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Debbie Allsopp posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 29, 2022
I enjoyed the chats that we had when Skip was doing his daily walks. He told me that my backyard was the baseball diamond of the Pine Grove school he attended. I just found out that he had passed. My condolences to his family.
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Robin posted a symbolic gesture
Friday, November 12, 2021
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Skip, Visited Lebanon in 2018.
I Toured him Around Lebanon for couple of days.
Very nice man, it was a pleasure showing him all the places, and I learned a lot from him about trees, when we went hiking together. He told me all about his students, he loved them all, while he was a teacher, and we shared many stories during his stay.
When he traveled back, we kept in touch via emails, He always checked up on me, even during the explosion we had in Beirut, he contacted me and others just to make sure I was doing okay, and I replied him once I was able to get a hold of my email. we kept in touch after than, until I never heard from him again. I sent him several emails, no reply, so I decided to check out his name, and found this page.
It's a very sad news to hear he has left us, but the lord needs him more..
He's gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. my thoughts and prayers are with him, and may his soul rest in eternal peace. I hope someday I'll get the chance to come visit where his buried "the oak tree" and pay my respect in person.
Skip, I'll never forget you, you were a good friend.
Robin From Lebanon
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Rick Mahoney lit a candle
Sunday, August 1, 2021
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Happy 71st Birthday, Skip.
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Dean Streefkerk posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
I had the pleasure of knowing Skip as a teacher in the 80's at Glendale High School in Tillsonburg and as a life long friend following my graduation. As many have posted Skip was a very strict teacher who believed in what he was teaching and believed in the importance of students learning. If you took his classes because you thought you would get an easy credit you were sadly mistaken. Skip had an uncanny ability to relate to students and more importantly he took the time to check in on students to make sure they were doing ok and to offer assistance if it was required. I along with fellow students spent many weekends on the family farm in Arnprior cutting grass, cutting wood and doing what ever upkeep and maintenance could be accomplished in 36hrs to help Skip and his mother Ethel, (pre-deceased in 2000). Ethel lived alone on the family farm after the passing of Skip's father (Charles F.) in 1982. During the past 33 years (post graduation) Skip and I would stay in touch almost as often as Skip would stay in touch with my parents who he also came to know very well. I was amazed that during my career I would meet countless people from Oxford County who either knew Skip or who knew of him. Skip made the decision to retire from teaching and set out to travel the world and in doing so managed to visit hundreds of cities, countries and every continent on the planet all while staying true to his Arnprior Roots and family farm that he maintained alone. Skip lived a life that few will ever know and he leaves this world with a lifetime of memories and experiences.
I was fortunate to visit with Skip back in April of this year as he came to terms with his diagnosis and true to form Skip was more concerned about the welfare of others rather than himself. During the visit I came to see and understand the incredible love and support provided to Skip by his friends and neighbors (Dan, Laurie, Matt and Joan) who stepped up without hesitation and without being asked to provide Skip with the support, assistance and comfort needed, and for that we are all incredibly grateful.
I along with other lifetime friends (Dan Nairn & Larry Innes) was fortunate to visit with Skip in the hours prior to his passing and during that brief visit we all took great comfort in knowing that Skip was receiving the absolute best care as a patient at Refrew Hospice. The staff and facilities ensured that Skip received the best of care 24 hours a day while passing with dignity and respect. Which brings me to the timing of this post.
Today in a very private ceremony at Skip's request we said our final goodbye to Skip and in doing so we spread his ashes around his favorite Oak tree in keeping with Skips request. (Thank You Dan, Laurie, Joan & Cathy). Below is an excerpt.
Our Time of Remembrance:
We are gathered here this morning to say goodbye to Skip Nieman.
Together we will honor him, remember him and begin to let him go, trusting that his spirit is at peace.
We are here today because Skip held a special place in our life, and will always be part of our memories.
Our lives were changed because of the time we spent with Skip.
He was a friend to each of us and we are all remembering and grieving in our own way, but even as we prepare to say goodbye, we can remember and give thanks for:
• His Love of Nature and People,
• His Faith in Family, Friends and Neighbors,
• His Gift of Teaching and Mentorship, and,
• His Sense of Humor and Sincerity,
Shared Experiences
Skip played a big role in so many lives personal experiences shared at this time…..
