Obituary of Jody Veltikold

B I O G R A P H Y VELTIKOLD: Jody Ervin Veltikold passed away in the Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta on Monday, December 12, 2005 at the age of 56 years. The celebration of life for Jody was conducted from the Lloydminster Gospel Fellowship Church, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan on Friday, December 16, 2005 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Lyle Berg officiating. A eulogy was given by Tarry Dahlseide. Special music was by Greg Nelson and the Lloydminster Gospel Worship Team. Honorary pallbearers were “The Coffee Hounds,” and all those who shared in Jody’s life. Active pallbearers were: Bob Gallant, Dennis Weaver, Russ Jackson, Clair Nysetvold, Dave Veltikold and Ken Harrold. Interment followed in the Lloydminster City Cemetery. The Life of Jody Veltikold On September 16, 1949 Jody Ervin Veltikold made his appearance in Lloydminster. He was the first child of Lloyd and Elsie and was baptized and confirmed at the little Zion Lutheran Church, in the Dina District. Two years later he, with his parents, welcomed his baby sister Joy Christine. The family of four lived on the same farm at Rivercourse that Lloyd had been born on, while Jody and Chris attended McLaughlin and Paradise Valley Schools. During his youth he was involved in 4-H and became an avid reader. Having and inventive mind, Jody was always interested in “STUFF” - how it worked, how it fit together, how it came apart. His mother said his first project was dismantling an alarm clock and upon reassembly, had numerous pieces left over. Jody had a love for his dog Rex and a keen interest in horses and cattle, but a deep dislike for field work. His dad taught him how to do the necessary farm repairs including the welding which he later chose as a profession. His mischievous side was revealed one day when he, along with his sister Chris, used the barn windows for target practice with his B.B. gun, then denied any involvement. Jody, along with his cousins and neighboring friends, camped along the river flats doing all the pranks that boys liked to do: accidentally burning their tent down and trying to steer a run-a-way wagon by the tongue down a steep river hill. Eventually Jody’s musical interest began to emerge when he got a guitar for a gift and took lessons from Uncle Roy. This sparked his love for country music. His desire to learn developed from an early age and his thirst for knowledge drove him to consume any literature he could get his hands on. After reading every book at the P.V. school library he got bored and moved to Grande Prairie to finish his high school studying electronics and pipe trade. While living there with Uncle Blair and Aunt Millie he was consistently interested in expanding his vocabulary. One word in particular that he used all the time was magnanimous. Just recently Aunt Millie, having remembered this, looked up the definition and found that it is a remarkable portrayal of Jody himself: Magnanimous - elevated in soul - scorning what is mean or base - unselfish - greatness of soul - generosity in sentiment or conduct toward others After finishing his high school, Jody moved back home and shortly became room mates with his cousin Dave, who soon discovered the cooking skills that Jody actually lacked - being served soup and boiled wieners for lunch and Kraft dinner and pork chops for supper - seven days a week. Jody’s first employment was with Alberta Power reading meters in Lloydminster and Vermilion. During this time he began a correspondence course in steam engineering. From there he moved to Forrestburg, AB and worked in the power plant making use of his steam ticket and then transferred to Grande Cache. During this time he met his sweetheart Georgina Mae Latchuk and they were married in Lloydminster on August 24, 1974. The newly weds lived in Grande Cache for four years and made some unforgettable friends while enjoying God’s beautiful mountainous country. The couple then moved back to Lloydminster in 1978 so Jody could help his cousin Larry with his back hoe business. Later on, Jody completed his Journeyman’s in Welding, and worked for various businesses including Roy’s Trucking, Cardon, A-Fire Holdings and A-Plus Machining. He was also recruited in 1989 to work in the Arctic for Frontec Logistics, maintaining old army radar sites for a year. After all of this, Jody finally fulfilled his dream of running his own business: Jody’s Welding. Fatherhood began for Jody when his son Erik Travis was born January 22, 1981, followed by his daughter Sara Lynn April 28, 1983. Being a father meant the world to Jody. He was always proud of his kids, and supported every interest and activity in their lives. To Jody, his children and wife were his life. He enjoyed taking his children to his