Nicky Fylan (Nicola Filazzola)

September 27, 2019

NICKY FYLAN (NICOLA FILAZZOLA) JULY 21, 1945 – SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 MOTTO CONCEIVE ~ BELIEVE ~ ACHIEVE Nicky was born in Ferrandina, Italy on July 21, 1945 and immigrated to Canada through Pier 21 in Halifax on May 14, 1953 after travelling on the Italian Liner Saturnia. Typically, he entertained the crew and other passengers on the voyage with his gymnastics and other antics. After a valiant quest for life, Nicky died on September 27, 2019, in Mississauga, Ontario. Years ago, R. Conlogue wrote about Nicky: “His body language is like a rotating lawn sprinkler: as he whirls about emitting a jet of high-energy verbiage, all doubting onlookers are triple-misted with optimism and brought on side whether they feel like it or not. Nicky Fylan is an original, and however much you long to pigeon-hole him, it can’t be done.” Nicky would have been fast friends with Jack Kerouac: “[...]the only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes “Awww!” ― Jack Kerouac One doesn’t know how angels light on earth at the time and place in need for us earthlings, but we do know that we were the fortunate ones to have Nicky’s angel caregivers who gave freely from their hearts when we most needed them over these past few years. Nicky didn’t want to have a funeral but rather he wished that his close friends gather for a private celebration of his life after which his ashes are to be scattered in the wind.Our love of him will follow his spirit and we will cherish fond memories. Good night Mr. Calabash, wherever you are. Please consult Mary regarding donations.