Howard Nixon died at his home in Saskatoon in the early hours of Tuesday, January 6, 2015 after a brief illness. Howard is lovingly remembered by his "beloved" wife of 61 years, Elva, as well as his daughters Nancy Nixon (Rob McKellar), Elizabeth, Christopher; Susan Bollinger (Trent), Megan, Nathan, Nicholas; Catherine New (Brian Kusisto), Sam, Emma; Patti Killingsworth (Tom); and Ronda Nistor (Craig), Charlie, Kinsey, Brodie. Howard was born in Saskatoon May 19, 1928. He grew up in Saskatoon, where his parents owned a plumbing business. He completed his Journeyman's plumbing certification, but not satisfied to make this career he headed out for bigger things. Howard loved sports, first as a participant, then this love grew to seeing sport as a community activity that benefitted youth, and then on to the bigger picture as a way to promote health and well being for all members of the community. He was a high school and university athlete himself. At UBC he competed on the wrestling, football, swimming and gymnastics teams. He was proud to have been the first Director of Recreation in the small town of Westaskiwin, Alberta. He joined the U of S Department of Physical Education as an instructor. At that time every student was required to take Physical Education, and if they were non-swimmers were required to take at least one swimming class. Many a rural student had their first experience in the little pool in QuAppelle Hall where Howard was determined they would be swimming by the end of the class, and most succeeded. He coached the University wrestling and swimming teams to considerable success. He became involved in the Western Canada University sport fraternity, and in the development of sport and recreation organizations and programs throughout Saskatchewan, where he was often called upon as a speaker or organizer. He also was an active member of committees for our city's Canada Games hosting, and in particular the Western Canada Summer Games in 1979, which led to the construction of the Field House. He was a member of the group that brought PARTICIPACTION to Saskatoon; he masterminded the Umea/Saskatoon competition. His commitment was recognized by both the Saskatoon and Saskatchewan Sports Halls of Fame, and the Sports Wall of Fame at the U of S. He was a Kinsman "Sportsman of the Year" in 1974 as a builder. Howard believed in the power of education and supported many students as a role model, mentor and counsellor. He completed his own Masters and Doctorate in Physical Education in Bloomington, Indiana. He then returned to the University of Saskatchewan Physical Education Department. After much campaigning the School of P.E. achieved College status and he was made the first "Dean". Howard worked to improve educational opportunities for First Nations students, engaging in a provincial task force to improve educational opportunities for those students, and was part of the early days of the First Nations University (then the Indian Federated College). He was asked by the U of S to initiate a new program aimed at establishing better relationships between the students and university administration. One of his students and later co-worker reflects, "Howard was one of Canada's pioneers of student affairs when he took on the role of Assistant Vice-President of Student Affairs and Services. His concern for the well-being of every student at the university led to broad improvements in service and policies. The extensive range of student supports that have now become the norm on Canadian universities; from campus safety programs, career development, international student services, accessibility services, counselling and health services are a credit to the work and advocacy of Howard and his handful of early colleagues. He made himself personally available to support and guide and mentor students. The impact of Howard's many thousand interactions with students over the years is profound; not just on the individuals he met, but on the communities around the world those graduates went on to shape." Howard was particularly committed to young people. In 1965-66 he was seconded by the provincial government to look at the needs and activities of youth in the province. The report, "Youth in Our Time" led to the establishment of the Provincial Youth Agency, which later became the Department of Culture and Recreation. A request from Ottawa took him on a year's leave from the University and one of his most gratifying achievements, the establishment of a national youth program to bring young people together from every part of the country and give them an opportunity to visit and serve in different communities. He became Founding C0-Chairman of KATIMAVIK, the national youth exchange program, which is still going today. In 2000 he became an Officer of the Order of Canada for this work. Howard believed in community service. He was an enthusiastic and motivational figure in the overall Saskatoon community. From 1982-85, he served as an Alderman for the City of Saskatoon. He loved his work on Council, always proud of his city and its accomplishments. A popular member of Council, he was very definite about the direction his city should take. He was involved with many other community organizations including the Boy Scouts and the YMCA. This commitment was passed on to his five girls who all grew up to become professionals in the helping professions. He loved the outdoors and valued our wilderness. Early on he was a hunter and fisherman. He took his children on canoe trips. He built a cabin first at Christopher Lake and then moved on to cabin building in the remoteness of an island on La Ronge. Those plumbing skills did come in handy. The cabin on Lac La Ronge was the centre of many gatherings of family and friends and offered the opportunity to indulge his love of the wilderness. Howard was strong and able and there seemed nothing that he couldn't do. It was said that probably the only time he was truly intimidated was in his female- dominated home. On his retirement, he and Elva had the opportunity to travel. Later they spent time in Mexico each year with another special group of friends. Unfortunately in later years, his memory was affected by Alzheimer's and he was unable to continue active involvement, but he remained always the gentleman, outgoing and friendly, and never lost his sense of humour. In the past year he spent time at the Sherbrooke Community Day Program and acquired a whole new set of friends. Thank you Sherbrooke staff! There will be no service commemorating Howard's passing. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The University of Saskatchewan - Kinesiology Dean's Fund, Meewasin Valley Authority, or Sherbrooke Foundation - Community Day Program. Many years ago he sent a letter to his daughters on "The Final Solution". In it he outlined his wishes for illness and death, which we were able to follow. It was his specific request that there be no funeral or service of any kind, and we will abide by his wishes. To quote his letter, "I hope my influence, good and bad, on this part of the world is in itself sufficient. A wise person once said, 'your name is less important than what you do!' I will deal with my own spiritual relationships through the qualities of people and places I leave behind and if that is not enough, then prayers won't help." And his final statement was very definitive. "There is no way that anyone else will have the last word." Condolences may be sent to mail@prairieviewchapel.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to PRAIRIE VIEW CREMATION AND MEMORIAL SERVICES (306-242-7884).