Nikkel, Andrew Lloyd (1976-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Nov 23 p. 24

Birth date: 1976 Apr 5

text of obituary:

ANDREW LLOYD NIKKEL

Andrew Lloyd Nikkel passed away Sept. 21, He was born Apr, 5, 1976 to John and Maryanne Nikkel in Steinbach, Man, At 6 weeks, he was diagnosed with severe heart problems and had major heart surgery. Over the next 6 years, he had 7 operations; he responded exceptionally well to the last one, He was a normal student. He enjoyed sports in a limited way, even playing minor hockey for several years. His body outgrew the artificial heart valve he received at age 6, but doctors were reluctant to replace it since he was living a normal life, As a child, he made a decision to be a follower of Jesus, and he never wavered from that decision, His faith in Jesus gave him much joy and assurance. He graduated from high school in 1994 and spent 2 years at Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute. He moved to Abbotsford, B.C., where he attended University College of the Fraser Valley for 4 years, with the goal of becoming a teacher. Living with a valve that was too small for his body imposed limitations. In March 2001, he was hospitalized with double pneumonia and a blood infection which attacked the heart valve. He underwent surgery to replace the infected valve and made a slow recovery, He had a severe setback Sept. 19 and a heart attack Sept. 20 but was revived, He died the next day, He is mourned by his parents of Manitou, Man.; and brothers Paul of Kitchener, Ont. and Steven and Matthew, both of Winnipeg. The funeral was held at Ross Road Community Church, Abbotsford.