Peacefully, on Monday, September 5, 2016, Heather Lynne Nichol (nee McLeod) passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, Brandon, Manitoba, at the age of 68. Left to mourn her passing are daughter Lisa, son-in-law Todd, grandsons Nathan and Matthew Fugleberg; sister Cheryl (Henley) Cunnington; aunts, uncles, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and in-laws. Heather was predeceased by her daughter Merrill, parents Bill and Duneda McLeod (nee Tyderkie) and husband Vernon. Heather was born August 13, 1948, in Winnipeg, MB (St. Boniface) and spent most of her childhood in Winnipeg. During her teen years she attended River East Collegiate, was part of the Luther League and worked at Rainbow stage in Winnipeg. Her dad's work for CP rail took the family briefly to Moose Jaw, SK where she completed her Grade 12. When her family then moved to Thunder Bay, Heather stayed in Moose Jaw and completed a 2 year Secretarial Science Diploma at the Saskatchewan Technical Institute. It was during this time that she was introduced to Vernon. After a whirlwind romance, Vern and Heather married on May 31, 1969. Their early marriage was spent in Borden, SK where Vern dairy farmed with his family. Initially a true city girl, Heather soon learned the basics of farm and rural life and was a homemaker when her children were young. Once Vernon started working for Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation the family moved to Saskatoon, Blackstrap Regional Park (where they also farmed land near Hanley) and eventually North Battleford. Heather started working as a medical receptionist in 1986 and then as a Health Records Clerk at Battleford's Health District in 2001. She retired from this position with Prairie North Health Region when her health was declining. In 2010, Â she moved to Brandon, MB to be closer to Lisa and her family. The tragic death of her 9-year old daughter irrevocably changed Heather's life. She faced many other trials and tribulations after that time, including the early death of her husband Vern. She was able to get through these extremely difficult times and find a way to carry on. She joined Compassionate Friends, connected with Mothers Against Drunk Driving and was part of the North Battleford Safety Council for several years. Throughout Heather's life, her love of books was evident and reading was her main hobby, joy and comfort. She was part of the North Battleford Public Library Board and Lakeland Regional Library Board for many years. Heather loved spending time at the cabin and with her various family pets. She enjoyed playing kaiser and scrabble with friends and family and playing lego and monopoly with her grandsons. She also enjoyed baking - Nathan and Matthew rarely experienced being without homemade cookies once Grandma moved to Brandon. Heather could start up a conversation with anyone and was known by all for her sense of humour and quick wit which she displayed right up to the last days of her recent lengthy illness. The Funeral Service took place at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Brandon, Manitoba on Friday, September 9, 2016 with Pastor Laurel Seyfert officiating. Interment will take place at the Hanley Cemetery, Hanley, Saskatchewan, at a later date. Donations in memory of Heather may be made to a charity of choice. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements with Memories Chapel, Brandon, Manitoba 1-855-727-0330.
