Nigel Tappin passed away at Huntsville Hospital early on March 14th, 2016 after a long and
courageous fight with cancer. Born October 24th, 1961 in London, England, Nigel moved to Canada with his family in November of 1966. Nigel lived in the North York area of Toronto until moving to Dorset in 1974. After graduating with Honours from Dorset Public School and Huntsville High School, Nigel went on to earn an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Economics with a History saturation from MIT in Boston. He then earned both a Masters of Political Science degree and a Masters of Library Science degree from the University of Toronto and an external Bachelor of Law degree from the University of London in England.
In his late teens and early twenties Nigel was an avid runner but was sidelined when he developed fibromyalgia. He worked at the North York Public Library until developing fibromyalgia and then resigned and moved to Dwight where he served on the board of the Dwight Public Library. Nigel worked at Huntsville Public Library for many years until November of 2011 when he accepted a position as head of reference services at the Manitoba Legislative Library. After becoming ill, Nigel resigned his position in October of 2013 and returned to Huntsville to be with his family.
He was diagnosed with a particularly aggressive form of cancer in December of 2013. Nigel underwent radical surgery followed by six weeks of radiation early in 2014. During his recovery he returned to the Huntsville Public Library as a temporary contract worker; did online tutoring and published a book entitled Kill Him Again: Fifteen Variations on a Country House Murder which he had written earlier in his career. In his off time he enjoyed reading mystery novels. He was a member of the Crime Writers of Canada and served on a committee judging mystery writers with the recipient receiving the Arthur Ellis Award for mysteries.
He himself had written numerous non-fiction and some novels and countless reviews and features for Mystery Review, the Library Journal and American Reference Books Annual. He also served the central east region of the Ontario Public Libraries Association Council.
After a while it seemed that Nigel might have succeeded in beating the odds but his cancer returned late in 2015 and on December 22nd, 2015 he learned that this time it was both inoperable and terminal: a diagnosis which he accepted uncomplainingly and without self-pity.
Nigel will be sadly missed by his parents Graham and Sheila Tappin of Huntsville; his brother Stephen Tappin and his wife Pamela Morgan of Pickering and his sister Sheena Tappin of Huntsville. Nigel is also dearly missed by his nephews: Alexander Tappin and his wife Alina Ianovskaia of Ottawa; Karl Tappin and his wife Amber Shultis of Keswick; and Alex Morgan of Pickering. Nigel leaves numerous cousins in England and the many friends and colleagues whom he has met throughout his life. The family sends many thanks to all the caring and talented doctors and nurses who worked so hard to support Nigel in his struggle with this horrible disease. We would also like to send a sincere thank-you to the caring and selfless cancer care drivers, who transported him to and from his appointments in Toronto, no matter what the time of day or how bad the weather.
As per Nigel’s wishes there will be no funeral service and cremation has already taken place with arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home.
A service to celebrate Nigel’s life will be held at the Sutherland Hall of All Saints’ Anglican Church, 30 High Street, Huntsville on Saturday April 9, 2016 commencing at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow.
If desired, in lieu of flowers a donation to SGI Canada; Friends of the Huntsville (ON) Public Library; or Huntsville Cancer Care would be appreciated by the family.
Sheena Tappin
On behalf of Nigel’s family I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to share their memories with us. Your condolences were much appreciated. Sheena Tappin (Nigel’s sister)
Teresa Child
I am deeply saddened and shocked of the passing of Nigel. I only know him thru the library and being a start up artist. Nigel bought three of my paintings a few years ago. My first sale. It was a rock in in the sea. And I had so much trouble with it. But Nigel saw something in it. I’ll never forget him. He was an honest, sincere person.. My sincere condolences to his family.
neil sternberg
My deepest condolences to the Tappin family. I was fortunate to work with Nigel for many years.He was a kind and gentle spirit and I wont forget him.
Neil Sternberg
Bonnie MacLeod
Another life taken from us to young. I went to H.H.S. with Nigel. I believe I met him running as I wasn’t in the 130 classes.He was always kind and helpful.Later in life I met up with him at the Library where he helped me with the Internet. Bless your Family for your loss.
Sherrine Morrow
I would like to extend my Condolences to the Tappin family on Nigels passing. I worked with Sheena and had the pleasure on meeting Nigel once. Nigel was very much a gentleman . May he rest in peace
Sherry Beiers
It was a pleasure to have known such a brave man. My condolences to your family. Good memories are a treasure I hope you find comfort in them.
Edward Andraos
I’m so sad to hear about the loss of a friendly and helpful man who worked at the library where I frequented. He always made me feel important and respected me by addressing me as Mr. Andraos when he saw me. I was happy to see his return to the Huntsville Public Library as I’m sure several other patrons were too after returning from his illness. I wish his family and his closest friends all the best through this difficult time.
Michael, Margaret and family
We are shocked and saddened by the passing of Nigel. Our families grew up together in Don Mills Ont, as we both arrived in Canada from England about the same time. until their family moved north to Dorset. We continued to visit them there for some time. We wish to offer our sincere condolences to Sheila and Graham and family at their sad loss. Nigel was such a talented man..he was taken far too early. Michael and Margaret and family.
Joy Salmon Moon
Nigel’s classes on writing family histories were erudite and compelling. The world is diminished by his death.
Angela Dunnett
So sorry to read of Nigel’s passing. He will be remembered fondly. Heartfelt sympathy to Sheila and Graham and the rest of the family.
Martha Watson
Nigel was such a wonderful man…inside and out! I got to know him at Memoirs Club at the library. He was always so humbly and sincerely interested in our stories and in us as people. My heart goes out to his family. Cherish the memories!
Ruth McLennan
Sheila, thanks for letting us know about Nigel’s death. How sad for you! He certainly accomplished a great deal for the few short years that he lived.Nigel loved to learn, that must have been satisfying for him. How proud you must be! We want to spend time with you at his memorial, so will try not to miss the time.
Lorraine Robinson
I spent a lot of time at the Huntsville library when Nigel worked there. He was always friendly and helpful. He would remember my name and ask how I was doing. A wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with Nigels family.
Lorraine Robinson
I didn’t know Nigel well, but I spent a lot of time at the Huntsville library when he worked there. He was always friendly and helpful. He would remember me and ask how I was. Very nice man. I’m sure he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Stephanie Caron
Sending my condolences to the Tappin family. xxx
Sue Dixon
Please accept my sincere sympathies, Nigel will be missed by many. Nigel’s family and friends remain in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss. Sincerely.
Tracey Degazio
R.I.P Nigel. Thank you for all your help and insight into so many subjects as I struggled through as an adult student, may you rest in peace . My condolences to your family.
Donna Clark Ratz
My sincere sympathies….what a long list of wonderful accomplishments in Nigel’s life. He will be missed.
Kent Paris
I knew Nigel throughout our high-school education at HHS. He was a hard-working, diligent, eloquent and intelligent student and a good friend. He was was well-respected by his fellow students for his kindness, knowledge and patience with others. His untimely passing is a shock and he will always be remembered fondly.