that it is today. I had many dealings with Nick over the years, beginning during the refugee hearing of the early 90’s. He was always a pleasure to deal with.

So sad to hear of Nicks passing. My condolances to the family. RIP

My deepest condolences Ann to you and your family, RIP Nick

The Association of Legal Aid Plans of Canada extends its deep condolences to the Summers family on the loss of a truly great man in Nick. His abiding commitment to social justice and legal aid in particular infused his life and work – and it showed. Never one for the limelight, Nick was a leader in a quiet and kind of philosophical way. During his 3 year term as Chair of ALAP, he led with good humour and determined optimism. The year our AGM was held in St John’s was memorable due to the hospitality of Nick and the staff at Legal Aid, all of whom must be feeling deeply saddened at his loss. When I had a couple of hours to kill before my flight home to the NWT, Nick drove me around the entire time, recounting local history, politics and some good old fashioned gossip. Rest easy Nick, you left the world a better place.

Dear Ann, family and Ni’kmaq (friends and allies), please accept my condolonces on Nick’s passing. I worked with Nick on the Law Foundation Board and I am saddened at his sudden passing. Listening to Nick speak on various issues at the Law Foundation Board meetings I knew he was a supporter of Indigenous peoples and other disadvantaged peoples in Newfoundland and Labrador.

I will miss listening to him, and his sense of humor and his suipport of Indigenousissues when raised at our meetings. I pay Nick the greatest of respect an Indigenous person can give when I say he was a good human being.

Regards,
Jerry Wetzel
Barrister and Solicitor
Conne River, NL

Ann and family,
We were so saddened to read about Nick’s passing. . He was so admired for hIs work with Legal Aid and with refugees in this province.. Our family had the pleasure of getting to know you and Nick through my step- grandmother Mary (Summers) Mews in earlier years. Our sincerest condolences to you all.

Heather Hickman (and Nancy Hickman)

I first met Nick when we did the Bar course together in 1991. We then worked together for almost 30 years at Legal Aid first as refugee lawyers and then in the general Legal Aid practice. He was generous with his time and knowledge and a role model in his empathy and dedication to those who were clients of Legal Aid. I am proud to say I was his coworker and friend.
Heartfelt condolences to Ann and his family.

On behalf of the Board and staff of the Association for New Canadians, I offer our sincerest condolences to the Summers family. Nick was a great advocate for refugees rights and impacted the lives of many.

I was so sorry to hear of Nick’s passing. I had the pleasure to work with Nick at Legal Aid. My sincere condolences to the Summers family & all his friends.

So sorry to hear of Nick’s passing my condolences to all of the family.

by David Orr

Heartbroken for the loss of a thoroughly decent human being and long-standing colleague. Our family sends out our deepest condolences to all those who loved Nick. Bless his soul.

Jeff, Candace, and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. As I have read through the beautiful tribute you have written and the comments written here, I have found myself agreeing with every word. Your dad was a wonderful person and he will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Ann, Claudia and I were saddened to learn of Nick’s passing. This is a difficult time for you; please accept our prayerful sympathy. The memories of a dearly loved one can carry us through these events. May Nick’s soul rest in peace.

I had the pleasure of working with Nick at Legal Aid. I always found him to be a warm and kind person.
My condolences, take care

Dear Anne, Steve and I were both shocked and saddened to hear of Nick’s passing. Please accept our deepest condolences. I remember Nick with so much fondness during our high school and university years, He was such a fun guy to be around, he was smart and he was witty but he was also very very kind.. You two were such a beautiful match., My heart goes out to You, Jeff , Elise and your grandkids and all the Summers’ Family. .

Tim & pat and the Summers Family Please accept my sincerest condolences on your brother, Nick’s passing

To the Summers family: Please accept my sincere condolences on Nick’s passing. As Chief justice of the Supreme Court of NL and later of the Court of Appeal, I knew Nick as a committed lawyer who argued passionately for his clients. His professional life was devoted to those who could not afford to hire a private lawyer and to those, such as refugees, who needed special help. He made a significant contribution to the administration of justice in this province. He will be missed by Bench and Bar alike

So sorry to learn of Nick’s death. He made a tremendous contribution to the refugee community and exemplified the best qualities of a barrister. He will be missed by many.
Robert Hyslop
Moncton

Ann, our deepest sympathies to you and your family. I worked with Nick for many years he was a very compassionate and caring man. Hold tight to your memories they will give you comfort now and in the days months and years to come.

Ann and family: Ronnie, John and I send you our most sincere condolences on your heartbreaking loss. We will keep you in our thoughts.

Jeff, Pat and the Summers family: please accept our sincerest condolences on the passing of Nick. He was a great family man who made a tremendous contribution to the disadvantaged, both refugees and clients of the legal aid program.

Sorry to hear of Nick’s passing. We are his backyard neighbours and always enjoyed our over the fence chats. Condolences to all.

Condolences to Nick’s family – Ann, Jeff Elyse & grandchildren Zack & Debbie.
Nick was a compassionate advocate for the availability of access to legal counsel for legal advice and representation for people required to appear in court or before an administrative tribunal. It was a pleasure to work with him.

Anne and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Nick was a great person ,respected leader and colleague.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences
Tim and Judy Chalker

Heartfelt sympathy to all of Nicks family. God speed. His legal work speaks for itself. Outstanding! A loss to the legal community..