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive them that trespass against us,
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil,
For thine is the kingdom,
And the power and the glory,
For ever and ever,
Amen
Act of Committal
With thanksgiving for the life lived, and the friendship shared, we reverently commit these remains to the elements, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
The Blessing
Skip, into the freedom of the wind and sunshine - We let you go.
Into the wonder of the woods and water - We let you go.
Into the dance of the stars and planets - We let you go.
Into deeper love and the hands of God - We let you go.
We will miss you Skip,
Be at peace,
Go safely, go gently, with our love.…
A very special thanks to Dan Nairn who spent countless hours ensuring that each and every one of Skip's requests was carried out and in doing so allowed Skip to be at peace at the time of his passing. As well a special thanks to the Pilon Funeral home in Arnprior who went above and beyond to honor and deliver on each and every one of Skip's requests, it was greatly appreciated.
Dean Streefkerk
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Marion Neill posted a condolence
Monday, July 19, 2021
I attended Pine Grove School with Skip. Lots of good memories.
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Ed De Decker posted a condolence
Sunday, July 18, 2021
I met Skip in 1973 when he and I both were student teachers at Glendale HIgh School in Tillsonburg. He generously shared his apartment with me in London during our time at Althouse College. We both were hired to teach in the Oxford Board of Education and eventually taught on the same staff at Glendale for several years. In retirement I visited Skip a few times and regularly exchanged letters. I give my whole hearted endorsement of every kind word said of Skip on these pages by his colleagues and students. Skip cared about his work for students and was generous to all.
I will miss you Skip. God bless.
Ed De Decker
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Richard Leadbetter posted a condolence
Saturday, July 17, 2021
I'm glad I got a chance to visit with Skip at the hospice before his passing. As a child I always loved our visits to the farm in Arnprior with Skip and his family. Skip was a kind soul who was a positive role model for his students and for me as I became a teacher. Continue your travels peacefully in a better place Skip.
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Rick Mahoney posted a symbolic gesture
Saturday, July 17, 2021
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I had the pleasure of knowing Skip since about 1976 when I and other IDCI students who lived near his apartment would go up to his place to hang out, listen to music, or just to have some laughs about other teachers and students. That sort of thing lasted right up until last summer when I dropped in to see him on the family farm on my way back to Montreal. I was fortunate enough to have made one or more trips almost annually up and down Highway 17 and to have been able just to turn in off the highway for a visit. He never ever forgot his students and other teachers and we never tired of reminiscing about IDCI and Oxford County. Skip was always grateful to the many others from IDCI and Glendale who were also able to drop in and see him after he retired in 2000. He reciprocated the dropping in when he visited China in 1993 and dropped in on me in Japan on his way back to Canada. He made friends easily and even managed to chat with The Scorpions while they were shooting a video for MTV at the Hard Rock Cafe in Tokyo. One of my Japanese high school English teachers would inquire about Skip in letters long after. He had a genuine fondness and interest for people and a genuine curiosity about the world around him which explains his 100+ country visits. He was always proud of his agrarian roots and would introduce himself as a farmer while touring the rural areas of those countries. He always kept in touch by email and would often forward me news articles about Japan and China (where my wife Lu is from) and was always very supportive of my long quest for a permanent job with Parks Canada. His love of plants brought him to the Botanical Gardens in Montreal one year which reminds me that my first summer "job" was watering the plants and the famous "Peter the Banana Tree" at the IDCI greenhouse in 1977 while he made the pilgrimage back to the farm in Arnprior. I had the pleasure of staying there a few times and got to know his loving mother and some of his neighbours (with a special nod to Joan and the late Larry Hebert) whose family really took care of him as only good neighbours can as his health declined. He will be sorely missed by many and may his ashes rest in peace under that old oak tree on the farm.
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Ron Townley posted a condolence
Saturday, July 17, 2021
I had the privilege of attending high school with Skip. Even then, Skip was a pleasant gentleman who was always more than happy to assist you with difficult school homework. If you were having any difficulties, Skip was always available to help.
