Ken Nichols
October 29, 1934 - March 26, 2025
Kenneth Russell Nichols was born on October 29, 1934 in the Cereal Hospital to Ruth and Ralph Nichols. He passed away on March 26, 2025.
Ken was always a very hard worker, He loved farming and the farm life. In his youth, he had a couple of other jobs while still working on the farm. He milked cows and sold cream and worked at the Cereal Auction market as a clerk.
Sports always played an important role in Ken’s life. He played baseball and hockey for years. He also enjoyed curling and horseshoes or whatever games were going on at different events. He also enjoyed following the kids and grandkids to watch whatever they were involved in. He was extremely proud of us all.
Even though farming and sports were important, family always was Ken’s top priority. He was the favourite uncle to his nieces and nephews. They loved going to the farm and hanging out with Uncle Ken.
In 1977, Ken made a huge life change — he married Madeline Muzyka and her 4 kids. He was a wonderful addition to our family, and certainly made our life better. We loved Ken for his patience and kindness and over all caring for all of us.
When the grandchildren came, another round of fun began. Ken taught them all how to ride bike, play crib, baseball etc. Ken had a great sense of humour — he loved a good prank—whether it was played on him or he was involved in playing it on others. His one-liners and wit were still sharp right up until the end.
Although Ken was a homebody, Mom got him out of his comfort zone for holidays. He enjoyed going to Hawaii, Mexico, a couple of cruises, Las Vegas and a few motorhome trips.
Ken was predeceased by his mom and dad, sister Marion and brother-in-law Del, brother Fred and sister-in-law Rose, brother-in-law Terry and son-in-law Daryl.
He leaves to mourn, Madeline, his wife of 48 years, kids Kathleen Smigelski, Maureen Muzyka, Kellyann (Brian) Rude and Stephen (Shari) Muzyka. He was a grandpa to Janet (Duane), Janine (Keray), Brett (Kelli), Janelle (Wayne), Kurtis (Jillian), Kayla (Travis), Brooke (Ryan), Dylan (Mackenzie), Janine (Nathan), Cliff, Sarah (Simon) as well as 19 great grandchildren.
Ken leaves a brother Pat (Peggy), sister Margaret (Don) and sister Ruth as well as numerous nieces and nephews and all those who knew him. Ken will be missed by many.
Memorial tributes may be directed to Oyen and District Health Care Foundation Oyen and Resident Family Council Box 1 Oyen AB T0J 2J0, Cottrell Cemetery Fund Box 66 Cereal AB T0J 0N0, or to a charity of your choice.
Funeral Service took place on Monday, March 31, 2025 at the CJ Peacock Community Hall in Cereal, AB. Funeral arrangements in the care of MacLeans Funeral Home in Oyen, AB.