RALPH GEORGE NIXON

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RALPH GEORGE NIXON 1922 - 2016 Family sadly announces the passing of Ralph on November 15, 2016 at Deer Lodge Centre. Ralph was a son, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. Ralph was predeceased by his loving wife Margaret on September 15, 2011 and is survived by his four children, Nancy (Dave) Evans, Cathy (Ken) Carey, Bud Nixon and Greg Nixon, as well as 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Ralph grew up in St. James and remained a St. James "boy" all his life. He joined Trans Canada Airlines (TCA) in January of 1941 in the statistical department, left on a leave of absence to join the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and served from 1942 to 1945. He got his wings and commission on October 15, 1943 and married our mom, Margaret, on October 16, 1943. They then went to Summerside, PEI, where he relieved staff pilots who had been doing the flying for the school and that became his job until he left the service in 1945. He returned to TCA, in Winnipeg, as a pilot and First Officer in 1946. In 1951, Ralph and Margaret moved to Moncton, NB where he became a Captain and in 1955, moved back to Winnipeg where he stayed for the rest of his flying career. He retired in 1982 at the age of 60 with a total of 41 years, seven months of service with Air Canada, his final aircraft being a Boeing 727. Ralph was an avid golfer, being the first member of Breezy Bend Golf and Country Club. He enjoyed many winters in Palm Springs with our mom and many of their great Breezy Bend golfing friends. A service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 21, 2016 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves memories no one can steal." For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 17, 2016