Surrounded by the love of his family, Niels Melvin Brian Annell passed away peacefully on May 10, 2011 at Concordia Hospital. He was born at home on the farm at Chatfield, Manitoba on May 22, 1942 and reached the age of 69 years. He was predeceased by his parents Conrad and Ida Annell and two brothers, Carl and Conrad Jr. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Lorna (nee Fielberg), their five children: Kari (Leonard) Penner, April Annell (Carl Bouchard), Heidi Annell, Britta (Chris) Hebbern, Anders (Anita) Annell; and one grandson, Oskar Hebbern. Also surviving are his brother Marvin (Vivian) Annell and seven sisters, Irene Quammen, Elvina Diehl, Marjorie (Ernie) Giese, Lillian (Buddy) Mohler, Janice (Ray) Dunn, Esther (Ken) Haskell, Ellen Foster (Henry Bieberdorf) and many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. Niels had a lifelong passion for teaching, beginning his teaching career in 1961 at a one-room school in Fraserwood, MB. He also taught at Gimli, Pierson, Melita, and for 15 years at Lorette, MB. Many students remember him as their favourite teacher. As an English teacher, he inspired in many students an appreciation of Shakespeare. He was a renaissance man with a range of interests including carpentry, gun-smithing, rock-collecting, and History (especially World War II). He was a voracious reader all his life. He will be remembered for his sharp wit and sarcastic sense of humour. The funeral service for Niels Annell will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Drive, in Steinbach on Monday, May 16, 2011 at 12:00 Noon. Ash burial will take place at a later date at the East Braintree Cemetery. Donations in memory of Niels may be made to the University of Winnipeg President’s Fund, Development & Advancement Services, 79 Freedman Cres, Winnipeg, MB R3T 9Z9