EDWARD "WINSTON" NIKKEL

​

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Winston Nikkel at the age of 75 years. 

He had been struggling with congestive heart failure for the past 4 years.
 

"His girls", Laura, Sarah and Hanna brightened his days and kept his spirits up over these years. He enjoyed spending time with them and teaching them everything he knew.

​

Winston was born on the family farm in Clarkleigh,  MB. He was the second youngest of 11 children born to Henry and Katharina (née Braun) Nikkel. The youngest three; Jean, Winston and Elton developed a very special bond after the passing of their mother in 1949. Their father was often away working, which left the three to become even closer. They moved to Winnipeg when Winston was 11. He lost his dear sister Jean in October of 2016. They were both born in 1941. He was heartbroken over her passing. They are both pain free and together now.

​

It was love at first sight when he met his sweetheart Susan (née Jamieson). They married in 1962 and had four children over the next 10 years; Allan, Jamie, Andrew and Laura. He was a proud grandfather of 6; Kathryn, Steven, Matthew, Rebecca, Sarah and Hanna.

​

Winston worked hard his entire life. He had a variety of jobs, starting at the age of two picking 100 potato bugs for a penny, farm work, delivery boy, mechanic, car salesman, self employed in the auto industry and restaurant business (Winston's Café). He enjoyed listening to Rita MacNeil's music. Her "Working Man" song seemed fitting as he was always a "hard working man". 

​

He kept us entertained with his jokes and storytelling. We would sit and listen even if we'd heard the story a hundred times before. We told him many times he should write a book, wish he had, it would have been a bestseller. 

​

He loved cooking,  especially for his family. He was well known for his famous baked beans, borscht, Mennonite chicken noodle soup and much more. There wasn't anything he couldn't do. He was clever and could fix or make anything whether it was mechanical, carpentry, gardening,  cooking, baking and so much more. In the last few years of life it had become more difficult for him physically. Fortunately for him he had a lot of help from Susan, Andrew, Laura and her husband Mario, and their children Sarah and Hanna. He was extremely close to them and they will miss him greatly.

​

He was very generous and had a wonderful sense of humour. He was still cracking jokes and laughing his last day with us. He touched the lives of many people. We were blessed to have had him for as long as we did. 

​

We loved him more than words can express. He is free to eat all the ice cream he wants now. Rest easy,

Winston/Dad/Grandpa. xoxo

A private memorial service will be taking place.

Send Condolences or Share a Story or Memory