t NILES

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NILES: It is with deep sadness that the family of Jack Karl Niles announces his passing on March 3, 2013 at the age of 95. Jack was born on May 1, 1917 the second eldest son of Karl and Anna Niles. It was a large family of 4 sons and 4 daughters. He spent most of his childhood on the farm in Eatonia, Saskatchewan. As a young adult he enlisted in the army and served in the Signal Corp for 4 years. Dad would refer to these years as the best and the worst years of his life. He was very proud of his service, as we were of him. When dad returned from overseas he found work with CPR trucking for a time. Later he was hired on with the City Transit and worked there till his retirement. He had a great love of music and dancing, so it was no surprise that he would meet his future wife Lorraine Windover at a local dance. They had two daughters, Jacqueline born in 1947 and Bonnie born in 1952. Later came the grandchildren which were the center of his world. He would do anything for them whether it was warming bottles or changing diapers and later preparing lunches and just being there for them. He would do it all! He spent many hours with his granddaughters helping them with their horses and especially loved to help them with their showings at the fairs. Later came the grandsons and he passed on his love of ice fishing to them, even building them a large ice shack which they enjoyed every winter. He purchased a small motorhome so he could take his family on fishing trips in the summer as well. Passing on his love of music to his grandchildren, Dad could never be found without a musical instrument in his house and if you stopped by in the afternoon you would often find him plunking away on the organ, the violin or even the accordion. Although a private person, Dad loved folks to stop in for a visit. I am sure he will be remembered by many on his block as the Candy Man as he would always have treats for the children who would stop by on their way to school. Dad was a strong union man and was president of the Transit Union for a time. He was a loyal Legion member and also a member of the Masonic Lodge. He was predeceased by his parents and Lorraine, daughter Jacquie, sisters Ruth Brown and Carol Keeble, brothers Adnel and Ed. And great-grandson Alex. He is survived by daughter Bonnie (Randy), granddaughters Misty (Glen) and Pamela (Darin). Grandsons Rob (Robin) and Owen (Melissa). Eight great-grandchildren survive Christopher, Josh, Danny, Caley, Genevieve, Abby, Ethan and Aaliyah. He is also survived by sisters Freda Ridgen and Loreen Niles, brother Lou and sister-in-law Jean Niles. Many nieces and nephews survive as well. In keeping with Dad’s wishes a private graveside service was held at the Veterans section of the Brandon Cemetery.

As published in Brandon Sun on Apr 13, 2013