R. I. P. Skip
Ron Townley
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Elizabeth Campbell posted a condolence
Saturday, July 17, 2021
So sorry to hear that a kind loving adventurous soul has left us. You were a remarkable teacher, a great friend, a thoughtful neighbour and an appreciative supporter. R.I.P. Skip. You will be missed.
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Joan Hebert posted a condolence
Saturday, July 17, 2021
My condolences to Skip's relatives, friends, neighbours and travel buddies.
My husband Larry and I were fortunate to live next door to Skip and spending a lot of time together. Skip has left many treasured memories to help comfort a sad heart on his passing.
R.I.P. Skip.
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John Omielan posted a condolence
Friday, July 16, 2021
Skip was my teacher at IDCI during the several environmental science courses I took. He was an amazing teacher who made the classes fun & memorable. I especially enjoyed the field trips he organized. My he rest in peace.
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Steve Szikszay posted a condolence
Friday, July 16, 2021
Rest In Peace Skip. You made Glendale High School a better place. I enjoyed learning from you and always had a great time travelling with you. You will be missed.
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Scott Bentley posted a condolence
Friday, July 16, 2021
Rest in peace Skip. You were an amazing teacher at IDCI and a wonderful human being.
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Scott Bentley donated to HOSPICE RENFREW INC.
Friday, July 16, 2021
My deepest sympathies to your Family. I attended IDCI in the late 70s and early 80s and I will always remember Skip as both an amazing teacher and a wonderful human being.
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Sharon Thornton posted a condolence
Friday, July 16, 2021
Skip was a fabulous teacher. He inspired my love for all things environmental. His classes were epic. Always fun times in his class and at Junior Farmer dances.
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Steve Longlade lit a candle
Friday, July 16, 2021
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Truly a beautiful soul who loved people, life and adventure. You were a wonderful teacher, a friend anyone would be fortunate to have. Rest peaceful Skip.
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Ché Marshall lit a candle
Friday, July 16, 2021
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Amanda Cassidy posted a condolence
Friday, July 16, 2021
He was a great teacher at Glendale. Many people loved this man. Rest well Skip! ❤️
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Harvey Cowan posted a condolence
Friday, July 16, 2021
Skip-horticultural specialist, world traveler, great friend, teaching colleague, Ottawa Valley connection and on-going source of news. It is with heartfelt sadness that I read about Skip's passing. Having taught with Skip at G.H.S. I witnessed his U of Guelph horticultural expertise with detailed planned raised flowerbeds, an arboretum like no other school and a continuous flow of his students to the world renowned Niagara Parks School of Horticulture. Skip was amazingly knowledgeable about horticultural developments and other environmental topics.
Skip and I continued our many discussions and visits when I moved to Renfrew County ( Pembroke and Barry's Bay) for my last few years of teaching. One memorable occasion was my wife and I dinning with Skip at the Arnprior Truck Stop(joined by a big new rig on the edge of the dinning area!)
Skip's well documented travels were a joy to behold, especially with details of his stay in a Tibetan yurt and living with a Russian family in a valley in the Urals. I always told Skip that I wished that I had taught world Geography longer and could use his many photos and personal experiences.
Skip's expertise as a teacher is even more special since he had approximately 20% of his hearing. He never let that interfere with his meticulous teaching and care for his students.
Skip,you are the true "Skipper" of many endeavors. You will be missed so much by so many!
Rest in peace our dear "Skipper".
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Matthew Vallee posted a condolence
Friday, July 16, 2021
Sad to learn of this. Mr. Nieman was a teacher that left an indelible impression on me. He instilled a lifelong appreciation and love for horticulture that I can directly attribute to his enthusiasm of teaching it to us. I always looked forward to his classes. Truly a one of a kind mentor.
