August 15, 1921 – August 6, 2017
Born in Hovik, Norway, Nils served in the Norwegian Merchant Navy and in the Royal Norwegian Air Force in World War II. He emigrated to Canada in 1951 and worked for de Havilland Aircraft of Canada and Sault Airways in Ontario, and Victoria Flying Club and Forest Industries Flying Tankers, in BC. Together with his wife, Sheila, he established Viking Air Ltd. in 1970.
Nils has been honoured by Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame (2012), B.C. Aviation Hall of Fame (2016), Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Hall of Fame (2003), Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal recipient (2012), Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre and the Robert Hope Pursuit of Excellence Award (1997). Nils was also awarded lifetime memberships to the Royal Canadian Legion and the B.C. Aviation Museum.
Nils is predeceased by his infant son, John Nils. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Sheila; daughters, Randi and Marit; son, Erik; grandchildren, Stephanie, Nils, Jenna and Michelle; and great-grandchildren, Dakota, Taylor, Kiersten and Tait.
A Celebration of Nils’ Life will be held on Sunday, September 17, 2017 at 1 pm at the BC Aviation Museum in Sidney.