Flags were lowered to half staff at regional headquarters in Thorold this week as family members and former co-workers mourned the sudden death of long-time regional employee George Nicholson.

Nicholson, who worked for the region's planning department for 30 years before recently retiring, died at his St. Catharines home Sunday. He was 65.

He was an avid cyclist who played a major role in the creation of what would eventually become the Greater Niagara Circle Route system of trails for walking and cycling.

St. Catharines Coun. Bruce Timms, who was also a driving force behind the trails system, said the idea began some 15 years ago with plans for a trail from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie along the Welland Canal. The St. Lawrence Seaway made it known it was considering selling off non-essential land along the corridor, and a select few people -- including Nicholson -- quickly clued in to the importance of preserving that land for the public, said Timms.

Nicholson played a major role in a regional policy plan that dictated that the land should be protected for future trails. That idea eventually grew into what is now the region-wide system of interconnected trails that generations of Niagarans will be able to enjoy, said Timms.

"George went way above the call of duty," he said. "It was his dedication to stick with it that really made it possible."

Patrick Robson, acting commissioner of planning services for the region, said in a memo to regional staff that Nicholson -- who was often seen cycling the trails of Niagara in a red jacket and who dreamed of cycling across Canada -- also had a passion for his work as a planner on issues such as agricultural land and working to obtain federal recognition for the old Welland Canals as historically significant.

Robson said Nicholson, a native of Northern Ireland who emigrated to Canada in 1966, was also a natural storyteller.

"Nothing was ever simple or short but was always entertaining," Robson said. "The simplest event could be a great story."

Nicholson volunteered on many boards and committees to help those less fortunate, said Robson.

Nicholson is survived by his wife of 37 years, Wynne, and sons, Scott and Ty.

A memorial service was scheduled for St. Thomas Anglican Church in St. Catharines Nov. 6.