Robert Amos Nickerson (Bob) died after a brave battle with a relentless infectious disease. He was born in Canton, Massachusetts, the son of Charles and Barbara Nickerson on March 19, 1950, and was the oldest of 7 children born to the family. It is rumored that it is Bob’s fault Charlie bought his farm in Holliston.
The story is that the family was driving around looking for land, and Bob said he was hungry and wanted a snack. Charlie stopped at what we believe was Fiske’s or Superette in Holliston and saw a realtor’s office sign. He met with the realtor and ended up buying the property now known as Out Post Farm.
Bob attended Holliston High School and then completed his education at an Agricultural High School. He wanted to be a farmer like his Father. He later became a law enforcement officer in Arizona.
While living in Arizona, Bob found love and married. Sadly, he later lost his wife to cancer
After returning to Massachusetts, Bob spent much of his working life as a truck driver, driving both local and long-haul routes. He would often drive the cab to his Father’s home in Holliston.
On his long-haul trips across the country, Bob would stop and visit with family around the country.
Bob held a Hoist Engineer Certification, OSHA courses, and other work-related achievements.
Bob also owned several businesses over the years, often stepping in to help friends who were struggling and trying to keep their businesses going. When a friend of his daughter needed help opening her own beauty shop, Bob bought the shop for her. Over the years, he also owned a coffee shop in Rockland, a video store, Dream Limousine, and a bus company.
His friends remember Bob as someone who was always willing to help anyone who needed a hand. Even the home he was living in at the time of his death was one he had purchased from a friend who was going through financial difficulties.
Bob’s friends were lifelong friends. Many who have reached out have known Bob for a very long time, many for decades. Each and every one of them said Bob had a heart of gold and never turned down anyone who asked for help.
Friends shared stories of meals together, socializing, Bob’s work ethic, and yes, Bob’s “unique” ability to show up just in time for dinner. One friend reports he was always concerned about her getting home safely if she was out and about. Another reports what a great teacher Bob was and how he was always concerned about her safety.
He worked for Mike Pitts for over 25 years. The two remained close until Bob’s death.
Another friend shared stories of being the “Hostess” on Bob’s Party Bus in his Limo company. She met him as his realtor in 1986 and remained close right up to his death. She reports he loved her kids and helped them out a lot during their lives.
Bob bought a dog for one friend so she would have a companion and comfort as her husband’s dementia progresses. He wanted to “pay her back” for caring for him while he was sick at home. He even took in his cat, Sebastian, when another friend fell on hard times and couldn’t care for him. Sebastian has a forever home now with the wonderful woman who fostered him while Bob was ill. While Bob was alive, he wanted to be sure the woman caring for Sebastian had everything she needed for him.
While in the hospital, he offered another friend his Hummer to use if it was needed.
Bob loved playing cards and could often be found in Foxwoods or local games of Texas Hold ‘em. A friend recalls Bob only taking one vacation, to Las Vegas to play cards.
Until his hospitalization, Bob would visit his father on Sundays. They would share a blueberry muffin and coffee and talk. The one thing Bob mentioned over and over while in the hospital and various rehab facilities is that he wanted to hug his father one more time.
Bob would call Charlie, and between the two of them being deaf, the conversations were interesting. Bob would say he asked Charlie what the farm looked like today, and Charlie would say something like, “Yeah, it’s nice and warm today.”
Bob is survived by father, Charles (Charlie) Nickerson of Holliston; brother Charles (Jr.), of Maine, and sister, Patricia Shaberly of Kansas. He was predeceased by brothers David (who died shortly after birth), James, who died in a motor vehicle accident, Tommy, who was a Marine and ended up as a paraplegic following an accident and passed in 2021, and a sister, Susan (who died in infancy). He is survived by his niece, Courtney Quinn, Charles Jr.’s children, and a host of cousins and friends.
To the day he died, Bob was always concerned about other people, making sure everyone was ok and offering to help friends. He had a heart the size of Montana and an Irish stubborn streak just as large. You always knew exactly where Bob stood on any given subject. He was not shy about sharing his opinions or feelings.
To some, Bob was “rough and gruff”. To many, Bob was a caring, generous soul. Even his health care providers have all reached out after learning of his passing to express their sadness and share how much they liked him and listening to his stories about his life.
Bob will be missed.
Burial will be private. Bob asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue at turtlemountainanimalrescue.org or by mail to: Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue, P O Box 896. Rolla, ND 58367. Arrangements are under the care of Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com
