Updates, Bursary, & Awards

Frederick Wellington Nichol (Fred) was born to Dave and Ellen Nichol and grew up on the family homestead at Long Lake, South of Kamloops. He attended the Long Lake School until the age of 14, said he left school at the “third reader”. He then started ranching full-time, going to work for neighbour Peter Philip, milking cows, fencing, planting crops or anything that came along. 

Fred’s next employer was J.R. Hull, and he worked for nine years at the Edith Lake ranch. Fred thought he was a cowboy, as there were some cattle, but he worked with many, many horses. These were sold all over BC and Alberta, mostly as race horses. After J.R. Hull’s death, Fred went to Claresholm, Alberta to haul grain to the elevators by six horse Belgian teams, earning big wages of $50.00 per month. He also worked for a time for Pat Burns, a prominent cattle rancher and meat packer. 

Fred came back to work at the Hull Estate at Fadaer Creek in the North Thompson. Having to deal with just cattle then, it was there he met Violet Jagoe , who lived in the valley, with parents John Thomas Jagoe and Marietta Duggan. From the Hull Estate he then worked for Tranquille Farms, riding and looking after the range cattle. 

In 1932 Bob Cahilty, the brand inspector, asked Fred if he would come to Monte Creek and break horses for the Bostock Ranch, an operation that had up to 60 head of Clydesdale work horses at one time. They had bought a lot of young horses that needed to be broke for the mowing machines. Fred also broke all the saddle horses for the ranch. 

At Christmas 1934 Fred had sent (by mail) a pair of beautiful buckskin gloves to Violet. The enclosed note said “Yours Forever, Fred”. They met at the Commodore Café. Fred told Violet that a fellow was leaving Monte Creek, and Coles, the manager, said Fred could have the house. How about it? Violet’s diary states she remembers saying “I thought you’d never ask”. He said “You sure?”, I said “You betcha!” and he put a cute little diamond on my finger in the restaurant. They were married April 22, 1935 and spent the next 27 years at Monte Creek raising their family of four children Edward (who lost his life in a tragic farm accident at age of 5) Kathy, Bill and Rick. 

Fred started his purebred herd with “Lady Celosia” and “Lady Lina”, purchased from Robin McGregor, adding a Champion horned Hereford Bull in 1959. The Thompson Valley Hereford Club was started by Fred and Barry Brady and included the area from Merritt to 100 Mile to Kelowna. 

In 1962, Fred and Violet moved from Monte Creek to the Leyland homestead (9 km up the hill). There was nothing there at that time. They built a new home, barn, outbuildings, re-built fences, and put in an irrigation system. There he continued raising his beloved Herefords, showing them at a great many fairs. 

In 1947, Fred’s 4-H involvement started when Gabriel Luyat, Assistant District Agriculturalist and Jack Grey approached Bill Harrison, president of Martin Prairie Farmers Institute and Livestock Association to promote a 4-H Club. Bill Harrison contacted Fred Nichol to start a club. He agreed, and the South Thompson Club was created. That fall there were nine members, Janice Bruce, Peggy Ferguson, Vic, Albert and Alvina Piva, Burt and Karl Lingren, Rose Lingren and Kathleen Nichol. 

In the years to follow, the South Thompson Club expanded and was registered in three sections, Chase, Westwold and Monte Creek. Many field days were held at the Bostock Ranch and families from all over BC took part in judging – up to 300 people. Many 4-H members have fond memories of Mr. Nichol teaching them how to make a halter and how to identify the collection of antique farm tools at these field days. Fred also attended the Provincial 4-H Club Advisory Council in Victoria. In 1959, the 4-H 

Leaders Council started in Kamloops, with Fred as the chairman. In that same year Murray Soder, George Farmer and Fred started the 4-H Judging Rally and Calf Scramble. 

The first Scramble was held in the old skating arena in Exhibition Park on Lorne Street, providing 4-H members the opportunity to win a calf that would be used for either the members next year’s 4-H project or open entry. Since 1960 the Fred Nichol Scramble Class trophy has been presented to the best quality finished steer from the previous year’s calf winners. The first winner was Donald Kirschner, from the Kelowna 4-H Beef Club. Over the last 60 years, many members from different clubs have received this memorable trophy. The event has changed to the Fred Nichol Event held at BC Ag Expo, which features an obstacle course, instead of a calf scramble and in honour of Fred, contestants are asked to make a rope halter as part of the competition. The Fred Nichol Event still provides the opportunity for members to win money for their next year’s project, helping to further their 4-H career and knowledge. 

The South Thompson Club honoured Fred with a trophy recognizing his 25 years as a 4-H leader; this trophy is awarded to the Reserve Champion 4-H Steer at BC Ag Expo. 

Fred took great pride in youth development and his children were all very active in the 4-H program. Grandchildren, great and great great grandchildren carry on his legacy “Learn to do by Doing”. 

A highlight in Fred’s life was being the 4-H Beef Judge at the PNE for 2 consecutive years. He judged the bulls at Williams Lake and travelled many areas in BC. The Hereford MOE Show at Armstrong was named in his honour, when he judged there. 

In 1988 Fred stated that between himself and his old saddle horse, they were 102 years old. One hundred and two years in the cattle business. At this time he retired leaving his son Rick and wife Wendy to carry on. 

So many memories of knowledge, stories, fun and humour remain from a very special man. 

Fred’s other accomplishments: 

- 15 Year Leadership 

- 4-H 25 Year Leadership 

- 4-H; presented by Dave Freed, Dept. of Agriculture 25 Year Leadership 

- 4-H; South Thompson 4-H Club Certificate of Merit; presented when Olympic Flame passed Kamloops 

- Contribution to the Community Cowboy Hall of Fame 2000