Kuusisto, Nils Edward – Our much beloved Nils Edward Kuusisto, 81 years of age, passed away on the morning of July 13, 2020 in Halifax.
Nils was born in Timmins, Ontario to Anna-Maria “Maja” (Hanson) and John Edward Kuusisto. He is survived by his wife of 49 years Kathleen “Kathy” Moggridge and daughter, Margaret “Maggie” Kathleen Anna Kuusisto and his older brother, John Alfred Kuusisto.
Nils spent his early years in Timmins, Kirkland Lake and Hamilton, Ontario. He attended the University of Toronto (MA, Sociology) and continued his studies at McMaster where he met Kathy. He began his career, as a social scientist, working on the Le Dain Commission on the non-medical use of drugs. He and Kathy were married in Toronto in 1970.
Early into their marriage while many peers were finding opportunities in Western Canada, Nils and Kathy, never types to follow, instead made their way to the “Mysterious East” coast. With little knowledge of what would be in store they found themselves quickly adopted by a community of kindred spirits that would become their family.
Nils always had a strong connection to education and found work at the Maritime School of Social Work as a research consultant. He later returned to university to complete a Masters of Library Services at Dalhousie. He would work for many years with a number of law offices as a Law Librarian.
Nils never identified himself by his work. His relationships with his family, friends and community were always the priority and gave him a true sense of purpose. He was a long time member of the Nova Scotia NDP and worked on many campaigns. He was a generous supporter of conservation and social service organizations.
The birth of his only child, Maggie, made that sense of purpose even stronger. He was an early adaptor and advocate of computer technology which made it possible for him to work from home and for him to take on the role as a “stay at home dad”. Kathy could continue on her career path and he would be able to be there, always the constant, devoted father and husband taking care of everything behind the scenes so the women in his life could succeed.
He was an avid tennis player, playing tennis with Kathy throughout the years at the Commons and the Waeg. His love of sports was infectious. Maggie developed into a dedicated athlete with his coaching of how to shoot a jumper, throw a baseball, dive for a soccer ball, and as the chauffeur to every rink in the province to watch her play hockey.
He truly found home in Nova Scotia, moving his mother, Maja to Halifax for her final years so she could live them out independently but with his support and care always close by.
He loved traveling around the Maritimes. Spending summers at “Club Boul” named after an initial trip with his family and friends to Boularderie Island, which turned into a summer cottaging tradition. He enjoyed walks in the woods, reading and reflecting in nature and weeks spent with friends at the cabins at Milford House. He and Kathy in more recent years would spend time on Grand Manan Island.
During the week before his passing, Nils and Kathy had some wonderful walks at the Dingle and Point Pleasant. He even got to PAVIA, his favourite coffee shop. Although a quiet soul, he loved being out walking and he even enjoyed Kathy’s tendency to talk to everyone.
A Celebration of Life is being planned where Nils’ friends can come together to share stories and drink a toast to a very lovely, kind, caring man who is deeply missed.
Nils would be delighted if you made a donation in his memory to an organization or charity committed to social justice or environmental issues.
Cremation has taken place. Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.
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