August 10, 1971 – October 13, 2025

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nickson Chol Deng Guik, age 54, a proud Canadian–South Sudanese who lived in Red Deer, Alberta. Nickson passed away suddenly on October 13, 2025, after a brave and quiet battle with depression.

Magung aka Nickson, was born on August 10, 1971, in Fangak, near Malakal in Upper Nile, South Sudan, to his loving parents, Chol Deng Guik from Ngok Lual Yak, Ngar Subclan and Nyalam Guang Yor from Kodok, Pashoda County. Nickson was the second of four children — Nyanuer, Achol, and Deng, aka Malok.

Nickson’s childhood was full of energy and curiosity. His father was a police officer, and Nickson started school at Fangak Primary School before moving to Baliet to continue his education at Baliet Primary School.

In 1984, when war broke out in Sudan, Nickson’s life changed forever. His family joined the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A), and at a very young age, Nickson became one of the child soldiers. Two years later, he was among the children sent to Cuba to continue their studies. There, he went to school on the Island of Youth and graduated from Battelle De Kore ESBEC 12 with a secondary school diploma in the early 1990s. In 1994, he completed a Diploma in Sugar Cane Cultivation from the Polytechnic Institute Alvaro Reynoso Valdes during one of Cuba’s hardest economic times.

After years of war, Nickson searched for peace and a better life. On November 19, 1997, he arrived in Canada and made Regina, Saskatchewan, his new home. Life was not easy at first, but Nickson’s determination and courage helped him succeed. He learned English, made friends, and built a new life. He was a gifted man who spoke Dinka, Nuer, Shilluk, Arabic, English, and Spanish.

Nickson worked hard and continued his education, earning several certificates, including Youth Awareness, Economic Awareness for Youth, and First Aid. In 2005, he moved to Red Deer, where he worked faithfully at Olymel until his passing on Thanksgiving Day, 2025.

Nickson was more than a coworker or friend — he was a brother to everyone. He was a freedom fighter, a loving father, a caring friend, and a man who always put others before himself. He never caused trouble and was deeply respected by all who worked with him.

He loved to cook and welcomed everyone into his home with food and laughter. His meals and his kindness brought people together. He was also a talented soccer player and loved sports of all kinds. His laughter, warmth, and generosity touched every person who knew him.

Nickson is survived by his beloved parents, Chol and Nyalam, his siblings Nyanuer, Achol, and Deng, and his dear children Kiera and Mekhi, who were the light of his life. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

 

Celebration of Life – Saturday, November 22, 2025

1. Funeral Service
   CrossRoads Church
   38105 Range Road 275, Red Deer County, AB T4S 2N4
   Time: 10:30 a.m.
   [crossroadschurch.ca]
2. Burial
   Alto Reste Cemetery
   26575 AB-11, Red Deer County, AB T4E 1B7
   Time: 1:30 p.m.
3. Reception
   Festival Hall
   4214 58 Street, Red Deer, AB T4N 2L6
   Time: 3:00 p.m.

• Date : 2025-10-13
• Location : Red Deer Funeral Home