Tribute

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Phyllis Annette Nieman, with her family at her side, on January 14, 2023, at age 72.  Phyllis was predeceased by her brother Jim Lee in 2021 and her father Robert (Bob) Lee in 2020.

Phyllis is survived by her loving husband, Dan, two sons and daughter-in-laws and seven grandchildren:  Jacinda, Kyler, Janae, Cove, Von, Isabelle, Rylee and many nieces and nephews.

Phyllis was born and raised near Sylvania, Saskatchewan.  After graduation she worked as an office assistant for the federal government (Environment Canada) where she met her husband Dan.  She continued to work in office-related duties until the birth of their first son, at which time she chose to be a home-maker and do what she described as the most important responsibility a person could ever accept: stay at home to help raise their two sons to be responsible and productive members of the community.  The family lived in Saskatoon until 1981, and then moved to an acreage near Vanscoy, Saskatchewan.

After their two boys were old enough to be left at home, Phyllis became a highly valued volunteer assistant to her husband as they worked together for over 40 years conducting wildlife management and research in western Canada, the U.S.A and Mexico.  Her personal team-building skills, ability to work under challenging conditions in the field, and skill in collecting scientific data were quickly noted as she became well known within the international wildlife management community.  Her fun-loving and considerate personality made her a favourite with many students as well as experienced professionals in the wildlife field.  Phyllis accompanied Dan and others in the training and assistance of Mexican students and wildlife professionals in collecting wildlife research data in virtually every state of Mexico, as well as short field trips into Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

Following Dan’s retirement from the federal civil service in 2010, they moved to Oliver, B.C., where they celebrated their 51^st wedding anniversary in 2022. She loved the many outdoor opportunities available in the Okanagan Valley, and immediately made an impact on many as she trained at a local fitness club where she gained life-long friends.  Phyllis always tried to put others at ease and make them comfortable no matter the situation.  She was known for her desire to recognize everyone’s needs and desires before her own.

The pride and joy of Phyllis was her family, and it gave her so much pleasure.  She was so proud of her two sons who were always dear to her heart, and was incredibly proud and pleased to see them remain best friends, working together over the years from coast to coast within Canada.  Her grandchildren, especially, gave her everlasting joy, as she formed loving, eternal bonds with each one of them.

Phyllis will be remembered as a person who laughed easily, sought out and cultivated her own personal version of spirituality, and devoted her entire life to the quote: “….people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel (Maya Angelou).”  Phyllis felt a deep and loyal kinship with her many friends and acquaintances and went out of her way to make them comfortable and included when they felt alone.  She was best known, though, for her captivating and beautiful smile, a simple reflection of her personality. She was a friendly, kind and considerate lady who loved life, her family and others.  Phyllis lived her intention to leave everyone she met feeling at least a little better about themselves and their personal situation.

A celebration of Phyllis’ life will be held at 1 pm on February 4 at the Oliver Community Centre 1/3 Hall.

To watch the Live Stream of the service, please visit: https://nunes-pottinger.com/obituary/phyllis-nieman/ and click the red LIVE SERVICE button.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be sent to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting nunes-pottinger.com.