Obituary of Melvin Nicholls

NICHOLLS, Melvin Percival- May 25, 1921 - September 14, 2008 Melvin was predeceased by his first wife Phyllis Nicholls in August 1996. Also predeceased by his parents and three brothers. Survived by his beloved companion and wife for 13 years, Jean (Brett). Survived by his daughters Nancy (Bruce) Hallett of St. Catharines and Catherine (Bradly) Wordan of Niagara Falls. Lovingly remembered by his step children Karen [nee Brett] (Michael) Rusnak of Kitchener, Marilyn [nee Brett] (Paul) Albert of Pelham, James (Jacqueline nee. McKay) Brett. Cherished Uncle of Janice (Brian) Kennefick of Nova Scotia and grandfather of several grandchildren. Melvin started working at the Monarch Knitting Mill then Hayes Dana. Enlisting in the RCAF in 1942, discharged in 1945, returning to Hayes Dana before being employed by the City of St. Catharines as a Fire Fighter for 34 years. His musical career started early in life playing trumpet in the Salvation Army Band with his mother and his friend Roy Adams. He played the French Horn in the R.C.A.F. Military Band until being discharged. Returning to St. Catharines he enlisted in the Lincoln and Welland Regimental Band playing for many years. He also played in many local bands including the Niagara Falls Concert Band, Port Colborne Concert Band, Thorold Reed Band, Hollond's Glory, The Hungary Seven and the Ridley Skating Club for many years. He finally realized his dream of exotic travel on Safari in South Africa, Antarctica, Holland, Norway, Hawaii, Spain and cruising the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas. In accordance with Melvin's wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will be held in the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton St., on Wednesday, September 17, 2008, at 2 p.m.. Public visiting will be held one hour prior to the service, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. If desired expressions of sympathy may be made to the Hotel Dieu Shaver Rehabilitation Foundation. "We had so little time together."