Obituaries

On March 23, 2023, we said goodbye to Orville. He took his final peaceful breath with family at his side. His final journey included spending the last two months in the Pasqua Hospital, Regina, Saskatchewan as he coped with the sudden advancement of the disease of dementia. His final week in the hospital was his most peaceful and pain-free since he was admitted on January 15, 2023. We want to thank those at the hospital who provided care to him.

Orville, Dad, Grandpa “O” and Great-Grandpa, we know you are celebrating in heaven with a new body! We love and honour you, until we meet again.

Left to mourn are Orville’s wife of 32 years Sharon Nichols; the mother of his children Elaine Nichols; his children Debbie Wollbaum (Jake), daughter Cindy Megaw (The Honourable Mr. Justice Michael T. Megaw), son Doug Nichols (Janis) and daughter Kathy Storey (John); his grandchildren Joe (Kristin) Megaw and their children Bos, Briggs and Banner, Samantha Megaw, Jamieson Alexander (Michael), Ellen Megaw, Isaac Nichols and Ethan Nichols; his sister Phyllis Will (Horst); as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Orville was born on August 21, 1936 in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan to Anne and Howard Nichols. Their family relocated to Regina, Saskatchewan when Orville was very young to allow his father to pursue his work as a truck driver. His family grew to include his sisters Joannie and Phyllis and his brother Gary. His sister Joannie passed away as an infant and his brother Gary predeceased him in 2020.

Together with his wife, Sharon Nichols, they celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary. They were married on August 24, 1990. Their commitment to each other was evident throughout their marriage and up to the last day of Orville’s life.

Orville married Elaine Greiner on June 30, 1957 and together they had their four children. While Orville and Elaine separated in 1982, their commitment to their children and grandchildren remained throughout.

In 1957 Orville joined the Regina City Police and remained there until 1982, when he retired to pursue his many other life interests. While with the police force, he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. As well, he was recognized for his marksmanship with numerous trophies and awards. His police career was marked by distinction and an uncompromising sense of duty.

The many other interests which Orville had included an incredible ability with woodworking – if it could be built, he was the man who would build it. From large furniture projects to intricate wood lathe work, he provided to his family heirlooms that will be treasured for generations to come. His workshop was his happy place with the pencil and a piece of paper (staple items) in the breast pocket of his shirt.

But Orville’s interests went beyond just professional quality woodworking. He enjoyed riding his Goldwing motorcycle, fixing and improving his vehicles, and early on riding his Ski-doo snowmachine. He not only participated in those activities but was always front and centre to join organizations that existed to support those interests like: Prairie Prowlers, Woodworkers’ Guild, Blue Knights, Christian Motorcycle Association, Saskatchewan Driver Educator’s Association. His long involvement in, and support of, these various organizations made him an expert on Robert’s Rules of Order.

Never a man to sit idly by he also developed his own careers beyond the police force. He successfully owned and operated Permaseal Laminating as well as Nichols Driving School. His interests were broad and varied and he gave all that he had to further those interests successfully. Upon his retirement from the police force, he held positions as a coroner, marriage commissioner, and justice of the peace. As a marriage commissioner, he performed over 3,500 civil wedding ceremonies and had the pleasure of ultimately marrying the grown children of those he had married in the early years of doing commissioner work.

Orville was devoted to his family. That devotion began to his mother Anne, throughout her life and particularly following the early passing of his father. His devotion saw him, together with his father, arrange to move an existing house from MacLean to Regina and then completing the refurbishing once on the new basement structure. His mother lived in that house until her last days. His devotion continued to his wife Sharon, his children, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren. He loved nothing more than being with family at all of the various gatherings where he could watch and connect with everyone in his family. In his later years, his biggest smile came when a child or grandchild would sit with him over pie and ice cream just to talk and be together.

His large circle of friends will also mourn his passing. He had regular coffee buddies and going for coffee was a routine he enjoyed throughout his life. His friendships extended far beyond just those coffee groups and every time when out in public, he would spend his time saying hi and stopping to chat with many of those friends.

From the time Orville placed his faith in Christ as his personal savior until his last day, he was guided by God’s Word and God’s Spirit.

He will be sadly missed. However, there is a part of him in all of those who survive him. They will know that part and will remember they were blessed to have Orville in their lives.

The Celebration of Orville’s Life will take place on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in Faith Baptist Church, 437 Broadway Avenue East, Regina, Saskatchewan. Livestream of the Celebration of Life can be viewed at: https://fbcregina.online.church/. In lieu for flowers, please donate to the Child Evangelism Fellowship of Saskatchewan or a charity of your choice.