MELVIN JOHN NICKEL

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MELVIN JOHN NICKEL Tragically, on May 8, 2010, we lost Melvin (Mel). He is survived by his mother Helen, his wife Maria and their daughter Lisa, his prior children Mike and Desiree, his brother Grant (Leona), his two sisters Myrna (Henry) and Ronda (Lawrence), and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. We love you and miss you dearly. Mel was born at the Winkler Hospital to John J. and Helen Nickel (nee Friesen) of Wiedenfeld on June 14, 1946. He grew up helping on the family farm and studied agriculture for a time, but welding and mechanical works were in his heart. At age 18 Mel married Janis Hamm from Neubergthal, and they had two children - Michael and Desiree. Upon divorce Mel continued to live in the area and farm with his father and brother. He spent time with his children during the summers. Mel won the heart of Maria Enns from Plum Coulee and they were married in 1980. Mel and Maria moved to Altona and spent several winters snow birding in Arizona, Mexico, Texas, California and Florida. Their lives were brightened by the arrival of their daughter Lisa Marie. Little Lulu tendered in her Dad a new sense of being and of fatherhood. Mel took great pride in his work at LET Construction where he made a great many friends. Mel enjoyed restoring and remodelling cars, trucks and motorcycles, fishing and hunting with his good friends, gardening (especially pest control) and barbequing. Mel was known for his quick wit and wry sense of humour. He always had an ear for a good story and shared a many with his friends in Altona and in Neche. Mel's friends were always welcome to gather in his cool garage on a hot, sunny day. We are all so very sad for the sudden and unexpected loss of Mel's life. The tragic circumstances and shock have not quelled our love or dulled the precious memories of Mel in our lives. Be at Peace Dad.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 07, 2011