Obituary of Nicholas Thomas Lanigan

February 21, 1978 - Calgary, Alberta

September 26, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Nicholas Thomas Lanigan, a beloved father, brother, son, and friend, passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2024, at the age of 46 years.

Nicholas was born on February 21, 1978, in Calgary, AB. He graduated from Father Lacombe High School and went on to SAIT to get his Red Seal as a journeyman electrician.

When Nicholas was four years of age, he started playing soccer and he turned out to be an excellent goalie. He went on to play for International Eastside, coached by his loving father, Nicholas Sr. He was absolutely fearless as a goalie, and he loved to be challenged.

He took a break from soccer for a few years, but he never lost his passion for sports. He went on to do kickboxing, ice hockey, and snowboarding and eventually made his way back to being a goalie.

He lived in Vancouver, BC, for a few years and made many lasting connections while he was there; one of which was Jennifer Chapman, whom he had a beautiful son with. They named him Nicholas G. Lanigan, the fourth in the line of Nicholas’.

His son Nicholas (whom he lovingly referred to sometimes as “the Fourth”) was the brightest light in his life. There was nothing on this earth that he loved more than his son, and everything he did and tried to do was for him. Young Nicholas was his whole reason to fight as hard as he did.

He had an endless supply of love and empathy for those who were lucky enough to be in his life. If you had Nick in your corner, you had a friend for life, and he would never hesitate to go to bat for you.

People were drawn to him for his sincerity and compassion; he always made time for the people who needed it, and there was always a shoulder for them to lean on.

His smile was contagious, and he loved to laugh. When he walked into a room, he would light it up. He always had a story or a joke to tell. There was nothing he loved more than to slag his mom and dad (lovingly, of course) and to make his family laugh.

Nick is survived by his son Nicholas G. Lanigan Jr., mother Bernadette Connell Lanigan, father Nicholas Lanigan Sr., and his sister Krista Lanigan (Jordan Izyk).

He will also be missed by his many cousins, aunts, and uncles in Ireland, Canada, and abroad.

There are many things that Nick can be proud of in his life; the connections he made, the lives he touched, and the laughs he got, but the thing he can be most proud of is his beautiful son. He is the greatest gift that Nick ever gave to his family, and within him, his legacy will live on.

The family asks that you keep him in your thoughts, and when playoff season comes around, give a hearty “Go Flames Go!” in his honour.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Ascension Catholic Parish (1100 Berkshire Blvd NW, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Ascension Catholic Parish (1100 Berkshire Blvd NW, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Nick’s service streamed live (link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

Nicholas will be laid to rest in the Rocky View Garden of Peace Cemetery. 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Nick’s family here.

In living memory of Nicholas Lanigan, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.

Click Here to Sign the Digital Guest Book and Watch Nicholas' Funeral Mass