Michael Tipton

Michael attended the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. He received his bachelor’s degree from Frostburg State University in Maryland. He moved to Colorado shortly thereafter, and loved this beautiful state. He also resided in Oregon from 1986 to 1992, where he enjoyed visiting the Metolius River, Bend, Crater Lake, the Oregon coast, the San Juan Islands, and many other beautiful places in nature.

He had been a waiter & bartender at Shannon’s Galley in Aspen and worked in sales for Diebold for 15 years in Denver, Portland, & Anchorage & was awarded their Master’s Circle 7 times. He was currently employed in sales with Gel Tech of Jupiter, Florida.

Michael was an amateur historian, specializing in World War II and Civil War history. He was a lover of our National Parks, enjoyed hiking, fishing, skiing & shooting sports. He climbed all of Colorado’s 14er’s and participated in triathlons. He descended and climbed the Grand Canyon on numerous occasions. He cherished the times he spent with friends & family at their cabin in Big Elk Meadows. An especially fond memory was his fishing trip to Kulik Lodge in Alaska this past September with his brother-in-law, Tom.

Michael was a firefighter with the Big Elk Meadows Volunteer Fire Department and fought the Big Elk fire in 2002. He was an active member of Moose Lodge 1548 in Longmont. He especially enjoyed Friday night trivia with his friends from the SWAG team and cooking Sunday breakfast with the Over the Hill Gang.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his uncle & aunt, Bill and Mae Tipton.

He is survived by his girlfriend, Alyson Canepa, his former wife Linda Neldner Sheridan, In-laws: Dr. Katherine Neldner & husband Tom Gadek of Oakland CA, and Steve & Beth Cooper of San Diego, CA. Also surviving are nieces Kate Gadek of Boulder, Emily Gadek of Palm Springs, CA & Stephanie Cooper Valenzuela (Nick) of San Diego, and nephew Andy Cooper of San Diego, CA and father-in-law Dr. Kenneth H. Neldner of Lubbock, TX.

Cremation has been entrusted to Howe Mortuary and Cremation Services.

A celebration of Michael’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 15 at the Longmont Moose Lodge, 1548, at 2210 Pratt Street, Longmont.