It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Henry Nickel on the morning of September 21, 2012, at the age of 89. Born in the village of Neuendorf, Ukraine, February 17, 1923. Henry moved with his family first to Mexico and then Canada. He spent his life working as a cowboy in the interior of B.C. at the Gang Ranch and the Douglas Lake Ranch. He eventually went from being a ranch hand to working in the forests of British Columbia, starting as a logger and graduating to operating a backhoe building roads. Early in the 80’s Henry and his wife Vera, moved to Rosedale where they bought a small farm. Using his life skills, Henry transformed the swampy land into a vibrant and picturesque farm, an eternal legacy to Henry’s lifelong work ethic. Henry and Vera eventually sold the farm to retire in Chilliwack where they enjoyed the companionship of family and friends.
Henry is survived by his wife Vera Nickel, sister Mary Nickel, daughter Lee Mascerelli, son, Mark Nickel, stepdaughters, Carolyn Pinder, Vicky Bachen, Lisa Mitchell, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. There will be a Celebration of Henry’s life, October 26, 2012, 1:00 pm, at Sardis Fellowship Baptist Church. 45187 Wells Road, Chilliwack, B.C. V2R 1H6. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Sardis Fellowship Baptist Church would be appreciated.