The 125 year-old Ontario Funeral Service Association (OFSA) recognized local Bay Gardens Funeral Home president and Stoney Creek resident Jan Nichols with their prestigious Humanitarian Award at its annual conference in Port Credit September 24.

The Humanitarian Award recognizes excellence and the highest standards in community service by an individual member or member firm.

Some of the criteria included community service in the past two years, and significant contribution to the community through time, energy, and commitment invested in the community.

Nominees also had to be substantiated by no less than two non-funeral community members.

In Mr. Nichol's case, he received nominations from more than 10 local agencies, including the United Way, Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice, Royal Botanical Gardens, Aldershot Lions Club, Burlington Community Foundation, Hamilton Police Service, Burlington Aldershot Lions Club, Hamilton Conservation Authority, and Mark Preece Family House.

"Mr. Nichols has had a powerful impact of this local United Way," said Darryl Skidmore, chief executive officer of the United Way of Burlington and Greater Hamilton. "Without Mr. Nichol's strong leadership and various areas of support, we would not be enjoying the success that we are currently experiencing."

On top of his efforts to assist the United Way, Mr. Nichols also chaired the successful capital campaign that raised close to $4 million to help build the Dr. Bob Kemp Centre for Hospice Palliative Care on the Hamilton Mountain.

"In spite of his extremely hectic schedule to a variety of other social causes, he agreed to take on the demanding role of chair during our 'Build Bob's House' capital campaign," said Beth Ellis, executive director of the Dr. Bob Kemp Centre for Hospice Palliative Care. "This was an arduous task that lasted more than two years."

Mr. Nichols also received supporting documents for his efforts to raise money for the RBG (Steel Magnolia fundraiser), the Lions Club, as well as loaning space for meetings and donating money to various causes.

"It's nice to be thanked," said Mr. Nichols. "But I'm not the type of person that looks for these types of acknowledgements. However, it was a nice touch to be honoured at the 125th anniversary of our association and to be recognized by my peers."

Known for pioneering green funeral practices in the Burlington and Hamilton area, Bay Gardens Funeral Home, opened their first funeral home in Burlington in 2005 and its newest location on the Hamilton Mountain in August 2008.

Over 1,000 VIPs attended the launch of their new location where they donated $500,000 worth of Community Rooms for area not-for-profits, and made a contribution to the Hamilton Conservation Authority in support of Hamilton's waterfalls.