NICHOLAS (NICK) THACHER

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NICHOLAS (NICK) THACHER It is with regret and sadness that we announce the passing of Nick on January 25, 2013 at Vista Park Lodge, at the age of 89. Nick leaves behind his loving wife of over 60 years of marriage, Rose Marie, and three children - Kerry (Heather), Brent (Dale), and Jade (Ken), all of Winnipeg. He also leaves behind four grandchildren - Tara (Jon), Steven, Dana, and Eric also of Winnipeg. Nick was predeceased by his sister Anne Koch (Bill) of Victoria, BC. Nick also leaves behind his sister Elsie Ostap (George) of Winnipeg. Nick was born on a farm in Northern Saskatchewan on May 4, 1923 and was blessed with a long and active life. He moved to Reston, Manitoba as a young boy, and from there went on to serve with the Royal Canadian Air Force in signals, during the Second World War. He attended art school subsequent to the war, where one of his instructors was L.L. Fitzgerald, a member of the renowned Group of Seven Canadian artists. Nick returned to painting in his retirement years. Nick joined the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1952, and remained with them as a loyal employee until his retirement in 1986, while stationed in Dryden, Ontario. His great sense of personal responsibility drove him to never take a single sick day, during his entire time with the C.P.R. During his time with the C.P.R., the family spent time in Winnipeg, Dryden, Ontario, Moosemin, Saskatchewan, Raith, Ontario, and Riverton, Manitoba. At each of these stops, Nick and Rose Marie made countless lifelong friends. After retirement, they spent time in Vernon, BC, Morden and Winnipeg, Manitoba. The outdoors played a significant part in Nick's life, whether the activity was fishing, canoeing, picking berries, or gathering mushrooms. He introduced the family to canoeing in the lakes and streams of Northwestern Ontario. His idea of the perfect canoe trip was to disappear deep enough into the wilderness so that no other boaters or paddlers would be seen for days at a time. During his time at Raith, he built a log cabin on an isolated island that stood for decades - a testament to the care and craftsmanship he displayed in everything that he touched. Nick was a life-long curler and was accomplished enough to qualify for various national championships. He was a formidable opponent at the card table, especially with his favourite game - Bridge. He was also a much sought-after dance partner, another activity that he took great pride in mastering. The family would like to offer sincere thanks to the health care teams at Seven Oaks Hospital and more recently Vista Park Lodge, for their care and kindness. Friends and family are welcome to attend a gathering to celebrate Nick's life at Thomson "In The Park" Funeral Home and Cemetery, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. in Winnipeg at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 1. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Nick's name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 30, 2013