Henry Benjamin 鈥淗ank鈥� Nickel. November 05, 1931 鈥� November 21, 2015. Surrounded by family, Hank peacefully passed away at St. Paul鈥檚 Hospital in Saskatoon, SK on Saturday November 21, 2015 after a difficult struggle with respiratory illness. Hank is lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Tina (nee Unrau), his four children: daughters, Ingrid Nickel and husband, Don Anderson, of Winnipeg, MB, Krista Nickel and husband, Kent Scarborough and their children, Maeve and Hugh Scarborough, of Vancouver, BC, Maria Nickel and husband Kerry Swinney of Vancouver BC, and his son Erik Nickel and wife, Carrie Nickel and their son Jacob of Regina, SK. He leaves behind his siblings: his sisters, Kay Bartolotta (Bill) of Mississauga, ON and Margaret Atkinson, of Saskatoon, SK and his brothers, John Nickel of Rosthern, SK and Dr. Arnold Nickel (Lorene) of Saskatoon, SK. Hank was predeceased by his parents, Isaac and Katherina Nickel and his sister, Trudy Nickel. Hank was born at home on the family farm at Great Deer, SK on November 05, 1931. He attended primary school at Clear Spring School, a one-room school house in Great Deer. He graduated from high school at Rosthern Junior College and then attended the University of Saskatchewan, College of Agriculture in Saskatoon where he earned the degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1954. His graduating class at the College of Agriculture were the founders /instigators of the College鈥檚 annual event known as the 鈥淎g Bag Drag鈥�. Hank and Tina met at Rosthern Junior College. They married in Winnipeg on September 27, 1958 and settled briefly in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. They subsequently lived and raised their family in Biggar and North Battleford. Hank worked for the Assessment Branch of the Province of Saskatchewan for 10 years. In 1968, he became an Agricultural Representative with the Saskatchewan Department of Agriculture in Biggar and then North Battleford until his retirement in 1993. Hank was instrumental in establishing a Veterinary Clinic during his time in Biggar. Dad loved working with farmers and his colleagues and often commented on how fulfilling his work was. Hank gave back to the communities in which he lived and was an active member and volunteer in the United Church, Lions Club, and the Western Development Museum. Hank pursued various hobbies and interests with enthusiasm. He was an accomplished and self-taught wood worker and metal machinist. He also loved downhill and cross country skiing, fishing and a good game of cribbage with whoever was willing to take him on. He especially enjoyed golfing and curling with the New Horizons Club. Hank was a dedicated and loyal fan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. In retirement, Hank and Tina travelled extensively. They made memorable trips to many countries in Europe, to Hawaii, California, Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia and cruises through the Panama Canal and in Alaska. Hank raised his children to be strong, independent thinkers and to appreciate the importance of education and family. Hank faced his health issues with courage and tenacity. The family would like to thank the ICU teams at St. Paul鈥檚 Hospital and Battlefords Union Hospital for their excellent care and compassion. A celebration of Hank鈥檚 life was held at Third Avenue United Church in North Battleford, 1301 鈥� 102 Street, North Battleford, SK on Thursday, November 26, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. We will love and remember you forever.