family’s farm and camping at Ministikwan Lake, where they still have a seasonal spot. From May to September, he looked forward to Fridays so he could have some R & R at the lake. It was there that he made a new group of friends that he enjoyed spending time with. Each summer he would wait with anticipation to meet with them again. He also ventured on Fly In Fishing trips with some family and friends. Other favorite pastimes of Jody’s were golfing, quading, fishing, boating and going to Tim Horton’s every morning to meet up with “The Coffee Hounds.” Jody had a love for flying from an early age that only grew as time passed. He joined the local flying club and made and flew remote control airplanes. He took flying lessons and desired to get his private pilot’s license one day. He was blessed with many opportunities to fly with some great friends who took him up in their own planes. He was also in the process of fulfilling a personal dream by building his own Ultra Light Aircraft. In 1988 Jody’s spiritual walk with the Lord began when he recognized his need for a Savior. During this time he became active in the church, taking part in the maintenance of the church. One evening while installing this church’s Baptismal tank, he and his friend Ken were surprised by two burly RCMP officers who promptly informed them that they were breaking the City’s Noise Bylaw. They were told to immediately wrap up their cables and leave – to which Jody and Ken obliged with no hesitation! He also served on the Board and became a Church Elder. Jody’s new life with God helped him to become the man we have known over these past years - a man of faithfulness, loyalty, compassion and integrity. He was a man of his word, never too busy to help family, friends or anyone that had a need. When Jody found out he had terminal cancer he said, I’m not going to think about dying – I’m going to think about Living! He embraced his suffering with the faith that no matter what - God was with him - helping him through each day. He refused to let the disease define who he was. He never complained, he never asked why me, and he was never angry at or blamed God. His wit and sense of humor and the strength he drew from those around him helped carry him through the tough times. Jody’s faith in God grew stronger daily and he counted each day a blessing. He loved and appreciated every person that touched his life, especially all those that are here today. During this last year Jody felt loved by all who knew him but there are some very special angels who deserve to be mentioned: Mark, Dennis, Bob, Vera, Merv, Tarry, Lyle, Laura and of course Erik, Sara, Gina and Mom. When Jody left this earth on Monday, December 12 at 7:12 a.m. he would have heard “Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of the Lord.” From Gina: My husband was gift to me that I will forever cherish. He was a gentle man of chosen words who brought stability and calmness into my life. His sense of humor had me laughing frequently and his wisdom and knowledge of how to create and fix things constantly amazed me. He was my leveler when I needed to see issues more clearly and had such strength and courage through his suffering that made me admire him so much more. He will always be my best friend and soul mate for eternity. I’ll truly love him forever. From Sara: If you could ever call a man beautiful it would be my Dad A man with a heart so soft a smile so warm and eyes that glowed with pride and wisdom A man with a body so strong with hands so industrious and with feet that travelled a million memories A man whose love filled every room who faith surpassed all ailments and whose friendship brought hundreds together This was a man who was as tough as nails but had a spirit as gentle as they came This was my Dad, a beautiful man. Erik just has one thing to say: “Ah fiddle!” aye Dad! “There’s nothing wrong with thinking out loud.” Card of Thanks His family would like to especially thank Jimmy, Marlene, Andrea and Gordie for being so supportive. Thanks to all family, friends and co-workers who visited, sent food, flowers and gave donations on Jody’s behalf. Thanks to Aunt Millie for being there for Mom, to Juanita for looking after Dad for us. Special thanks to Tarry and Faye Dahlseide for doing the eulogy, to the pallbearers and their wives. Many special thanks to Pastor Lyle and Lavra and our church family for their love, prayers, support and help in any way. To Greg Nelson and the LGF Worship Band for learning the songs so quickly. Thanks Dr. Chan and all the nurses who cared for Jody, and to McCaw Funeral Service for their compassionate care. Gina, Erik, Sara Lloyd & Elsie Chris & Keith, Craig and Loni And the rest of the family Donations: Lloydminster Gospel Fellowship Building Fund, 186 Air Cadets, or Charity of Choice.