Obituary of James "Jim" Nicol

NICOL: James (Jim) Edward Nicol, beloved life partner of Lizz Komar of Brandon, passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Friday, August 27, 2010 at the age of 74 years. Besides Lizz, Jim is survived by his children Debbie (Colin) Cassidy and grandson Bryan Cassidy, son Brent (Mary) Nicol, sister Lynn Millions, brothers Jack (Marg) Nicol and David (Shirley) Nicol. Jim was born in Brandon April 8, 1936 to Mary (Gillander) and James Andrew Nicol. He received his education at Bloomsbury School, Earl Oxford and Brandon Collegiate. Jim spent his early years working on the family farm, Pues Interior Decorating and later devoted 33 years as a letter carrier with Canada Post, a position he enjoyed until he retired in 1992. In 1996, Jim and Lizz moved to Oak Lake Beach, where he spent many enjoyable hours tending his gardens. He was the local gardening expert, who grew so many varieties of flowers, shrubs and vegetables, and never hesitated to share the produce and plants with many neighbours and friends who stopped to admire his beautiful masterpiece and visit. Right now we are sure he is taking snips of "this and that" to start a new garden up there. Jim firmly believed in giving back to the community through the Polish Association of Brandon, where he served in a number of capacities, a member of the Brandon Branch of the Heritage Club and the FSNA. He was a member of the Sokol Mixed Bowling League for many years and through this became involved in The League of Nations Bowling as part of the Scottish team. Jim actually made the tartan outfits for all the bowlers. When he moved to Oak Lake he quickly joined the Oak Lake & Area Lions Club, where in 2005 he was awarded the Hope Medal for his generous donation of time and work as a volunteer. He was a very talented person who loved cooking, gardening, painting and woodcarving and was always available to make perogies at the Sokol and with friends. Jim was a very social person and loved nothing better than having friends and family visit and was sure to provide tantalizing meals always trying out new recipes plus his tried and true springtime pudding, and then of course a game of cards afterwards. He thought of others before himself and found the best in everyone. Jim was loving and caring and will be missed by many. A celebration of Jim's life will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332 – 8th Street, on Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Harvey Hurren officiating. A reception will follow at the Sokol Hall, 33 –11th Street North in Brandon. A private family graveside service will take place at the Brandon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jim may be made to a charity of choice.