RUTH ELIZABETH NICKLE (JOHNSON)

Condolences & Memories (2 entries)

• About 40 years ago I had the pleasure of having Mrs. Nickle as my Sunday School teacher. I would always look forward to that class every Wednesday night. She is a warm and caring Christian, and for a few years I also delivered their Paper and always looked forward to "collection" day. Her smile is infectious and over the years I always enjoyed seeing her in church, take comfort she is in the Arms of the Lord, I am thankful for having the privilege of knowing her. - Posted by: Doug Marks (Sunday School Student) on: Sep 27, 2013

• Mrs. Nickle was our next-door neighbour for nearly 40 years. I met her and Ted when I was five years old. As a kid they kindly employed me to mow their lawn and shovel their walkway and stairs. After Ted passed, I would assist Ruth in her spring sorting which essentially involved opening a couple of neatly packed boxes in her nearly empty basement and finding something to donate or discard. She kept a meticulous log in wonderful cursive script of all their household purchases including details like cost, warranty, retailer, etc. She came from a generation that understood the importance of thrift. The Nickles were gracious hosts and kept a beautiful home but were never flashy or snobbish. They also loved to garden and their plants, lawn, flowers and trees were manicured, attractive and precise, much like them. Our lawn and yard was the messiest on the block and it must have driven her crazy but she never complained to us about it. Mrs. Nickle (I never called her by her first name) made the world’s best lemonade (I would love that recipe). She had wonderful expressions like “bless your little pointed head”. In 40 years, I never heard her say an unkind word. She was very grateful for our help, especially that of my father, Gerald, who would take her shopping and run small errands for her. They developed a fond friendship over the years. Indeed, she always said that she would need to move out of her house when my dad could no longer drive her around and that’s exactly what happened. Today (September 26, 2013) would have been her 98th birthday. I can’t imagine anyone living a more gracious long life. My only regret is that I was planning to visit her this Saturday (I no longer live in Winnipeg) and instead I will be attending her memorial service. I will miss her. She was the best neighbour you could ask for and a terrific example of courtesy, grace and good humour. - Posted by: Michael Barker-Fyfe (neighbour) on: Sep 26, 2013