Alan Robert Nixon

Obituary

Passed on

November 30, 1944 – November 14, 2025

After a courageous battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis, our beloved husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and best friend was forced to leave us. Al did not lose his battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis, rather he won the battle, but in the only way left to him – by escaping its grasps, and forever and finally leaving it behind. It is with deep sorrow that we announce his passing, 17 days short of his 81^st birthday.

Al will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years Gayleen (Essex), children Alan and Grant, sister Marian Ulyatt (Norm), brother-in-law Ken Essex (Pat), sister-in-law Margaret Beauchamp (Lorne), many nieces and nephews, as well as extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Margaret (Peggy) Nixon, brother Tom Nixon, niece Terri Essex, nephews Tommy Nixon and Brian Nixon.

Al was born and spent his early years on the family farm in the Gordon, MB, community. His education started at the East Rosser School. He was able to attend the ceremony of the reopening of East Rosser School at the Grosse Isle Museum (September 2016). That was a proud moment for him to reconnect with old school friends that attended. From there the family moved to Brooklands and then moved rurally again and he finished his education at Stonewall Collegiate where he met his future bride, Gayleen, and they were married in September 1967.

In 1965, Al joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, and his first posting was to Rivers, MB. This began his long history of being a proud airman from which he retired after 33 years at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. He saw service in many countries and most provinces and territories in Canada. From Alert (at the top of the world) to war-torn countries like Bosnia, working in any capacity of rebuilding and repairing as the Canadian Armed Forces saw the need through the United Nations. He did two six-month tours in the Middle East with the United Nations, as well as shorter tours around the world and Canada.  He assisted in the restructuring and rebuilding from the devastation in Montserrat after Hurricane Hugo tore through that country. Postings throughout his military career included Rivers, MB, Portage la Prairie, MB, Chilliwack, BC, Cold Lake, AB, to Winnipeg, MB, where he served from 1982 to his retirement in 1996. His comment when asked was always “the Military paid me to enjoy my hobby” which was in the Construction Engineers.

His two sons were born in Chilliwack with the majority of their schooling being in Stonewall, which is unusual for a military family.

Family was so very important to Al, whether teaching his boys life skills, being involved in their sports, family camping trips, road trips home for family visits, or exploring the country – he loved life.  His commitment to community, his always wanting to lend a helping hand, and his smile will always be remembered by all who knew him.

One of his great loves was his 59 years with Scouts Canada. He was looking forward to receiving his 60-year pin next year. From starting a Cub Pack in Rivers, MB, he moved up the ranks as a Scout Leader, Venturer Advisor and on to leading a team of trainers, training future leaders in the organization. He received many commendations and awards for his many achievements throughout those years.

In 1981 in Cold Lake, AB, he was awarded the Medley Community Council award – Citizen of the Year, for the construction of a Scout Hall at Camp Vanier. On the presentation it was said that “On arrival to Medley some four years ago, Al has realized two of his primary ambitions: construction of a Scout Hall at Camp Vanier and its rapid completion all of which was the direct drive of Al. His involvement in the Scout movement has been four years of dedication in Cold Lake.”  In 2007 he received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Manitoba Provincial Scouting Council and a 40-year Service to Scouting Certificate. In October 2017 he received a Bar to the Silver Acorn for continued and especially distinguished service to Scouting. He served in a provincial capacity as Assistant Provincial Commissioner for Venturers/Rovers, Training Committee, Area Commissioner – Service Area 6, Trainer and Group Commissioner – Stonewall.

Milestones and achievements through his years in the Stonewall/Rockwood area were many.

He joined and assisted with the Stonewall Christmas Cheer Board for over 25 years from its inception. He served as the “food and gift pickup person” around town, involving his Scouts and Venturers as assistants. He did bicycle repairs for distribution to children, coordinated moving of toy hampers and food to the distribution centre and helped load recipient family vehicles; he was the public relations representative and with Gayleen continued to be available until Christmas Eve to ensure no family in need of a hamper went without.

Al was a life member of Blood Services and was proud to do his part in helping others by donating for over 50 years.

He trained in logistics on the Disaster Response Team with Canadian Red Cross from 2001 to 2009. Trained in Registration and Inquiry for Disaster Services (1999). He received a 3-year Milestone award in 2002 and a 10-year Milestone award in 2007.

He was a MELS (Medical Equipment Loans Service) technician for the Stonewall Depot for several years.

He was a Member of the Royal Canadian Legion and assisted with the Fall Suppers for 26 years.

Al worked on the construction of The Youth for Christ Drop-in Centre along with the toboggan run for winter carnivals.

He served on the Building Maintenance Committee for 3 years in Stonewall United Church.

He was a Neighbourhood Watch Co-Captain for 15-20 years for the Oakwood Estates community – RM of Rockwood, MB.

Al, along with his wife Gayleen, was a recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s “Make a Difference Community Award” presented by Lieutenant Governor John Harvard in 2005.

Al joined the Odd Fellows Fraternal Organization and for over 25 years was so very proud to do his part to keep their motto alive: “Friendship, Love, and Truth.” He was dedicated to making a positive difference within his community and province through the Odd Fellows Organization and served a term as Grand Master of Manitoba.

A Celebration of Life will be held December 6^th, 2025 at the Stonewall United Church, 369 First Ave N, Stonewall, at 11:00 am, with a lunch to follow at the Odd Fellows Hall, 374 First Street W, Stonewall.

Al’s nieces and nephews will serve as Honorary Pallbearers:

Jacquie Loschiavo, Bob Essex, Lorraine Essex, Teren Essex, Brycen Essex, Lori Beauchamp, Karl Beauchamp, Greg Ulyatt, Janice Bosch, Walter Nixon

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation for research into eliminating this disease, or a charity of one’s choice. Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 3250 Bloor Street W, East Tower, Suite 600, Toronto, ON, M8X 2X9, or online at cpff.ca.

The family would like to thank Dr. L. Homik, Debbie Homik and the Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group family for their caring and support throughout this journey.

Thank you to the Stonewall RCMP and EMS for their kindness and support. A special thank you to Ken Loehmer for his gentle guidance as we face our new tomorrows.

The saddest word mankind knows, will always be “Goodbye”

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