Dr. Leah Alexandra Nicholson  1978-2025

(Former married name : Goertzen)

I don't want the world to see me
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am

Leah grew up in a small town in Northwestern Ontario where she thrived exploring and loving the outdoors. She excelled at sports (notably volleyball) and pushed herself to shine academically. She graduated as Valedictorian and received the Governor General's Academic Medal. She also received funding to pursue her talent on the volleyball court with the University of Manitoba Bisons in Winnipeg.

Leah then took a sabbatical from sports and academia and pursued another passion – travelling. She spent 2 years living and working in Scotland, and later went to BC for 3 years where she fell in love with the mountains, her spiritual home.

Upon her return to Manitoba she resumed her academic aspirations, where she once again excelled and earned her Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and Recreation, Bachelor of Arts - BA Community Development and Recreation Management, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy - PhD Community Health Sciences.

Throughout her academic career Leah earned numerous awards, fellowships and scholarships:

Joseph-Armand Bombardier SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarship (a nationwide scholarship)
University of Manitoba Tri-Council Top-Up Award
Faculty of Graduate Studies Research Completion Scholarship
·         Ruth Asper Scholarship in Recreation and Physical Education, Canada Graduate Scholarship

·         Chown Centennial Entrance Scholarship

·         Dick LaPage Scholarship

·         Western Canada Recreation Studies Conference Scholarship

During her academic career she was also employed at a wide variety of employers, which all shared one value that Leah treasured – helping those around her. Leah had a passion for supporting people and communities that were marginalized, stigmatized and under supported. She brought her compassion, skills and determination to West Broadway Community Organization (Housing Initiatives Coordinator), WISE Kid-Netic Energy (Coordinator), University of Manitoba (Research Assistant), Manitoba Métis Federation (Research Assistant), InGauge Research Program, University of Manitoba and Department of Families (Program and Policy Analyst).

Beyond the awards and scholarships Leah's world was about her family. Her love for her sisters and mother held true through hardships and separation. When she was struggling, she still reached out with love and support for all of us. She treasured and adored her nephew Parker from before he was born. She delighted in his antics as he grew and showered him with love whenever they could have time together. When Parker gained a sister, Leah rejoiced because Lily would be another little person to love and watch blossom.

Leah's accomplishments are all the more astounding when her struggles are known. Leah got knocked down countless times, but she fought back. She rebuilt, and then she climbed higher than before. She fought back so many times, but lost pieces along the way. Those lost pieces made her fearful of people's reactions, of causing pain to others and of losing all that she had worked so very hard for. "She didn't want people to see her….Because she didn't think they would understand… She just wanted you to know who she was".

The loss of Leah is immense, felt by her mother, Monica and her sisters Leanne, Anna-Lee (Darren, Parker & Lily), Laura-Lee (Brad) and family across Canada and England. Leah will be with us Forever and Always. A Celebration of Life will be planned for March/April of 2026.