Obituary of Nicholas Kanigan

Nicholas Kanigan 1931 - 2016 We are sad to announce the death of Nicholas Kanigan. He passed away March 12, at RUH, Saskatoon. Surviving are his wife, June (Sheehan) Kanigan; his daughters Kathryn (Bob) Lockhart, Saskatoon and Carol (Gordon Bettcher) Kanigan, Big River; his loving grandchildren: Jenna Libke, (Saskatoon), Adam (Tania) Lockhart, (Martinsville), Pam (Russ) Ferguson, (Delisle) , Pauline (Andy) Nelson (Sexsmith AB) and his eight adoring great-grandchildren; and, June’s daughter and family, Elaine (Harvey) Britton (Rosthern). He will also be missed by his beloved nephews: Arden (Irma), Ronald (Toni), Brad (Enola), and Edward Nygren; and Larry ( Marianne) Kowalyk and their families. Also, his niece Linda (Jim) English. Nicholas was predeceased by his first wife, our mother, Ann (Kowalyk) Kanigan; his mother, Pauline (Cazakoff) Kanigan, Wadena; his father Peter Kanigan, and brother Fred Kanigan. His dear in-laws: Mary (Kowalyk) and Loran Nygren (Golden); and Luke and Vera Kowalyk (Vancouver); and by many dear friends, whom he missed greatly. Nick was born in Kelvington and spent his early years in the Kylemore and Wadena area. He grew up on the farm, developing a love for the outdoors, and a deep curiosity for all things. He married Ann in 1952 and with a growing family, moved to Saskatoon in 1957 to work on the new A.L. Cole power plant. His work life was rich and varied. Following formal training in radio/television design and repair at Radio College of Canada , Toronto, he worked at Eatons, CKOM, CBC (CBK Watrous) and, the Saskatoon Public School Board. He truly could fix just about anything presented to him. If he couldn’t fix an item, he would simply redesign it. Outside of work, he was active in the early days of “Civil Defense” and Ham Radio (VE5IV) as well as being an avid fisherman, a dedicated outdoorsman, and an excellent teacher. He instilled a great respect for nature ( and a love of fishing !) in many. He travelled many of Northern Saskatchewan’s lakes and rivers by canoe. He, and Ann, also toured Europe, Australia and, much of Canada. Later, he and June enjoyed many trips in Western Canada to visit family and friends. Nick enjoyed life’s simple pleasures – camping and fireside storytelling, backyard barbeques, and ‘a’ beer. In his last few years, unfortunately, he was unable to participate in many of the activities he loved. After surviving a series of heart attacks, a quad by-pass, several stent surgeries, and two cancer diagnoses, his life was devastated by COPD. He fought long and hard to maintain his strength and mobility, and survived years longer than anyone predicted but, now, he is finally at rest. We would like to thank Drs. Cockroft and McKague, their associates, and all of the amazing nurses, for their loving care over the years. Dad was a supporter of The Salvation Army, but, please feel free to make a donation to the charity of your choice in lieu of a floral tribute.