Obituary of Victor Nickless

Nickless: Victor Nickless passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at the age of 83 years. Vic is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Frances, and his children; Carol (Danny) Gaudet, Calvin (Robyn) Nickless and Sheryl (Albert) Hillaby; seven grandchildren and three great grandsons: three brothers: Alban (Evelyn) Nickless, Harold Nickless and Cyril (Vera) Nickless. Eulogy for Victor Gordon Charles Nickless read by Kiera Nickless Hello, I am Kiera Nickless - Vic's granddaughter. At this time, I would like to thank everyone in attendance for coming today and hearing our precious memories and stories about my grandfather's life. Victor Gordon Charles Nickless was born on October 27, 1925 in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan. Vic was the eldest of four boys born to Charlie and Rose Nickless. Vic grew-up on the small family farm located in the Rex District just northeast of Lloydminster. It was on the family farm where he learned to work hard and help support the family during difficult times. In 1936 he went to work for Bert Noyce doing chores morning and night while still attending school. The following summer to winter he then worked for Jeff and Flora Charman and decided to finish his schooling in grade eight. It was during this time in his life that a hockey accident injured his left knee. In those days there was no fancy hockey equipment, just a bunch of buddies, a frozen pond, and the bare essentials for hockey, sticks and pucks. Over the years despite his injury, he still maintained a hard work ethic and kept working for several local area farmers. It was while he was working for Byron and Elsie Newlin that he met a young girl named Frances Gould, which would turn into a life long journey together. In October 1943, he and Leonard Lafoy travelled to Edmonton to enlist in the army. Due to his knee injury he was unable to enlist. However, it was the army doctor that suggested he see a specialist in Lamont. This would be the start of many trips to doctors and surgeries and treatments in Saskatoon. Dur to shortage of work, Vic decided to travel to Mission City, BC and start working in the bush making cedar shakes. Vic, as well as a few other friends, worked in BC for a few years. On October 26, 1949 Vic and Frances were married at the Warrickville Church. It should have been a sign for Frances, as she had to wait at the top of the hill, as Vic was working and almost late for the wedding. Throughout the years whenever they had to go out anywhere it was Vic she had to wait for because there was always one more thing to fix or one more weed to pull. They started their life together in Lloydminster where Vic worked for a few different businesses before starting with Ford in 1958. His career would span over 32 years with Skinner Motors, Stewart Ford and then retiring in 1990 with Boundary Ford. During his retirement his greatest passion was spent working in the garden. This would include growing 1400 hills of potatoes and 300 pounds of tomatoes in four different garden plots scattered between Lloyd and the farm. The potatoes were sacred only to be weeded and dug by hand, himself. One fall when he was not feeling well, Calvin, Albert and Dan decided to head out early one morning to dig a few hills without his supervision. A few hills turned into digging the entire crop!!! When Grandpa arrived to his astonishment or should we say his dismay only to find the three of them wrapping up, a year's worth of caring with several pails of wounded potatoes. It was after that historic event that no one every again was ever up early enough potatoes. It was after that historic event that no one ever again was ever up early enough to beat Grandpa from the fall harvest. Grandma and Grandpa would spend countless hours late into the evening canning tomatoes by the quarts and pints and making salsa and spaghetti sauces. Even though he had retired from the garage he worked helping out Dan and Pete Scriber on the farm. He loved operating the large modern farming equipment and being a part of seeding and harvest time. Grandpa was your neighbourhood handyman who was always available to give a hand with grass cutting, snow shovelling, home repairs and running countless errands. Vic was a good-hearted person who was always doing something for someone else. His caring generosity will be missed by all who's lives he touched especially visiting those at Pioneer Lodge and Dr. Cooke. Grandpa took a sense of pride in contributing as much to grandchildren as he could. This would include countless hours walking and rocking babies (though, not changing any diapers) driving to speed skating and tying skates, going for fries at A & W and we can't forget the Saturday ritual!!! Every Saturday morning there was a family gathering at the Zeller's restaurant for bacon and eggs. This last year has been difficult, faced with many challenges with Grandma by his side and his family supporting every doctor visit and numerous trips to the city. Grandpa never gave up the fight he never lost his sense of humor or the chance to say something to brighten your day. He was thankful for all the support and visits. Victor Nickless loved is wife, his kids, his grandchildren and his gardens! Card of Thanks The family of Vic Nickless wish to thank all those who express their sympathy through cards, donations, visits, phone calls, floral tributes, and food, also to those who attended the funeral service. Sincere thanks to the third floor nurses and student nurses for their compassion and care of Vic. A special thank you to Reverend Michael Stonhouse for his visits and prayers at the hospital and the meaningful service, Pat Skinner for playing the organ, also to the Anglican Church ladies for the lovely lunch. Our heartfelt thanks to all the Homecare workers who attended Vic weekly over the months this past year. We would also like to thank McCaw Funeral Service for their professional guidance and care in arranging the service. In lieu of thank you cards the family has donated to Homecare in memory of Vic Nickless. Donations in memory of Vic may be made to the Lloydminster Home Care or the Dr. Cooke Patient Comfort Fund.