The Hon. Alexander Avery MacNichol
March 15, 1935 ~ May 13, 2013
CAPE ELIZABETH - The Hon. Alexander Avery MacNichol, former Portland Maine District Court Judge died Wednesday, May 14 following a brief illness. Born at Holt Hall in Portland on March 15, 1935, the son of Alexander A. and Genevieve Roche MacNichol, he grew up in Eastport Maine until World War II when his father's military moves brought his family to Brooklyn, New York, Santa Monica California, and finally Hamburg Germany. After graduating from St. Francis High School in Biddeford, Alex joined the Army and served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. Returning to St. Francis College was the best decision he ever made. It was then that he met his future wife, Loreen Whitehouse, at a St. Joseph's College dance. Following graduation, the two dated while he attended the University of Maine School of Law. On August 17, 1963 they were married in Springvale, Maine. After passing the bar exam, he joined the law firm of Nesbitt , MacNichol in South Portland. In 60's he was one of the first attorneys hired to form Pine Tree Legal Assistance, Inc. of Maine. He was then recruited to work in the County Attorney's office in Portland as an assistant prosecutor. Returning to private practice, he worked as a criminal attorney enjoying the challenges of trial work. He served on the governor's Pardons and Commutations Board, and in 1984 was appointed District Court Judge. Returning once more to private practice, with the law firm of Jackson and MacNichol, he retired from a distinguished legal career that spanned almost 50 years. Alexander was an active communicant of St. Bartholomew's Church in Cape Elizabeth and was currently serving as a member of the Diocesan Review Board for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, Maine. He was a member of the Spurwink Rod and Gun Club for 45 years as an expert marksman. Survivors include his wife Loreen MacNichol of Cape Elizabeth; two daughters, Katie MacNichol Turk and husband Bruce of South Pasadena, CA, Susan Guthro and husband Jay of Pembroke, MA; a son John N. MacNichol of Portland; a sister Susan MacNichol of Eastport; a brother, David MacNichol of Eastport; 5 grandchildren, Emily J. MacNichol, Alexander Turk, William Guthro, Cecelia Turk and Thomas Guthro. Visitation will be held 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 19, 2013 at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at 9:15 a.m. Monday at the South Portland Chapel, followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Bartholomew Church, 8 Two Lights Road, Cape Elizabeth. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Cape Elizabeth. Those desiring may make donations to: Good Shepherd Food Bank, P.O. Box 1807, Auburn, ME 04211-1807Online condolences may be expressed below.
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Judge MacNichol was the very first person to greet me when I arrived in the Cumberland County Courthouse after I had been appointed to the District Court in 1990. I was terribly nervous, and he was immediately supportive. His kindness and generosity with his time were a constant comfort. The Judge was very funny, and he had an abiding belief in the goodness of people. That belief showed in his work every day. He was immensely proud of his family. He once told me that he would forever marvel at the fact that he had convinced the beautiful Loreen Whitehouse to marry him. He talked often about his children, Susie, Katie, and John, and he worried incessantly as the girls moved to big cities to pursue their own dreams. Al MacNichol was truly a good friend to so many of us. We will miss him.
– Leigh Saufley
My deepest condolences,at the passing of a cousin that I never had the pleasure of meeting.Our prayers are with the family
– John A.MacNichol
Thank you for your service.
– Guest