Nicholas “Nick” Francis McWilliams

January 27th, 1992 – February 27th, 2019

Nick McWilliams of Halifax, MA was called home by God at the age of 27. He will be forever missed by his parents, Frank and Karen McWilliams and his sister, Mary McWilliams of Whitman, MA. Grandson to Frank X. McWilliams Jr., of Hull and predeceased by Patricia (Calvi) McWilliams. Grandson to Carol A. Swanson of Whitman and predeceased by Joel A. Swanson. Nephew to Joel Swanson and his late wife Sharon of Marlborough, Cheryl(God-mother) & David Blanchard of Kingston, John & Julie Swanson of Middleboro, Michael (God-father) & Lisa Swanson of Hingham, Patricia & Daniel Driscoll of Whitman, Kathleen McWilliams & Brian Amero of Amesbury, Richard & Hosana McWilliams of Pulaski, VA and many great aunts/uncles and loving cousins.

Nick was an amazing young man who deserved the life he won’t get the chance to live. We believed, as we always did that he would overcome his disease and make a good life for himself. Despite Nick’s own battle, he always had time to lift someone else’s spirit up with encouragement and support. Nick’s love and compassion for others was not lost on those who knew him.

He always had a smile on his face and loved the company of people. He thrived on good conversation, engaging in creative and interesting ideas, was an entrepreneur at heart, and was a hard worker and a kind soul. He was genuine and always interested to hear about what was going on in everyone’s life.

Nick appreciated and enjoyed life. He especially loved his dog Noah, fishing, canoeing, camping, swimming, zip-lining, gardening, traveling, cooking, movies, and landscape design. He was a proud owner of Ecoscape Enterprises LLC Landscaping & Lawn Care. Nick attended Bridgewater State University. He also loved music and was a talented drummer. Nick was so much more than can ever be captured in words. Nick had a good and generous heart and we will all miss him terribly.

Nick found that his greatest strength during his struggles was his faith and love for God. No matter how many paths Nick was on over the years, he always ended back on the sure path of God, bringing him back to purpose, hope, and light. Nick was especially proud to have worked as the Collaborative Social Media Outreach/Fund Development Coordinator for Our Lady of the Lake, Halifax and St Joseph the Worker, Hanson parishes.   When you see Nick only through the eyes of addiction, you stop seeing Nick and who he really was. The true Nick was a beautiful person, someone who loved life, family, friends, and his God.

Those struggling with drug addiction know every new day is a gift and ever present hope for recovery. Every life is profound and precious. May we all have open eyes and hearts, as Nick did, to help those suffering from addiction. In this way, Nick’s life continues to live on with dignity and purpose.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, March 7th, 2019 at Our Lady of The Lake Church 580 Monponsett Street, Halifax, MA  from 9am-11am, followed by the Funeral Mass at 11am.

The McWilliams family is requesting, in lieu of flowers, any donations be made out to Our Lady of The Lake Church, 580 Monponsett Street Halifax, Massachusetts 02338. We were so proud of the collaborative website and social media networking that Nick completed while he was surrounded by a loving and supportive network of staff and friends. We were comforted knowing he was respected and treated as family – special thanks to Fr. Mike Hobson, Fr. Kwang Lee and Fr. Jack Schatzel, who specially cared for Nick’s spiritual needs. God bless you!