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GLENN HARVEY NICHOLLS
Born: Aug 04, 1927
Date of Passing: Jul 09, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGLENN HARVEY NICHOLLS
Peacefully, on July 9, 2026, just shy of his 99th birthday, Glenn Harvey Nicholls passed away.
Glenn was predeceased by his wife Neva of 56 years and second wife Marg, brother Murray, sister-in-law Helen, sister Isobel, brother-in-law Jim, sister and brother-in-law Madge and Jack, and son-in-law Paul. Glenn is survived by his children, David, Peter (Diane), and Jane, as well as his cherished grandchildren, Brett (Dana), Cassidy (Shawn), and Donald (Jocelyn), along with nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues.
Glenn was born on August 4, 1927, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He grew up on Rosedale Avenue and attended Kelvin High School. Glenn was a life-long learner, earning his BA, B.Ed., M.Ed. and finally a Ph.D.
He began his career in 1950 in Flin Flon, Manitoba, teaching History and English. He then served as principal of Hudson Junior High. After the family moved to Winnipeg in 1963, he was principal of West Kildonan and Garden City Collegiates. In 1967, he was appointed Assistant Superintendent of Seven Oaks School Division and Superintendent in 1969. In 1983, Glenn was seconded to the Department of Education as Assistant Deputy Minister and eventually Deputy Minister. He retired in 1989.
Glenn also made significant contributions to several organizations and causes. He served as president of the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents. He was commissioned to lead a study on class size and composition; "The Nicholls Report" is still used by school divisions today when determining class sizes. He served as a member of the Public Schools Finance Board and the Board of Regents at the University of Winnipeg. He was an honourary life member of the Manitoba Teachers’ Association and the Manitoba School Board Association.
Glenn was generous, loving, and smart, with a great sense of humour. He had boundless curiosity and was a faithful person, dedicated to making the world a better place. He maintained a lifelong interest in social justice issues. He was very involved with the United Nations Association for many years. After his retirement, he made several trips to Malawi, Africa, to work with local educational leaders. Glenn was very active in the United Church of Canada and was a member of Immanuel United Church for more than 60 years.
Glenn met Neva in Flin Flon and they married in 1955. After a year-long teaching honeymoon in London, England, they returned to Flin Flon to start a family. David arrived in 1958, Peter in 1959, and Jane in 1961. After they moved to Roch Street, the family settled into life in Winnipeg. Although immersed in his career, Glenn found time to camp from coast to coast with the family and travel abroad with Neva, often with in-laws Jack and Madge (The Fab 4!). He loved being at the family cottage on Austin Lake, Ontario. Glenn also loved curling, cribbage, bridge, attending Bomber games with longtime friends Bob and Muriel, and watching his children and grandchildren in their various sporting events. After Neva’s death, Glenn found loving companionship with his second wife Marg. They enjoyed travel, games and activities at Concordia Village which included many hours of bridge with Al, Pat and Arnie.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks for the care Glenn received at both Concordia Village and Park Manor Personal Care Home.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Immanuel United Church on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Immanuel United Church or a charity of your choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 18, 2026
