NIMIGON, Steve Nimigon

Sadly and unexpectedly, Steve passed away peacefully with family by his side April 2nd. He was 97.

Steve Nimigon was born July 22, 1928 in the village of Pontypool, Ontario to Fred and Jessie Nimigon. He was the 9th of 11 siblings in a large Ukrainian family, survived now by his youngest brother, Alex.

Dad grew up on the family farm in Pontypool. Some of his mid’ teens were spent working the vast wheat farms in Alberta, supporting the war efforts. Dad moved to the auto industry, a brief time in Ford, Windsor before settling in General Motors, Oshawa.

Dad became active in the union movement while working in GM and spent the remainder of his working career as a passionate, successful and well respected labour leader until his retirement in 1988. His most notable jobs were as Chairman of the Master Committee, leading contract negotiations for all of General Motors of Canada membership from 1967 to 1973 and later, until his retirement as a National Representative for the UAW and then the CAW. In fact, Dad was a main organizer for breaking away from the UAW and forming the Canadian Auto Workers union in 1985, along with friend and initial CAW president Bob White.

Our Dad met the love of his life, Lois Marion Foster at a dance at the Jube. They were married in Whitby, October 6, 1951 and spent the next 71 years sharing a loving, fulfilling life together. Mom passed away February 27, 2022 and Dad missed her every day since. They are together now.

Dad and Mom were both huge “family” people, not only with their immediate family but also aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and distant cousins. They were blessed with 6 children – Wayne (Bella), Sandra Corrigan (Mike), Jim, Lynda Standish (Terry), Don (Monica) and Joanne McCallum (Doug); 16 grandchildren and their spouses, and 19 great-grandchildren.

Dad was an active participant in all things in support of his family, his community and his church. He was a Boy Scout leader, coached various youth sports and was a baseball umpire. Dad was just a huge fan and supporter of anything his family was involved in. The fan following and interests continued to the grandchildren and later, the great-grandchildren. He was proud of all of his family.

Dad was also a staunch member of the NDP, printing and distributing brochures and actively supporting party activities through numerous campaigns. He was a close friend and confidant of former NDP party leader Ed Broadbent. Dad and Mom both believed in a strong democracy and never missed the opportunity to cast their votes for any election; although it wasn’t a secret that often they were cancelling each other’s votes. They still believed in voting and felt a duty to do it.

Dad loved the outdoors. His family’s tree farm in Pontypool was the go-to for reunions, hiking, snowmobiling, hunting and the outdoor work needed to maintain the property. Dad’s and Mom’s cottage on Pigeon Lake was the draw for the entire family in the summer weather, where we enjoyed fishing, swimming and the natural beauty of being at the lake. Pigeon Lake was their summer home from early June to late September and they loved their cottage life.

Our Dad was such a great teacher and influential role model. We were blessed to have both him and our Mom. Our family is forever grateful. They will be missed.

The family would like to recognize the excellent care and compassion that Hillsdale Estates, Golden Pond staff provided to our father during his stay with them and to our family in his last hours. They are wonderful people. Thank you!

The family will receive visitors on Friday, April 17, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Northcutt Elliott Funeral Home

53 Division St. Bowmanville

Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 18, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Unifor Local 222

1425 Philip Murray Ave. Oshawa

A funeral service for immediate family will be held Saturday morning, prior to the Celebration of Life.

Memorial donations may be made to the Enniskillen and Tyrone United Church in lieu of flowers, or a charity of your choice. Thank you.