Sheldon Nimchuk, who died suddenly this week, is remembered by friends in Iqaluit for his hard work, humour and hospitality. (Photo courtesy of Indigenous Clean Energy)
Iqaluit friends mourn businessman Sheldon Nimchuk: ‘Just a likeable guy, always positive’
Co-owner of Nunavut Brewing Co. died suddenly at home this week
The sudden death of an Iqaluit businessman who was “living life to the fullest” has left friends shocked and saddened.
Sheldon Nimchuk, director of project management for the Qikiqtaaluk Business Development Corp., collapsed at home during a phone call with someone from out of the territory earlier this week. A friend rushed to his aide but was unable to resuscitate him.
“He was living life to the fullest. He enjoyed his life. He enjoyed his job,” said Chris West, the executive director of the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce and a former colleague at the development corporation.
“He was a hard-working man. Most weeks, he worked seven days a week. A very kind person. Always considerate of others. He was just a likeable guy — always positive. I had a lot of respect for him.”
Nimchuk advocated for better infrastructure to ensure access to food, calling on local leaders to expand training and make use of new technologies in Nunavut communities.
He also championed wind power in Iqaluit to decrease fossil-fuel consumption, and investigated solar panels and tidal-power possibilities.
“Recently, we had the announcement with the hydro project funding from the feds,” West said. “I’m 100 per cent sure Sheldon had his fingers in there, you know? It’s a terrible loss.”
Many Iqalummiut might know Nimchuk best as co-owner of the Nunavut Brewing Co., a nightspot and craft brewery on Iqaluit Lane he opened a decade ago with then business partner Stuart Kennedy.
“We were all shocked when we heard Tuesday morning about Sheldon’s death,” Kennedy said, who recalled Nimchuk recently entered his 60s.
“Sheldon regularly dealt with people across Canada, and those people were immediately shocked as well.”
Nimchuk moved to Iqaluit from northern New Brunswick when he took a contract as project officer with the N.W.T. Department of Public Works in the mid-1990s. He was working there when Nunavut gained territorial status in 1999.
He moved to a management position with NCC Dowland Construction Ltd. from 2002 to 2012, managing development of the Inuksigait Plaza land and building. Nimchuk also helped lead design and construction of the Aqsarniit Hotel located on the same Inuit-owned property, Kennedy said.
In 2014, Nimchuk joined Qikiqtaaluk Corp., researching and developing a range of business initiatives.
“Sheldon involved himself in a variety of thoughtful initiatives, and in general he felt that Qikiqtaaluk Corporation had provided him with the mandate to search and find ways to improve life in Nunavut,” said Kennedy.
He said Nimchuk might be best known for his shining personality.
“Sheldon also displayed a unique sense of humour and the ability to respond promptly with a full understanding of reality,” Kennedy said.
“Sheldon was a great cook and many of us always looked forward to a great meal, great discussions, an enjoyable poker game and a great time. Sheldon was loved by many people, including myself.”
Nimchuk’s son, Corey Nimchuk, flew to Iqaluit from southern B.C. following his father’s death.
So sad. Such a wonderful guy.
A great nephew and loved one, we are going to miss you Sheldon. You are now in heaven with your Mom, Nanny and Poppa and your uncles. Shedding tears of happy memories
Love Aunt Dorothy ❤️
Was shocked to find out about a great person Sheldon had b passed went to school with Sheldon til he graduated high school great person athlete condolences to the rest of Sheldon’s family his father Tom who also just lost his wife now a great son rest in peace Sheldon
I just saw the news today on the passing of a dear friend Sheldon nimchuck. I’m still in shock. He was so young and vibrant and athletic and mind you. I hadn’t seen a spoken to him in a long time but I remember what a great guy he was and I’m just so very sad. I’m not sure what happened but my prayers are out to his family. I’ll be seeing you one day buddy.
A great guy who contributed a lot. He will be missed.
Who the heck would give a thumbs down?
My condolences to Tom and all his family with the loss of Sheldon. It seems he was loved by a lot of people and from what I read, he will be hard to replace. It was such a loss for the family and the community. May you rest in peace and God bless you.
He will truly be missed—an absolutely great guy, always positive, hardworking, and dedicated to doing good for others. May he rest in peace.
Tom —BONNIE & I WISH TO OFFER OUR CONDOLENCES. HE SURE WAS A BUSY MAN AND WAS INVOLVED IN SOME VERY INTERESTING PROJECTS.
