Medina Memorial celebrates 100th birthday of a patient, Nick Nickson

Provided photos: The nursing team at Medina Memorial Hospital’s patient care unit pose with patient Harold “Nick” Nickson, who celebrated his 100th birthday today.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health celebrated a milestone Thursday in the life of a patient at Medina Memorial Hospital.

Harold “Nick” Nickson was born Feb. 9, 1923 in Preston, England. Upon learning it was his birthday, the nursing team at the hospital’s patient care unit picked up balloons to help him celebrate.

Harold “Nick” Nickson celebrated his 100th birthday at Medina Memorial Hospital with his wife Linda, left, and daughter-in-law Becky.

He is a British veteran who served in the Navy during World War II. He moved to the United States around the age of 35.

“I loved America because the people were always so kind and good to me,” Nickson said.

He would later meet his wife, Linda, who he worked with at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. They were married in 1985.

Nick was also an avid soccer “football” player, something he enjoyed until he turned 50. He played in the UK, Boston, California, Mexico and New York. In addition to his career, he was part of the Bedford Hills Fire Department.

Nick and Linda moved to the Medina area to be closer to family, especially their daughter-in-law Becky. Becky and Linda described Nick as a “kind man who never asked for anything in return – a true gem.”

Amanda Luckman from Orleans Community Health asked Nick what it took to reach 100 years of age. He replied, “To be with the one you love and the one who loves you.”

“I just hope if I make it to 80 I look as young as Nick does at 100,” said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing at Orleans Community Health.