Obituary of Malcolm Neil Victor McNiven

Malcolm McNiven May 30, 1932 - December 24, 2019 It is with heavy hearts, that the family of Malcolm (Scotty) McNiven announce his passing on Dec 24,2019 surrounded by his family at his home at Samaritan Place in Saskatoon. Malcolm is survived by his faithful puppy, Cali, his five daughters Cheryl (Larry) Zazula, Debbie (Luis) Milhomens, Sandy McNiven, Susan (Bill) Goodwin, Kristie (Rob) Boyle and two sons Iain (Patty) McNiven, and Paul (Rachel) McNiven as well as his 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren, 6 nieces, 3 nephews, and sister-in-law Pam Potts. He was predeceased by his wife Marj, her parents William and Eveline Potts, his parents Neil and Anna McNiven, sister Josie and brother-in-law George Nixdorf, brother-in-law Ernie Potts, sister-in-law Dorothy Lagasse and niece Sharon Nixdorf. Malcolm was 22 years old when he met the love of his life, Marj. They were married on Oct 9, 1954. At that time, Malcolm was playing rhythm guitar with Jack Paget and The Melody Roundup Boys. They often played at dances throughout the province and on CFQC radio shows. They lived in Saskatoon until 1956 when they moved to Young, SK where they farmed until 1963. They moved to Glidden in 1963 and lived there until 1968. While living there, Malcolm was employed for the RM. In 1968 they moved back to Saskatoon, where they stayed until their passing. He worked for Canada Post as a mail handler for 28 years and retired in 1997. Malcolm was a very fun-loving spirited person. Always a jokester with whomever crossed his path whether family, friends or caregivers. He shared his love of music with his family on many Friday night singsongs accompanied by his guitar. Many family camping trips were a regular part of our family life. He loved nature, the wilderness, animals and wild life. He was an avid Blue Jays baseball fan, as well as Saskatchewan Roughrider fan. Many days were spent watching the games together. He enjoyed reading about Pioneer life and the life of cowboys, spending time at the Western Development Museum, coffee trips to McDonalds and of course, Tims for those tasty little round spherical objects. His loving and caring ways were shared not only with family and friends, but also with 9 foster children that needed a safe home and someone to love them. Whenever he cradled the babies in his arms, they would quickly drift off to sleep. Both Mom and Dad taught us that part of being a family is looking out and looking after one another, respecting one another and most of all loving one another. For that we are grateful. Now, we are left to care for each other. No more pain or struggling for you Dad. You are finally at rest. At Malcolm's request, there will be no funeral service. A private family internment will take place at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to the Saskatoon Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Close to Home (Palliative Care Hospice Campaign) or to Samaritan Place. A special thank you to all those that improved Dad's quality of life. Your genuine love and compassion helped to make his most difficult journey easier for him, and for us as well. A sincere thank you to Dr. Viv Walker, Dr. Andrea Johnson, Dr. Ken Stakiw, Dr Ed Zacher, Ruth Eliason (Music Therapist) and all the Palliative Care Staff at St. Paul's Hospital. To Dr. R. Petrucha, Mike MacFadden (NP), Melanie Gobeil, Jun and all the wonderful staff at Samaritan Place and to Home Instead Senior Care, caregivers Archie and Ardis - thank you for being there for our Dad when we couldn't be, you all went above and beyond in caring for him. You were like a second family to him. It was comforting to know that he was in good hands when we would leave. All of your efforts are greatly appreciated and will be forever remembered. Words alone cannot express enough gratitude to you all.