Sheldon was a true visionary, a builder, and a doer in every sense. He didn’t just dream big—he made things happen. Whether it was clean energy, community projects, or a pint at the brewery, he left a lasting impact on everyone around him.
His legacy lives on in the work he started and the people he inspired.
My condolences to the Nymchuk family. I worked with Sheldon in the early days of the GN. He was a great guy and will be sorely missed
RIP Sheldon.
Tommy and Wayne.i am so truly sorry hearing about Sheldon’s passing.i did not see him much but heard great comments re his spirit and work ethic. He will be joining his mom betty..she was my older sister ..my prayers to you and Wayne.. hugs .Denise petrie
Saddened to read of Sheldon’s passing. Never ill tempered and a friend to all. He always brought enthusiasm and encouragement to every project he was involved in. One of Iqaluit’s better boosters he will be missed. Rest in peace Sheldon. ‘Well done, good and faithful servant;‘ (Matthew 25:23)
Paul Fraser
Sheldon has been taken from us far too soon but his lovable memories will remain in our hearts. He will be dearly missed.❤️🙏. Love Auntie Helen.
A wonderful person. Always enjoyed his company, sense of humour, and of course his cooking. I smile when I think of him.
Thank you to Sheldon’s friends in Iqaluit for sharing great memories of him.🙏
I have very fond memories of Sheldon, we first met 10 years ago when I joined Qikiqtaaluk Corporation as Director of Fisheries. Sheldon was very committed to his job, always wanting to make a difference and improve the lives of Nunavummiut, especially as it related to housing, food security and sustainability.
Sheldon and I spoke daily at work, and on several evenings during the week after work I would join him for a beer at Nubrew.
We had many conversations on a personal basis, in particular I had for some time been wanting to buy a boat and the one I had in mind was an authentic Newfoundland boat which we called the pirate ship. I planned on using it as a cabin on the water, but Sheldon, in his out of the box visionary thinking felt I should buy the boat and put it on land as it would be a great attraction , a one of a kind experience for the come from away tourists.
On Monday, January 27, Colleen and I had dinner with Sheldon, and as always we got to a discussion on the pirate ship, and his plan to visit us in St. John’s and spend some relaxing time on the pirate ship.
My wife Colleen and I will miss Sheldon, his smile, his kindness, and his visionary mind. Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends.
A good friend to all and an indispensable member of the QC team, he was QBDC. Condolences to his family, such a shock and so sad.
It was with shock and sadness I read of Sheldon’s passing the other day
I’ve had the pleasure over the years of working on projects with him and the QC organization
As many have stated he was professional,hard working,kind and above all a gentleman to all.
My condolences to his family,friends and business colleagues
Rest in peace.
So saddened to hear of Sheldon`s passing away. I`ll never forget our High school DRHS years. Super guy, good athlete and I`m sure he will be dearly missed by many.
My deepest sympathies to the family. May he rest in peace!
Very Kind Gentlemen , Condolences to his family and close friends.
My sincere condolences to Tom ,Wayne,Cory and grand children
I was very fortunate to see Shelden last fall on his trip to NB,,RIP young man forever loved
Saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Sheldon. We went to Dalhousie Regional High School together. He was an easy going man and friendly to all, his career, which focused on helping others is aligned with a man who I knew back then. My deepest condolences to son Corey and Sheldon’s family. I hope you find peace in knowing he made a positive difference in the lives of many.
Oh no! We worked in the same building for many years. He always had time to talk to me, whether as a friend, person or with the city. Great meeting discussions in and out. Aittaa!
My condolences to Tom, Wayne and Corey. Many fond memories of our youth.
I’m shocked too by Sheldon’s early passing. I had known Sheldon for at least 20 years. As former chairperson of Inuit Broadcasting Corp there was a couple of times I asked Sheldon for help with tickets to certain events so I could network and advocate for our Inuit regional network. He always came through. There were times over the years I spoke to him about my personal project hopes and so did he, like Nubrew and the wind project. I told him he was crazy it would never happen he would just do his big smile and his funny chuckle giggle but he managed to do it. He would ask me over the years about my project ideas, to encourage me and I would be like “holy shit Sheldon you still remember that?” He never forgot anything, always encouraging and a true gentleman. Nunavut was lucky to have him as long as we did. Condolences to the whole Nimchuk family.