March 30, 1927 - August 21, 2019
With saddened hearts we announce the passing of Kurt Vincent Nilsson. He is survived by his daughter Christina, son Darren, sister Birgitta, grand children, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and relatives. His wife Mariana and son Roland predeceased him as well as five siblings.
Kurt's life began in Malmö, Sweden. At the age of 14 he left home, working at various temporary jobs. At 16 he joined the Swedish navy and served until the end of the 2nd World War. After the war he married his sweetheart Mariana in 1948, became a father of two and worked as a cook on merchant marine ships until his emigration to Canada in July, 1951.
In Canada, Kurt travelled and worked mainly in BC including Vancouver, Victoria, Prince George, Mackenzie, 100 Mile House and Burns Lake to name a few. He returned to Sweden briefly in 1961 but made Canada his home, settling in Nanaimo BC where he taught cooking at Malaspina College until retirement.
Kurt made many friends and joined the Sons of Norway, Nanaimo Power Squadron and the local Lutheran Church. He loved boating, dancing, cooking, fishing, wood carving, tinkering in his garage...but most of all playing host to family and friends.
After his health declined he and his wife moved to Courtenay BC and spent his final years at the Comox Valley Seniors Village. Known for his interesting stories, sense of humour, helping hands, strong opinions, tenacity, and the best memory ever, Kurt Nilsson will be missed and remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral services was held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 394 Shepherd Ave., Nanaimo, BC on September 28, 2019.
His final resting place is beside his late wife in a natural forest walk at the Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens, 2347 Cedar Rd., Cedar BC.