A Life Connected by Trails, Community and Nature
Remembering Deborah Anne Nickel
For Deborah Anne Nickel, or Deb to her friends and loved ones, the outdoors was where she felt most at home. Whether she was hiking the Harte Trail in Winnipeg, strolling along the Riverwalk at The Forks or exploring the outdoors while visiting family in Trail, British Columbia, Deb found peace, perspective and joy in nature. Forests, mountains, lakes and rivers grounded her, offering a place to recharge and reconnect.
Deb passed away in late 2024 and left a gift in her will to Trans Canada Trail. According to her dear friend, Melody Kasper, Deb chose to support Trans Canada Trail because it reflected so much of who she was and what she valued.
A deep love of learning and teaching
Deb’s love of learning and creativity shaped much of her life. Deb grew up in Montreal, and lived in several Canadian cities, including parts of British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario. She pursued her passion for art, studying to become an art teacher, and went on to spend more than 30 years teaching at St. Mary’s Academy in Winnipeg, where she inspired generations of students with both her artistic talent and her kindness.
Outside the classroom, walking became part of her daily routine. It was how she stayed active, cared for her health and immersed herself in the natural world.
A thread connecting Canadians from coast to coast to coast
To Deb, the Trans Canada Trail represented something much larger than a recreational path. She had a deep love for Canada and saw the Trail as a thread connecting Canadians from coast to coast to coast. She often spoke about the importance of making the Trail accessible for people of all abilities, believing everyone should have the opportunity to experience Canada’s remarkable landscapes and the sense of belonging they inspire.
Photo credit: Mitchell Serbu
A strong belief in giving back
Deb’s generosity extended to several facets of her life. She was a dedicated blood donor, giving more than 50 donations throughout her lifetime. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she brought neighbours together by organizing an outdoor happy hour in her community, creating a welcoming space for friendship and connection when it was needed most. She also treasured time spent with her close-knit group of friends, affectionately known as the “Golden Girls,” so nicknamed from one of the friend’s daughters after seeing how much they enjoyed each other’s company.
The power of nature to restore us
Deb’s estate gift helps ensure that others can continue to experience the same sense of peace, connection and belonging that Deb found on the Trans Canada Trail.
Deb believed that nature has the power to restore us, unite us and remind us of what matters most. Through her legacy, that belief will continue to inspire countless Canadians for years to come.
To learn more about supporting Trans Canada Trail through your estate plans, please contact Danielle Felip (Manager, Development), at dfelip@tctrail.ca or 1-800-465-3636 ext. 4372, or visit https://tctrail.ca/leave-a-gift-in-your-will/ for more information.
