Obituary
Glen Morris Nikipelo
1958-2020
Well Glen, this one is for you – It is an honour and a privilege to share this life story, and believe us, there was a lot of life lived! Family man and legend in his own time, this story should capture how Glen became the man he was.
He was born on January 5, 1958 in Athabasca to Morris and Annette (Ilnicki) Nikipelo. He was the first of four kids in his own family, with sister Gwenda and brothers: Harold and Al. After a few moves, the family settled on the Nikipelo Family Farm, on Six Mile Corner. Life on the farm was great and hard at the same time. At age 16, Glen decided to spread his wings and fly to Williams Lake, BC. He worked for his uncles Tommy and Squeaky and settled with Allan Ilnicki Logging for the next many years. It was there that he met who would end up being the love of his life, Tammie Oviatt. They were married on January 27, 1984. This January would have been 38 years for them, and busy life of living and loving took place, as they added important members making a family. Christopher was born in 1986, Bradley was born in 1987, and Douglas completed the trio in 1990. After living a few years in Williams Lake, Boyle called Glen home, so he packed his family up for Alberta. Glen was initially employed as a grader driver for the County of Athabasca while helping on the farm. He began at Millar Western Forest Products in 1993, working a variety of roles like loader, operator, and eventually Lead Hand. That was work he sure loved, and he made so many friendships that are still strong today.
In the meantime, the boys were growing up. From town, they bought an acreage where there was lots of room to play… and play they did! Glen made sure his boys knew everything about hunting, fishing, camping, mechanics, and woodworking. They fixed motors, tinkered in the shop, and learned all about vehicles. Did we mention the hunting? He took the boys and their friends and had so much fun making all the hunting memories, ending the day in the garage, wood stove burning – laughing, telling stories – it was here that the infamous Flat Lake Boyz club, with Glen being the patriarch and mentor.
As the boys grew and started finding partners, Glen and Tammie had more time for each other; camping, quadding, visiting with friends, and life was good for sure. Chris married Chantell Anderson in 2008, and Doug married Kayla Burger in 2015. Glen had a special bond with both girls, so proud, calling them the best wives and moms, and how blessed his sons were.
In between those two celebratory times was a life-changing moment that would affect the entire family. Brad passed away unexpectedly in 2010. Glen and Tammie’s world was a sad one for so long. But life has a way of healing and theirs came in the form of beautiful grandchildren! Chris and Chantell gave them Kailey, Chase, and Cole. Doug and Kailey and Jacob and Owen. Gedo and Grandma’s hearts became healed with so much love from these kids. There are so many special moments that each grandchild has shared – Glen carved out special time trying to teach them the things he taught his own kids, but, perhaps with a little more fun and patience, as one does with grandkids. Woodworking, whittling, using tools, making signs, gardening, fishing, camping, making sure they did swimming lessons, and backyard pool time, and teasing…. Endless teasing. Gedo always made time for these precious kids. His lunch kit was popular rummaging through for treats, there was always something yummy lurking inside! It was a beautiful time spent making memories for them, and each grandchild will grow up remembering Gedo as a fun, active, and loving man.
We mentioned before about the farm calling him back. When Millar Western closed in 2016, Glen knew the one and only place he was taking his resume. Yup, back to the farm he grew up on, working from brother Al on the farm ad the off-farm business, Nikipelo Services Inc. Glen’s time working there from 2016 – November 2020 was busy, satisfying work. He especially loved the cows, running all machinery, harvest – each day was different and that is what he loved the most. He kept the coffee table in the shop lively with discussion and laughter, and the whole NSI Crew loved his knowledge, mentorship, skills, and friendship. Al was extremely proud to work with him, and the respect was mutual. All the work Glen did was happy, positive, and timely – man, did he drive that equipment fast!
It is easy to come up with accolades or positive traits Glen had; he was personable and likable to everyone who met him, he was respectful, a jokester, a story teller, made lots of time for others, a hard worker and multitasker, he was a devoted husband, caring father, and loving Gedo.
Although his heart had given him some trouble in these past years, Glen continued to remain active and truly was living his best life. It was so unexpected and sad when his heartbeat stopped on the far, he grew up on, doing the thing he loved, feeding cows. That heart of Glen Nikipelo’s had been through a lot – Love, heartache, joy – and at 62 years, we were hoping for more time, just more time, for much more living. His heart of gold may have stopped, but his legacy will always remain.
The family is so thankful for everyone paying their respects with the drive-through memorial. Glen hated what COVID has done to our world, but we think he would have approved of this style of memorial. He would have loved to have greeted you all with his ear-to-ear girls, and a “Hi There!” At the memorial service, we wore all here as you drove through, all his family. We had things there he loved – his beloved red “Flat Lake Boyz” Ford pickup, the loader that he loved to run, his fishing box ad road, pictures, grandkid corner, and other mementos.
A private family service will be held at a later date. Rest Easy Glen, you are loved and missed.
Glen is loving remembered by his wife and partner Tammie, son Christopher and Chantell, son Douglas and Kayla, special grandchildren Kailey, Chase, Cole, Jacob, and Owen. Sister Gwenda (Blaine) Holowaty, brothers Harold (Linda) Nikipelo, and Al (Candy) Nikipelo. Mother-In-Law Muriel Oviatt, sister-in-law Laurie (Henry) Olund, brothers-in-law Randy (Rhonda) Oviatt, and Donnie (April) Oviatt. As well as special nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, close cousins, friends, and coworkers.
Please click here to view the video tribute
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Glen Morris Nikipelo January 5 2020 November 25 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Athabasca, Province: Alberta