For Posterity's Sake         

A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project

 

In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar 

 

Martin John Nickels

 

Able Seaman Anti-Aircraft Rating, RCNVR

 

Born: 05 Jun 1921, Regina, Saskatchewan

 

Died: 08 Feb 2012, Victoria, British Columbia

 

NICKELS, Martin John - After a wonderful life, well-lived, Marty cast off peacefully on February 8, 2012. Ninety years young, he was born with his identical twin, John, on June 5, 1921. He loved to tell crazy stories of their youth in Regina and never forgot the names of anyone he met. In WWII he proudly served 1500 days on convoy duty in the North Atlantic. Next to his family and friends his true loves were fishing, his '58 Chev Impala, a good "wet," and his little love, Sparky. Marty's winning smile, loving personality and magnetic laugh instantly drew people to him. We are devastated to lose him but feel so blessed to have learned his many lessons. Remembering him with love are his wife of 65 years, Grace, sons Dale (Kathy) and Brian, his precious grandchildren Brad (Heather, Mayalin), Robyn, Nicole and Chris, his brother, Leonard (Mary) and many close family and friends. We are so thankful for the exceptional care of Dr. Philip Kelly and his nurse, Joan, and the unfailing support of wonderful neighbours. We also gratefully acknowledge the tender care of the staff of 6 Southeast at R.J.H. We invite you to join us in celebrating this amazing man on Friday, February 17, 2012 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Fireside Grill, 4509 West Saanich Road. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Heart and Stroke Fund, 107-1001 Cloverdale Avenue, Victoria, BC V8X 4C9. Nighty, Night... (Victoria Times Colonist 12 Feb 2012)

 

Ships served in:  (note:  Martin Nickels and his twin brother John both served in the RCNVR during WW2.  It is not known if they served in these 4 ships together or at different times, or if one served in two and the other brother served in the other two.)

HMCS EDMUNDSTON - 1941-1942

HMCS MIRAMICHI - 1942

HMCS KENTVILLE - 1942-1944

HMCS NORANDA - 1944-1945

 

photo 1

photo 2

photo 3

photo 4

photo 5

photo 6

photo 7

(1) John and Martin Nickels  (2) John (left), Martin (right)  (3) Martin (left), John (right) (4) John (left), Martin (right)  (5) Martin (left), John (right)  (6-7) Two pages from the photo album of either John or Martin Nickels

 


 

Crossed the Bar Index

 

HOME PAGE     SHIP INDEX      CONTACT