Nicole, Henry Albert (1918-2000)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2000 Apr 28 p. 29

Birth date: 1918 Nov 14

Text of obituary:

HENRY ALBERT NICOLE

Henry Albert Nichol passed away Mar. 4. He was born Nov. 14, 1918 to Andreas and Anna Nickel at Rosenwald, Barnaul, Siberia, the youngest of 9 surviving children. When he was 3, his parents died of typhoid fever. The children were raised by his uncle Ben and Sarah Nickel. In 1926 the 5 youngest orphans immigrated to Canada with the Nickels, leaving behind their older siblings who could not secure passports. For the next 20 years, he lived with relatives and then on his own in southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba. At 15, he memorized 500 Bible verses, earning a week of summer camp at Gimli, Man., where he accepted Christ. He worked at various farms to pay for his education, and earned a teaching certificate. He taught in Osterwick, Man. He married Helen Warkentin June 16, 1946 in Winkler, Man. In 1947 they moved to a small hobby farm near Greendale, B.C. He worked at Canada Packers 1950-52, Dueck's Building Supply 1953-55 and Chilliwack (B.C) Post Office 1956-74, as well as maintaining a small dairy farm. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. His faith in God was shown in daily living. He was a man of integrity, inspiring others. He was a member of Greendale MB Church, Chilliwack, from 1948 until his death. He was a gifted storyteller in Sunday school. His sensitivity, wit and organizational skills enhanced the various church committees on which he served. He was secretary of the Board of Directors at First Heritage Credit Union for 15 years. In 1973 Helen died. He married Anna Siebert Mar. 23, 1974. He then was postmaster at Vedder Crossing Post Office, retiring in 1980. He enjoyed woodworking and gardening. He loved playing with his grandchildren, taking them camping, telling them stories and helping them create things in his woodworking shop. He and Anna also enjoyed several trips across Canada and Europe. Despite failing health, his faith in God sustained and comforted him. He is mourned by Anna; daughter Evelyn Driediger; 4 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson. The funeral was Mar. 8 in Greendale MB Church, with Reg Toews ministering.