Melvin Archibald Joseph Nimegeers, late of Radville, passed away at the age of 80 with loved ones at his side Thursday, January 31, 2014 having battled cancer for the past few years. Melvin was predeceased by his parents Michael and Marguerite; his first wife Eva; son Marley; sister Diane Kater; father and mother-in-law Frank and Mary Portmann; brothers-in-law: Alfred and Edward Portmann, Eugene McCurry; Melvin is survived by his wife Edith Viguie; son Duane (Jackie) Nimegeers and children Jocelyn and Garrett; daughter-in-law Theresa Nimegeers (Dale) and her children Terrence (Meghan) and Pamela; daughter Carol (Perry) Duncan and children Amanda (Kent) and Evan; son Lorne Nimegeers (Carol) and his children Kale and Shelby (Matt) and their son Matthew; daughter Marilyn (Keith) Fradette and children Shane, Mitchel and Sara; daughter Valerie Hagen and children Shawn and Willem; step-children Shirley (Joe) Roettger, Linda (Bob) Stadnick, Charlie (Jen) Viguie, Felix (Shelley) Viguie and thier families; brother Robert (Theresa); sister Shirley (Brian) Hall; sister-in-law Mary McCurry; along with brothers and sisters-in-law, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Melvin was born October 11, 1933. At the age of six he and his siblings went to live for a few years at St. Joseph's Convent in Forget after his mother had passed away and his father was overseas during WWII. He went to school in Troy and attended high school in Weyburn. He began farming at the age of 16 by renting some land from his grandfather Prosper and this was the beginning of a long vocation as he farmed for nearly 60 years. He married Eva in 1957. Two sons, Duane and Marley were born in Radville and then the family moved to a farm near Kisbey for a few years where many lifelong friendships were established. Carol, Lorne and Marilyn were born in Arcola and in 1968 the family moved back to Radville to farm. The family was complete in 1970 when Valerie was born in Weyburn. In 1998 Melvin married Edith Viguie of Radville. Many wonderful memories were made from time spent playing cards with family and friends. Melvin was an avid bowler, participating in the provincials many times with the Redcoat. He loved golf and he was a wonderful dancer. He was a kind, gentle person, and was highly regarded by all. He was always willing to lend a hand; he and Eva drove their children around the province for many years to various sporting events, including volleyball, basketball and figure skating. He was very proud of the family farm. Later he and his wife Edith spent many months restoring the barn, adding a new metal roof, painting and repairing it which was a great accomplishment for a couple in their 70s. This barn he was so proud of had been captured years earlier by artist Yvette Moore, in a work entitled "Chore Time". Melvin loved family and was blessed when he married Edith and became part of their family too. He travelled to Switzerland with his first wife Eva. Later he, Edith and other family members, enjoyed traveling to Arizona, Panama Canal, Alaska, Europe and they also made many trips to BC to visit family. He took pleasure in the simple things in life and remarked that he had enjoyed so many sunrises and sunsets. We were blessed to have had him in our lives. Melvin was thankful to all who prayed for him. He truly felt your prayers. Melvin was active in his community and church. He became a Third Degree Knight of Columbus in 1960 and Fourth Degree in 1998, served as financial secretary and was Grand Knight for two years. He served on the Credit Union and Wheat Pool boards, he was President of the Radville Five Pin Bowling club and recently President of the Radville Senior Citizen's club. Viewing for Melvin was held on Monday, February 3 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at RD Family Funeral Chapel, Weyburn. A Mass of Christian Burial for Melvin was held on Tuesday, February 4, at 10:30 a.m. from Holy Family Parish Catholic Church, Radville, with Father Gerry Bauche, officiating. Interment followed at Laurier Cemetery, Radville. Active pallbearers were his grandsons: Terrence, Garrett and Kale Nimegeers, Shawn Brilz, Evan Duncan and Shane Fradette. Honorary pallbearers were all in attendance. Melvin will be missed by all, most especially by his family, friends and his community that he loved and served so well. To know him was to love him. He remains in our hearts and memories. For family and friends so wishing donations in memory of Melvin may be made to the Radville & District Health Centre Foundation, Box 310, Radville, SK S0C 2G0. Arrangements were entrusted to RD Family Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Weyburn (306-848-0333 ~ 1-888-848-0333). Expressions of sympathy to the family may be sent to our website at www.rdfamilymemorialchapel.com "Our family serving your family"