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Gary Leadbetter posted a condolence
Friday, July 16, 2021
In the 1960s I spent many days and weeks with Skip, his Mom and Dad at their farm in Arnprior. I was a second cousin for he was my mother's first cousin. During that decade there were many family gatherings with Skip's many first cousins, Aunts & Uncles. Skip was encouraged to go to the University of Guelph by my father for his office was adjacent to the University. When he worked at the Royal Botanical Gardens we often saw him. As so many of you know Skip graduated from U of G , then Teacher's college & started teaching in SW Ontario. He loved teaching and growing plants. I'm sure he had a very positive impact on many young lives. Skip's cousins were spread apart by a 25 year age gap and as with many families we all drifted along different paths. The majority predeceased him. I moved 4000 kms away soon after U of G. We always stayed in contact and infrequently saw each other. The last 15 or so years Skip and I reconnected mainly because of a common interest in that my wife and I have travelled globally. I was always eager to hear his many exciting global travel stories. He was indeed a traveller. He saw the world like no others. He went to places that many of us only see in the headlines of CNN & CBC. He will be missed by many and especially me for we grew up through our grade school years, high school years & I followed him to the University of Guelph and was also a P.Ag. He will be missed by so many. RIP SKIP!
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Mike Steyaert posted a condolence
Friday, July 16, 2021
I first met skip as a young student at Glendale High School. He made his classes fun but it was only years after that I truly appreciated all the knowledge he had about so many things. I was one of those very fortunate students who he took on a trip through the USA. For me it was the first time that I ever traveled outside of the golden horseshoe and it was truly an experience that I still look back on. The places we visited and experiences we share in our journey that took us over 3000km journey. It can only be appreciated but those who experience this with me. The amount of work he put into this for his students and the fact that he did all the driving too. He was a great person in and out of the classroom and was fortunate enough to visit him at his farm when on business in Ottawa. We just sat up for hours talking and sharing experiences. I hope one day to visit and see 1/10th of the world that he did. He lived a very busy life and I am sure glad I was a small piece of it. Mike Steyaert
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Brian O'Rourke posted a condolence
Friday, July 16, 2021
Charles"Skipmeister"Nieman
It is with sadness,esteem,respect and congeniality that I feel upon learning of Skip's passing.He was beloved by all who knew him.He started a Co-op Education program at Glendale High School before Co-op was cool and before it became part of secondary school curriculum in Ontario.Each Fall,Spring, and early Summer students taking his horticulture subjects worked on the amelioration of Glendale's gardens and flower beds.Over the Summer the grounds became beautified because of Skip's practical application of what he taught in the classroom. The "Skipmeister"also honoured retiring Glendale teachers by ceremoniously placing their names on an Arboretum plaque that is on the front lawn of Glendale.The plaque contains the name of the teacher and the name of a tree that was planted in his or her honour. Skip was a terrific educator ,a special person to those who knew him.
Sincerely,Brian and Sallie O'Rourke
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Pete Zvanitajs posted a condolence
Friday, July 16, 2021
Skip was one of the most real people I have ever met in my life. He was an example, in the best of ways, of how to be yourself and not care what anyone else thought. He influenced so many young people in such a positive way through this. I still tell my wife and kids about his classes, working in the greenhouse, the bus trips, International Plowing Matches, Royal Winter Fairs and more. You made a lot of people's lives a lot better, Skip. Tillsonburg was so lucky to have you for part of your like on this earth.
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Dace and Woody Zvanitajs posted a condolence
Friday, July 16, 2021
Skip Nieman: In memory of a colleague and dear friend who shared the stories of his travels to many parts of the world the ordinary tourist has not seen. His memory will live on in the trees he planted in the Arboretum at Glendale High School. His journeys are over. Rest in peace, our friend
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Leslie J. Peter posted a condolence
Friday, July 16, 2021
I was saddened to hear about the passing of Skip. I was a colleague of Skips at Glendale and it was a pleasure and honour to work with him.
As a shop teacher he had my classes expand his tiered greenhouse at Glendale to produce more plants than probably any high school greenhouse in the province per square foot.
Some of the staff had a nickname for him-we affectionately called him Dr. Doom, or just Doom. You had to be there.
I have been in contact regularly through e-mails and my wife and I actually visited him in Arnprior-we was a gracious host and even turned on the heat upstairs in the winter where we slept.
I have to thank Skip for his mentorship and inspiration to my son Jonathan who also was still in touch with Skip and will miss him greatly.
Goodbye my friend; you were unique and I am blessed to have known you.
