Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Colombie britanique for funeral details
Nigel Alakija Obituary
Nigel Alakija passed away suddenly on August 9, 2024 in the arms of his beloved wife Gladys in
their home in Penticton. They had just come home from a lovely dinner together, and he was
happy.
Nigel Alakija was born in Glasgow, Scotland October 14, 1938, to Jessie Caisley and Afolabi
Alakija.
His younger years were turbulent due the Second World War and racial discrimination prevalent
at the time. He lived with his mother until he was 4 years old, and then he was sent to a strict
and religious foster home in Inverness, Scotland. In school, he was an excellent student, and he
won many awards for academic and athletic achievements. His love of bagpipes started young
when he learned them in the Boy Scouts. He had his first job at age 13 and prided himself on
his hard work and independence at an early age. He developed a strong moral compass at a young age.
As a young man, he worked in Glasgow where he walked into the School of Piping and despite
discouragement from others, he proved them wrong and became a master of the Great
Highland Bagpipe. He had many mentors, but Donald MacLeod stands out as his favorite, and
Nigel emulated his style. Many years of his life were dedicated to the art of playing the
bagpipes, and more so to the people who made up the bagpipe community. He was a superb
bagpipe player, Pipe Major of many Pipe Bands in Dauphin and Penticton, judge at Bagpipe
competitions, and most importantly, he was a legendary Bagpipe teacher. He taught hundreds
of people how to play bagpipes, and he taught them to be accountable and honest people
whether they were old or young. His students became his friends, and he stayed in touch with
most of his students throughout his life. He provided them mentorship and many hours of
storytelling and laughter. Students knew Nigel would give them honest feedback not only about
their music, but also about life.
He met his wife, Gladys at a dance, and for the next 65 years they were known as
“NigelandGladys” or “GladysandNigel”. They raised three children. Pauline, Cameron and Roy
were given much attention and love because Nigel always put children first. He was known for
his magical relationships with children because he would spend the time to tell stories, play
games, and make children laugh with his funny faces. He had a way of making adults and
children feel safe and important in his presence. Nigel and his family spent most weekends for
many years either at their cabin or travelling to bagpipe competitions. His wife Gladys loved and
supported him in everything he did, and she looked after him through many health challenges.
Nigel always tried hard to excel at anything he did. He worked for the telephone company his
whole life (Glasgow, Dauphin and Penticton), and made many life-long friends at work. He
learned how to play golf in Manitoba where he won many tournament trophies. He built the
family cabin from trees cut down by himself. He collected coins and stamps and spent many
hours organizing and documenting his collections. He excelled at Scotch whiskey tasting. He
was known for always giving honest feedback while maintaining respect and dignity for the
person getting the feedback. If you were a friend of Nigel’s, you were a lucky person because
he would do anything for you. He prided himself at finding the best people and in finding the
best in people. He always had a twinkle in his eyes and story to tell.
He is survived by his wife Gladys, his daughter Pauline Alakija (John Greer), his son Cameron
Alakija (Wenlei Lian), his son Roy Alakija (Michele Goodison), his grandson Ryan, his brother
Phil Hawkins (Rena), his cousin Dele Alakija (Anne), and his cousin Jide Alakija (Ayoola). He
also had many extended relatives around the world. His family are heartbroken but are
comforted by the knowledge that he had a great and long life with many moments of adventure,
happiness, love, music, and celebration.
Nigel’s funeral service will be held at the Everden Rust Funeral Chapel, 1130 Carmi Ave, in
Penticton on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 1:00 pm. A light meal will be served.
Read more
Support and Share
How did you know Nigel Alakija?
Family
Friend
Work
Other
We are so sorry for your loss.
Help others honor Nigel’s memory
Share Obituary
October 14 1938
August 9 2024
everden rust funeral services & cremation
Death notice for the town of: Penticton, Province: Colombie britanique
death notice Nigel Alakija October 14 1938
August 9 2024
obituaries notice Nigel Alakija October 14 1938
August 9 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Nigel Alakija October 14 1938
August 9 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
