MILLAN (MEL) RIGBY NICKLE

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MILLAN (MEL) RIGBY NICKLE With deep sadness we announce that Millan (Mel) Rigby Nickle passed away September 13, 2003, at the age of 81 years, after a brief battle with cancer. Mel is survived by Eileen, his loving wife of 57 years; children, Thomas (Diane) and Janice; grandchildren, Sherri (Garner) Donnell, Corri (Chris), Ryan (Martina) great-grandchildren, Dayna, Sierra and Emily; sisters, Shirley Miles and Betty Ann (Ray) Johnson and numerous nieces and nephews. Mel was predeceased by his parents Elizabeth Gladys in l988 and William James in 1990. Mel was born April 28, 1922 in Winnipeg, MB and lived his entire life in East Kildonan. As a youth Mel was very athletic playing on many East Kildonan championship teams, excelling in hockey and football. He was able to relive his hockey memories through his grandson Ryans hockey. Mel enlisted in the Air Force in 1941, obtained his pilots license and trained pilots from all over the world at Rivers, MB to serve in the Second World War. Mel worked at C.N. Express as a motorman retiring in 1987, after 37 years of loyal service. Music was a very important part of his life. He was very proud of his record collection proudly stored in the rec room and the house rocked with big band music on the stereo at every opportunity. Mel was one of the first music dee jays in Winnipeg starting his business in the late fifties. Mel was a very outgoing, jovial and friendly person who had a new joke daily for his C.N. customers and music clients. He could not go out without meeting numerous acquaintances and his trips taking much longer than planned. Family was the centre focus of Mels life and he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. on Friday, September 19 at 12:30 p.m. The Nickle family would like to express extra special thanks for the exceptional care given by Concordia Emergency and Second Floor (East) staff during his brief illness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB. R3C 2B7 or Winnipeg Humane Society, 5 Kent Rd., Winnipeg, MB, R2L 1X3. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 16, 2003