Leslie J. Peter
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DJ Staples posted a condolence
Friday, July 16, 2021
Rest easy my friend! You were such a positive influence on me as a young man growing up and thanks for everything! Your friend DJ Staples
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Jeff Bentley posted a condolence
Friday, July 16, 2021
I had the good fortune to have Skip as a teacher for Environmental Science at IDCI (1975-1980). He was understanding, compassionate, willing to help and lend a hand to make people successful (not just in school). Skip treated students as individuals, not just people he had to teach before the next class. He took an interest their whole life, not just schooling. Building friendships was important to him, and I was fortunate to have him as a friend throughout school and after. Even after 40 years removed from school, I still think of his life's lessons he taught, school trips, and him roaming tha halls of IDCI. All fond memories.
RIP Skip
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Joanne Moyer posted a condolence
Friday, July 16, 2021
So sad to read this!
I am a former student of Skip's Environmental Science classes at Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute, Although it has been over 40 years since I graduated, his classes, his field trips, and his teachings will never be matched or surpassed. He was a great teacher and a great friend, both in and out of the school.
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Jen Docheff posted a condolence
Friday, July 16, 2021
As a student of Glendale, I’ll always remember all the walks and talks he lead in the community and the do’s and don’ts of landscaping. Because of Skip, I still remember many plant names and developed a love of gardening. He was a favourite, enthusiastic, genuinely caring teacher and always made learning fun. His field trips were the best and he will always be fondly remembered!
Jen Docheff
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Thomas Puhr posted a condolence
Friday, July 16, 2021
Great teacher. One of my all time favourites.
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Bridget posted a condolence
Friday, July 16, 2021
So sorry to hear of the loss of Skip. He was an amazing teacher with the biggest heart. He made high-school a fun place to be! His quirky and fun loving personality has forever left an impression.
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David W. Sandor posted a condolence
Friday, July 16, 2021
As a young teacher at Glendale High School I found Skip's enthusiasm for his subject and his caring attitude towards his colleagues and students to be boundless and refreshing. I have fond memories of assisting him with flower sale campaigns in the early spring and it was nice to see the community support his efforts especially from the former students who came back to see him. And who can forget his caring for the grounds of Glendale, they were very colourful and well groomed. During our last correspondences he was still the same ole Skip. I will certainly miss him.
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Kim Rasokas lit a candle
Friday, July 16, 2021
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Joan Hebert lit a candle
Friday, July 16, 2021
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R.I.P. Skip
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Scott Gooding posted a condolence
Friday, July 16, 2021
RIP Skip. I was fortunate to teach with Skip for many years at Glendale High School. His meticulous caring for the grounds of Glendale is legendary. Skip supported numerous students in their pursuit of post secondary education through anonymous scholarships as he never wanted to bring attention to himself. You have made a difference in many young people’s lives Skip.
Scott Gooding
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Paul belous posted a condolence
Thursday, July 15, 2021
Skip was my home room and agriculture teacher in Glendale high school. His love for Camaro’s and the auto show will never be forgotten. High School is an important time in an adolescents development and Skip was the right person to guide all of us in the right direction. You think back in your life and you can name a few people other then your parents who you owe your success to and Skip is one of those for me. I have so many fond memories of Skip and I will miss him but I also know if I can pass on anything he taught me he will be giving me that twinkle in his eye and that look that he always gave us when we got what he was trying to teach us.
He will be missed but never forgotten.
Thank you Skip
Paul Belous
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Jay uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, July 15, 2021
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Skip was a thoughtful, caring person. He always asked how each member of the family was doing. He enjoyed traveling to the fullest. Here is a picture from 2015 when I visited him, too bad he didn't have an IDCI shirt on.
Jay D
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Roger Quinn posted a condolence
Thursday, July 15, 2021
Skip was not only a wonderful teacher of education but also of life. I was lucky enough to participate in a few Eco tours with the 1977/78 Ottawa trip being a high school hi-lite. While he was our friend outside of class and attended dances/events locally, that didn’t change how he marked your test/paper!! Tough marker. Skip travelled to over 100 countries and enjoyed what the world had to offer…….Rest easy Skip- you won’t be forgotten……
Roger Quinn
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Dan Nairn uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, July 15, 2021
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The family of Skip Nieman uploaded a photo
Thursday, July 15, 2021
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