Niven, Joseph Laing
Joseph (Joe) Niven
September 19, 1923 – March 11, 2012
Joe passed away quickly and peacefully at the age of 88 years surrounded by his family. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife Anne, his daughter Fern, son-in-law Reg, grandsons Damon, Nathan and Travis, his second daughter Jo-Anne, son-in-law Rene, grandchildren Anne and Matthew. He is also survived by his son Murray and his elder siblings Jimmy and Martha.
Joe was a quintessential Nelsonite – born, lived and worked in the Kootenays. As a youth he was an ice sweeper (rink rat) at the Civic Centre. Then during the war he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and was stationed overseas where he worked as a mechanic on Spitfires and Lancaster Bombers. After returning to Nelson he began his long career (35 years) at BC Tel and was part of the original ‘pioneers’ getting the Kootenays and the rest of BC ‘connected’. Though very much a home body who enjoyed nothing more than puttering around doing his own thing he nevertheless loved travel and new experiences.
We have many fond memories of him that we will cherish in our own way and hope those who knew him do the same. We wish to thank all our wonderful friends and neighbors for their kindness and support. Any donations made to the Kootenay Lake District Hospital foundation at 3 View Street, Nelson, BC V1L 9Z9, would be much appreciated.
As per Joe’s wishes a private family gathering has taken place with no service to follow.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Funeral service Ltd.
Condolences and any memories can be shared with the family by visiting www.thompsonfs.ca
