The philatelic community is mourning the loss of Jack Nixon, a bright young star whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 16 after a courageous 15-month battle with brain cancer.
Jack passed away on Dec. 3, 2024, leaving a legacy of achievement, grace, and inspiration.
Jack was not only a cherished son, brother, and grandson but also an exceptional young philatelist, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Ted Nixon, a renowned figure in Canadian philately.
A PASSION FOR PHILATELY
Jack’s love for philately blossomed early, nurtured by his family’s deep roots in the hobby. At just eight years old, he made headlines by being crowned the 2017 Youth Grand Champion of Champions at the American Philatelic Society StampShow in Richmond, Va. His exhibit, Canada 1952-57 Wildlife Series, captivated judges with its thoughtful presentation and detailed philatelic and postal history, earning accolades such as the Best Traditional Award and the Judge’s Choice Award for Treatment of Material.
Jack and his grandfather Ted both earned medals for their exhibits at the London 2022 International Show, marking a proud moment for the close-knit philatelic duo. Jack’s three-frame exhibit of the Wildlife Series received a Large Vermeil medal, making him the highest-scoring Canadian youth exhibitor at the event. Ted Nixon reflected, “It was very special for me to win anything in London — and extra special to have both of us together getting medals in this big show.”
Jack’s philatelic journey included victories at Virtual Canpex and Royal 2021 Royale, where he won Youth Grand Awards. He was preparing to compete with a single-frame exhibit at CAPEX 22, an international show held in Toronto, when his illness interrupted his plans. Judges and peers praised his ability to craft compelling stories using modern material, showcasing a maturity beyond his years.
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