Obituary of Melville Richard Niddrie

NIDDRIE: Melville Richard Niddrie (Ted/Mel). August 4, 1923 – February 12, 2018. A Celebration of Mel's Life will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Duncan Hall, 339 – 12th Street, Brandon, MB on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Interment has taken place at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. He was born and raised in Portage la Prairie, MB. As a young man, he joined the military first as a cadet for 3 years and then he enlisted with the 17th Field Regiment for 5 years, returning home from overseas in May of 1946. He further served as a reservist with the 26th Field Artillery Regiment in Brandon from 1949 to June of 1972. A total of 31 Years! Returning home from the war, he was employed by the Department of National Defence at Camp Macdonald as a spray painter in the vehicle maintenance department. It was while he was working there that he met, fell in love and married Jeanette Kathleen (Ginny) Currie on July 11, 1947. On May 3, 1948 he and Ginny had their only child, a daughter, Janice Elizabeth. He was then transferred to the Shilo base and they moved to Brandon where he resided until his death. He took an early retirement and then went on to be employed as equipment manager by the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba. This was his dream job. He retired for a second time at the age of 70. After 53 years together, Ginny passed away on March 3, 2000. Over the next couple of years he reconnected and fell in love with Karen Rodgers. Family was always important to them and together they celebrated many family gatherings, birthday's, weddings, births and get-togethers. He loved to play and have fun with family and friends. He enjoyed curling, bowling, golfing, fishing, picnicking, camping and playing board and card games, especially cribbage. He was a member of the Assiniboine Kiwanis Club, The Federal Superannuation Board (FSNA), Seniors for Seniors, Prairie Oasis Senior Centre and the Brandon Legion Branch #3. He was his best as a father and Papa to his grand and great grandchildren. He attended as many of their events and activities as possible, quietly cheering them all to just be their best! His unconditional love and support will be his greatest legacy. He was predeceased by his parents John and Elizabeth (née Warren) Niddrie, brother Warren John Niddrie, his wife Jeanette Kathleen (née Currie) and his son-in-law John Arthur Ross. He is survived by his partner Karen Rodgers and her children Janice Connors (Dan), Jamie Berry (Kerry), Shawn Berry (Deb), son-in-law Bradley Edwards and her many grand and great grandchildren; his daughter Janice, his two grandchildren Jodie Ross (Blair Wagar) and Ian Ross (Marnie) and his great grandchildren Brady and Brett Anderson, Halle Wagar, Noah Ross, Carly and Colby Fortunato. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Foundation, 339-12th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4M3 or to a charity of choice.