NIKKEL: Herman Heinrich Nikkel, of Brandon, passed away peacefully at Fairview Home on Thursday, September 5, 2008 at the age of 85 years. Herman was born in Altona, Manitoba on February 12, 1923. He had 2 brothers and 5 sisters. Predeceased by his father John; mother Katherine; brother John and sisters: Anne, Mary, Nina and Katherine and predeceased by his wife Pearl in 2005. Herman was a member of the R.C.A.F. from 1944 to 1946 and worked for Manitoba Telephone System in Brandon for more than 30 years, retiring in 1983. It was while on loan to Bell Telephone and living in Montreal that Herman met Pearl in Montreal in 1956. They married and relocated to Brandon, where they lived on Noonan Drive for 50 years. Herman continuously upgraded himself in the electronics and engineering economics fields throughout his career with MTS. He was outspoken on many diverse topics having a keen interest in politics and government, the arts, music, and economics, never shying away from a good debate on any of these. The noisier the debate, the happier he was! His interest in politics and government led him to serve as an Alderman in Brandon from 1965 to 1970 and even run in one election for Mayor of Brandon. Herman served tirelessly on a number of diverse Boards and Committees in Manitoba throughout his career and into retirement, including Red Cross, Manitoba Health Organization, Golden Links Lodge, Brandon Police Commission, Brandon Parks Board, Kinsman Stadium Board, Assiniboine Community College, March of Dimes, Manitoba Arts Council, Brandon Allied Arts Council, Western Canada Arts Association, Brandon Citizens Committee for the Performing Arts, Brandon and District Labour Council and many long years of association with the Independent Order of Oddfellows, holding many respected positions in this organization. After retirement, Herman taught driver training to hundreds of young Brandon drivers. He could entertain for hours with his tales of close encounters, on the road. Survived by his sister Margaret in Altona and brother Eric in Calgary and a number of nieces and nephews across Canada. Cremation will be followed by a memorial quiet time to be held at Memories Chapel, 330-18th Street North on Thursday, September 11, 2008 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Those who wish, may drop in to pay their respects. A private interment will follow on September 12th at the Brandon Cemetery. Many thanks to Nurses and Staff at Fairview Home for their kind and compassionate care during the years Herman lived at Fairview Home. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Herman may be made to the Fairview Foundation, Herman Nikkel Memorial, 1351-13th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 4S6. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

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