Obituary of Cornelius Nickel

Cornie Nickel passed away peacefully on February 1, 2014 surrounded by his loving family and friends at the age of 92.

Cornie was born on March 21, 1921 in Herbert, Saskatchewan and grew up with his 12 brothers and sisters in rural Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Cornie joined the army, as Canada entered WWII and served his country with honour both as a member of the Winnipeg Grenadiers and as a Japanese POW for 3 years and 8 months. Upon his return Cornie met and married the love of his life, Florence Mona Stewart. Together, Cornie and Mona raised 8 children, living in rural Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Cornie provided for his family as a farmer, builder and skilled finish carpenter.

Cornie was a wise, generous and loving husband, father and friend. Although he was a quiet thoughtful man his wry sense of humour provided many a laugh for all who knew him. He enjoyed working in his shop, creating unique and beautiful woodwork projects. He was an avid reader throughout his life and upon retiring in Delia Alberta enjoyed fishing, camping with family members, bowling, curling and competitive billiards.

Cornie moved to Cranbrook in 2011 to live with his daughter Brenda. He continued to enjoy his life-long passion for reading and was always ready to "school" his family in playing cribbage. He enjoyed spending time with family who were able to visit. Cornie's son Calvin and his daughters Barb and Roxie spent vacation time reconnecting on a regular basis. His granddaughters Tammy and Nikki and their children Vivien, Rees, Deneen and Tony visited often. His grandsons Jason (wife Brenda and Chad) and Trevor (son Maximus Cornelius) were frequent visitors and enjoyed taking grandpa fishing, reading to him, or attempting to win against him at cribbage.

Cornelius is survived by his eight children Barb (Lyle) Killoh of Drumheller, Alberta, Bruce of Wainwright, Alberta, Brenda (Stephen) Bosben of Cranbrook, BC, Calvin of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Dennis of Kamloops, BC, Sandra of Coronation, Alberta, Janelle (Glenn) Douglas of Parksville, BC, and Roxie of Olds, Alberta; 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; sisters Mary Hedison of Virden, Manitoba, and Helen Penner of Steinbach, Manitoba and brothers Henry (Edna) of Williams, Lake BC and Pete (Elsie) of Calgary, Alberta.

Cornelius is predeceased by his parents Cornelius and Sara Nickel of Steinbach, Manitoba, his much beloved wife Mona Nickel, 5 sisters and 3 brothers.

A memorial service will be held in Delia, Alberta.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com