Anne, Elyse, Jeff. I am heartbroken to have learned of Nicks passing. I really can’t express what a huge role he played in my life and in the lives of the people he advocated for. I’m so so sorry for your loss. Sending my deepest condolences
Hualin

I was so saddened to hear of Nicks passing. I met Nick through my wife who also worked with Legal aid.. I was always impressed with Nicks intellect, sharp wit and sense of humor. In 2007, Nick formed a wine and cheese club with my wife called WACASS ( Wine and Cheese Appreciation and Savoring Society. ) Oh how many times did we laugh at this title or got strange looks when we mentioned the name. It was there that I met his lovely wife Anne and their wonderful and best friends John and Debbie Duggan. The club went on for many years and we all enjoyed the many laughs and interactions shared with many who partook as guests and members. I also had the pleasure of travelling with Nick and Anne to Montreal for a conference and I have fond memories with them. They are fun to be with. May God Bless you Nick and may Anne and Family find Gods strength and comfort at this difficult time. Lauren and will raise a glass to you in your honor. You were so welll liked and will be missed! Craig Rodgers

My deepest condolences to Nick’s wife, Jeff and John Duggan. Nick will be missed.
He was one fine man !

Sincere condolences to Nick’s family and many friends and colleagues. He will be missed.

Ann and family, I wish to express my sincere condolences as you journey through these days of sadness at the loss of your dear father and husband. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and Nick’s family. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Donna Marie and Nick Kelly

Nick was a wonderful lawyer and a really good person. I had the privilege of watching him in court for a number of years. Legal Aid was very fortunate to have him for the years he worked there. He was a true advocate and defender. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Condolences to his family. I knew Nick a bit on the City of St. John’s appeal board, and in his work advocating for refugees. Rest in peace.

Ann so sorry to hear about your husband. All my wishes

Cathy Cornick

My condolences, Helen Walsh.

My condolences, Helen Walsh.

Ann, Jeff, and Elyse, I am so saddened to hear about Nick’s passing. We practiced refugee law together for many years and I considered him a dear friend. The obituary you’ve written is a wonderful tribute that captures his love of life so well. He did indeed love a good fight for social justice, but make no mistake, you were the center of his world. He always spoke of you with such love. Sending my condolences and much love…Dale

Sincere condolences to you and your family. Nick was a pleasure to work with at Legal Aid. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Ann . I was so sorry to learn today of Nick’s untimely death. Please accept the sincerest condolences I am sending to you and your family.. Take care of each other at this difficult time.

Lorraine Michael

Dear Ann: So sorry to learn of Nick’s passing. Holding you and your family close in my heart. Deepest condolences. Joan Myles

To Patrick and the Summers family

We were saddened to learn of Nick’s passing.
Over the years we met him through work and social occasions. Although we did not know him well we knew him as our classmate’s older brother and that he was respected professionally

Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Colleen Hanrahan & John Abbott

So saddened to hear this. We were coming your way this summer and I was looking forward to seeing him again. Not to be. Our thoughts and love are with the family. It’s a huge loss for all.

My deepest condolences to Jeff, Candace, their beautiful boys and the Summers family. Jeff, your dad sounded like a wonderful man, fighting for others and trying to bring true justice to this world. Wishing you peace at this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
Andrea, Adam, and the boys

I first knew Nick as a lawyer when I was a member of the refugee board. He was brilliant, never taking a note, asking all the right questions, summing up the evidence and arguments in precise detail. Later I knew him as a colleague and refugee advocate. His understated brilliance hid a profound passion for social justice, for refugees, and for any outsider who fell befoul of government bureaucracy. I always thought of it as Newfoundland trait. My deepest condolences to Ann, Jeff and Elyse.

Nicks Family,
So very sorry to hear of Nicks passing, I have many good memories of the Summers family growing up in the cove. Keep your memories close and he will live on in your hearts forever. R.I.P. Nick

Ken an I are sending our condolences. Nick was a good man and enjoyed his wine.
I have fond memories of traveling with Nick on our cruise to New Zealand and Australia he was a lot of fun
He will be missed
Sending hugs and prayers
Ken and Elisabeth Duggan

I served with Nick for many years on the Canadian Council for Refugees. We shared countless hours of discussions where his wisdom and humour were always welcomed. The post meeting meetings were full of fun and laughter. I remember Nick as a proud Newfoundlander who had a great heart for refugees, for justice and compassion. My deepest condolences to Ann, Jeff and Elyse.

My sincere condolences to you, Ann, and your family. He was such a caring soul and will be sincerely missed.

Ann, Jeff and Elyse, we are saddened to learn of Nick’s passing. We always remember him in the shadows taking pictures of The Phillies singing at our many performances. He was such a proud supporter with an easy smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and hope the happy memories shared in the coming days prove to be of support to you.

Sincere condolences,
Heather and Jim Healey

It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Nick. Our thoughts are with Ann and Elyse and Jeffrey as they navigate his loss, and celebrate his life and love.

He was such a great man with so much more to contribute. I know his loss is greatest to those who loved him but it is also felt by those of us who respected and liked him. Please accept our sincere condolences.

Ann and Family,
Our hearts go out to you, and we can not imagine the depth of your sorrow at this time. One can only hope that your treasure trove of memories will carry you through these rough waters, and hopefully bring a smile to your face once again. Hugs to all.
Love,
Tony & Denise Norman
Sharron & Bob Carew

Oh just shocked at the passing of Nick! I had not seen him in recent years but still in our thoughts here in Winnipeg. Deepest sympathies to Ann and the extended family at this difficult time.