Nick passed away peacefully on March 18, 2013 in Chilliwack at age 80 years. His devotion, love, care and concern will be never be forgotten by his wife Dianne, children Marshal Nickel and Heather Thompson, grandchildren Sophie and Nicholas Thompson, brothers Ardie Nickel and Jan in Florida, and Vernon Nickel and Norma in Oklahoma, stepmother Hulda Nickel in California and extended family throughout Canada and the USA. Nick was predeceased by his sister Mildred Patton. Nick was born in Oklahoma and proudly served as a Navy Corpsman with the US Marine Corps during the Korean War. This experience shaped his life, making him a man who never failed to offer help to anyone who needed it, a person there for the good and bad times of life. He was an early member of the oil and gas compression industry in Alberta, a pioneer in developing new technologies. His experience took him to Japan and China in later life to share his expertise. He was a mentor whose knowledge and ethics informed others in their work. He enjoyed lifelong friendships with many of his business associates. A great humanitarian, Nick believed in giving back to the community. In the 1990’s he served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Gas Processors Suppliers Association. He was an enthusiastic Stampede Parade Marshall in Calgary on the Palliser Hotel corner for over 20 years. Nick had an immense love for life, his family and friends, his work, his association with the 49th Marines and his faithful canine companion Tank. Donations in memory of Nick may be made to the Therapy Dog Program of St. John Ambulance, Surrey/Delta Branch. ,8911 152nd Street, Surrey, BC V3R 4E5
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, March 28th at 2 pm at Henderson’s Funeral Home, 45901 Victoria Ave. Chilliwack, BC