December 24, 1939 – June 16, 2020
at the age of 80 years:
Remembering Grant
Sadly, our Dad, Grant Edward Nachtigall, left us on Tuesday, June 16, 2020. Born and raised in the town of Steep Rock, MB – he was a talented handy-man, avid outdoorsman, and hard-core hockey fan.
At the age of 17 he moved to Binscarth, MB to finish his education where he met his high school sweetheart, Dawn. Following Dad’s career with CP Rail, our family moved all over the prairies. We lived in various places along the way, but spent significant amounts of time in Moosomin, SK, Brandon, MB, Winnipeg, MB, and Calgary, AB.
Dad had a long and industrious career with CP Rail that took him from the Lakehead Division to Banff. Starting as a Signal Maintainer in Winnipeg in 1960, he held many positions that eventually lead him to the final stop in his career as Special Projects Supervisor in Calgary.
To say Dad was good with his hands would be an understatement – he was a self-taught woodworker and brilliant gardener. You name it, he could fix it. We had a saying in our family: “If Grandpa can’t fix it, nobody can.” He had an amazing work ethic and fantastic sense of humour, right to the end.
All things hockey, curling, and baseball were his greatest passions. He loved the Brooklyn Dodgers, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and the various hockey teams that his grandson Kyler played on. In his later years he enjoyed making homemade wine with his son-in-law Steve and perfected a wicked Merlot.
He loved exploring the outdoors and travelling the globe with Dawn. Together they took in all this world has to offer – taking various European river cruises and travelling from Ireland to Costa Rica.
Grant is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Dawn Nachtigall; his twin sister Arla, his sister Bernice, his children, Kelvin Nachtigall (Layna) and Pam Allen (Steve), his two grandchildren Emily and Kyler, and numerous other family members, friends, neighbours and admirers. He was predeceased by his brother Don.
We will miss his quiet, loving nature; his contagious giggle, and his ability to fix absolutely anything.
Handyman in Heaven
There’s a handy man in heaven now.
Who built his life on dreams.
No task, no chore, no obstacle,
He loved the challenge of extremes.
A caring, honest provider
That unselfishly gave his all,
A heart of gold and hands of love
That responded to the call.
A son, a brother, a family man,
that would help you to the end.
A reliable person of integrity
that all wanted as their friend.
There’s a handy man in heaven now
Who’s fixing heaven’s gate,
Oiling the hinges with pride and care,
So they’ll open for all who wait.
- Author Unknown
Dear Dawn Kelly and Pam,
Our most sincere condolences to you on Grant’s passing.
Mom was one of his biggest fans, with the help that he gave her searching for our ancestors and they shared many joys and discoveries. She would have been crushed to know of his passing.
It has been many years since we have seen you, but you have been spoken of often in Mom and Dad’s house over the years, always with great fondness.
Please give our warmest regards to Arla and Bernice.
We wish you all the best,
Roy, Brent, and Kim Haney and families.
May I offer my deepest sympathy to Grants family. I went to the old
two room Steep Rock School when Grant did . He was 4 years older than I was. On one occasion the older boys were going to beat me up
and Grant saved my life.
Although I lost touch with him and did not know his family ,I do remember Grant as a very kind person. Dwight Cook
Our deepest sympathies Dawn to you and your family. Always enjoyed working with Grant. Still talk about our trailer park days and all the moves.
Our deepest sympathies to the Nachtigall family . It was always a pleasure too see the Nachtigall clan at the rink to support Kyler when he was a Brooks Bandit . Grant and Dawn rarely missed a game Always there in support of players families and friends !