We Remember
ESSIG, Niels
July 6, 1931 — November 5, 2021
It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Niels Essig on November 5, 2021. He lived a full life and passed away peacefully with his loving daughter by his side. Niels was predeceased by his devoted and loving wife, Sigrid Essig. He is survived by his daughter, Diana Anderson and son-in-law Robert Anderson, along with many family members and cherished friends.
Where does someone even begin to encapsulate this truly unique, sophisticated, gentle, and remarkable one-of-a-kind man? As an elevator mechanic by day and aristocrat by night, he was an anomaly and an enigma rolled into one man. Niels could’ve lived three more lifetimes and still not been able to fill them up with all his interests, talents, and hobbies. He loved life and lived each day to the fullest, loved to laugh, and he lived in the moment. His infectious laugh, impish grin, and wonder for life kept him youthful and engaged in life. His many interests included an extensive stamp collection, book collection, and art collection. He enjoyed landscaping and creating beauty around him. He particularly loved the colour orange. He even painted his tool handles orange. Who does that!?
Niels was a very cultured man. He loved classical music, concerts, and the opera. He loved meeting new people and was always interested in their stories, and quick to invite them over for a glass of wine. He was also a great storyteller… sometimes they were too long… they were like a symphony, with a beginning, a long middle, and a crescendo at the end.
Most of all, Niels enjoyed his daily walks around the waterfront park. He always ended up at the Grand Hotel to meet his old and new friends and enjoy much laughter, kinship, and of course a cup of coffee and a treat.
GOD is going to have his HANDS FULL with Niels. HE broke the mould when he created HIM. I’m sure he’ll still be a going concern in heaven as he was on earth. Godspeed Dad. You will be missed, always remembered, cherished, and loved!
Heartfelt thanks go out to my soul sisters Katharine, Lori, and Chessa for their love and devotion, help, and kindness for enriching my dad’s life over the last 7 1/2 years… it took a village. A special thank-you to Dr. Steinruck for always showing up and for your loving care. Last but not least, thank you to the wonderful, caring, tireless, and loving staff at David Lloyd Jones. You became like our extended family. We couldn’t have asked for better care and kindness. Thank you!
As per Niels wishes, there will be no service but instead, he would ask you, in his name, to help someone: a friend, a family member, a co-worker, or neighbour that is sad or lonely and spend some time with them (go over for a coffee or a drink, help them with some errands, or just take them for a drive). Time spent is the most cherished currency and gift you can give someone. Alternatively, you can mail or drop off gift certificates for the staff in any denomination to David Lloyd Jones, c/o Christine Hawes, 934 Bernard Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6P8.
Diana, what a beautiful tribe to your loving dad. It was quite evident he was a very talented, artistic man. I’ll never forget your home on Hazel Dell. His handy work was in every corner inside and out, making it his own. Our condolences to you, Rob and all those that love him.
Thanks Pat…still trying to wrap my head around his passing. He was a huge part of my life especially after mom died 7 1/2 years ago. I ran every aspect of his life so it’s going to take awhile to fill that void. He’s at peace finally and out of that ravaged body and free…and for that I am grateful. 🙏🧡🌈
I have many warm memories of your parents. They were wonderful neighbours to me and for that matter many of us on the 200 block of Hazel Dell. Their home and property were immaculate. They were forever warm and inviting when we met. A conversation with them was always interesting and filled with laughter. Our condolences to you and your family.
Thank you so much for your kind and lovely words…..
My parents were certainly so proud to keep their house and yard in tip top shape…our Hazeldell neighbourhood was such an amazing place to grow up…so many fond memories.💕
I was thinking of your parents today. I didn’t realized they had passed on. I was an RCMP officer in Grand Marais in 1994 – 1996. My first posting. I went to your parents cottage due to a report of a break and enter. That’s when I met Niels and Sigi Essig. They were so sweet and kind. They taught me how to say “I love you” in Danish which I still remember to this day. Lol. I got engaged while in Grand Marais and your parents gave me a beautiful ceramic butter dish and jam container. I used the ceramic jam container for sugar and just today I dropped it and it broke. I was so sad because it reminded me of your parents and how beautiful they were. I decided to look them up on the internet and that is when I saw they had passed on. I am so sorry for your loss and I am so sorry I didn’t try to contact them after I was transferred out of Grand Marais. Please know they meant a lot to me and still do. Jeg elsker dig