ALBERT EARL (AB) NAIRN

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ALBERT EARL (AB) NAIRN

December 12, 1948 - May 18, 2026

Albert Earl “Ab” Nairn was born in Brandon, MB to parents Gordon and Dorothy Nairn and older sister Florence on December 12, 1948. He grew up on the family farm northeast of Glenboro, MB, attending a country school, Patricia, until Grade 5 when it consolidated with Glenboro School. After graduation from Glenboro Collegiate, he attended the University of Manitoba to take Agricultural Economics.

Ab enjoyed farm life, helping with chores and all that a farm entails. He became a member of the local 4-H Beef Club, Minor Baseball, and Minor Hockey in Glenboro. He proudly reported that one year his calf won the grand aggregate for the 4-H club competition. Halter breaking calves for showing was a yearly challenge!

Prior to joining Manitoba Hydro in 1971, he worked for his cousin Bob at his autobody shop, had a stint as a fishing guide at the Arctic Circle Lodge in the Northwest Territories, and worked on the pipeline in Alberta for a period of time. Being employed with Hydro meant living and working in many different Manitoba communities, often living in a hotel room, boarding with a family, or renting an apartment.

In 1969, Ab met Elaine Howden, a young teacher originally from Belmont, MB. They married in 1972 and, in 1973, they made the decision to move to a permanent position in Thompson. Here they made many lifelong friends and embraced all that the north had to offer with its pristine lakes and rugged outdoors. Much time was spent on the water, either in their sailboat or canoe, camping and fishing along a route or with their friends.

In 1979, Ab and Elaine relocated to Macleod Drive in Brandon. Life became busier with the births of Angela and Jonathan. Ab was always a huge supporter of them and their many activities, attending all school and sports events, quietly encouraging them to do their best. His family has many fond memories of the camping and road trips that he organized, introducing them to unique areas of the province and fostering in them an appreciation of both Canada and nature.

Ab's grandchildren, Madelyn, Annika, Alex, and Nora held a special place in his heart. Building with Lego, drawing, playing board games, going on walks to the goose pond, and playground adventures meant a great deal to him. Once again, much time was spent at hockey and curling rinks, baseball fields, and swimming pools, cheering the kids on, this time as a grandparent.

Ab had an artistic side to him, enjoying many hobbies over the years. He gathered soapstone along the highway to Thompson and tried his hand at soapstone carving. Photography was a special interest, so he built a darkroom in the basement to develop his own film. Pottery classes were taken, resulting in birdhouses, bowls, mugs, and many useful kitchen items. A large area of the basement was devoted to woodworking, complete with tools and equipment, and endless hours were spent there. During the pandemic years, he painted lots of lovely scenes and pictures. He was an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction and especially enjoyed short stories. He had a wealth of knowledge to share, but only if directly asked.

In retirement, Ab and Elaine spent endless hours on their farm property near Belmont, tending to the yard and garden. Ab enjoyed planting new trees and shrubs, developing garden areas, and watching the birds and wildlife. There was always an endless list of things to do.

Knowing that he would be leaving his family behind became the most difficult part of Ab's cancer journey. It was them that he worried about, not how the disease was making it difficult for him to enjoy his usual activities. He often said, “I'm leaving good people behind.” We are all so proud of how bravely he fought to stay with us.

Ab was predeceased by his infant son Kristopher (1979); parents Gordon and Dorothy Nairn; parents-in-law Norman and Eileen Howden; and brother-in-law Garry Stephenson.

He is survived by his loving wife Elaine; daughter Angela (Richard Schenk); son Jonathan (Erin); grandchildren Madelyn, Annika, and Alex Nairn, and Nora Schenk; sister Florence Stephenson (Brian Naismith) and family; brother-in-law James Howden (Ruth Moffatt) and family; sister-in-law Sandra Gilroy (John) and family; and many cousins.

A Celebration of Life was held May 29, at Riverview Curling Club, Brandon, MB.

Donations in memory of Ab may be made to Western Manitoba Cancer Centre, in care of BRHC Foundation, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3 or to the Peter Sawatzky Sculpture Park, in care of #1-545 Conservation Drive, Brandon, MB, R7A 7LB.

"The song is ended, but the melody lingers on." - Irving Berlin

Condolences: www.memorieschapel.com

ALBERT EARL (AB) NAIRN

Albert Earl “Ab” Nairn passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026, at the age of 77.

Ab is survived by his loving wife Elaine; daughter Angela (Richard Schenk); and son Jonathan (Erin); his four precious grandchildren, Madelyn, Annika, Alex Nairn and Nora Schenk; as well as his sister Florence Stephenson (Brian Naismith) and her family.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Riverview Curling Club, 420 Maryland Avenue, Brandon, MB with a luncheon to follow. Everyone is welcome.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Donation in memory of Ab may be made to Western Manitoba Cancer Centre, c/o BRHC Foundation, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3 or to the Peter Sawatzky Sculpture Park, c/o #1-545 Conservation Drive, Brandon, MB, R7A 7LB.

Complete obituary information will follow.

Condolences: www.memorieschapel.com

As published in Brandon Sun on May 23, 2026, May 30, 2026