Nivek McCollum was taken from us on September 30, 2019 at the young age of 21. He was born on August 14, 1998 in Oklahoma City. He enjoyed playing basketball with his many friends and questing with his Uncle Matt. He learned to SCUBA dive and snowboard with his dad. He learned how to play poker with Nana. Pawpaw taught him to fish and hunt. He learned to fly airplanes with his Grandad and liked to draw with Nana Beck. His commitment to the sciences was influenced by his multiple in-depth conversations with G-Vix and David. His mom taught him how to be caring and giving – and actually mean it. Nivek graduated from Yukon High School in 2016 and was pursuing a career in forensic science. He was a student at OSU-OKC in the Police Science A.A.S. Crime Scene Investigation Program; just another example of Nivek wanting to help people. Nivek worked at the Sprint call center and was immediately welcomed to the team and loved working there. Many people from his school and work have made a point to let us know how great Nivek was to be around.
Nivek was survived by his parents, Meredith and Shane Way; his uncle, Matt McCollum; his girlfriend Taylin Han; his sister, Lexi Probert and her growing family; his grandparents, Ed and Terri McCollum, Vicki and David Garrison, Michael and Becky Way; his Uncle Scott Garrison and his family; as well as his extended family: The McCollum’s, The Whitley’s, The Goddard’s, The Searls’, The Nestor’s, Aunt Nicole, and the Surrey Hills Posse which includes Austin Elliott, Colton & Curtis Columbus, Ethan Hedrick, Andrew Bursch, Hunter Honeyfield, Alex & Allen Zachary and so many more. Just as importantly, he was survived by his favorite puppies - Rufus Bogart McCollum and Joseph Reginald Way.
Nivek was preceded in death by his Great-Grandpa Bill Goddard – who loved to refer to Shane as Shawn, his Great-Grandma Dorothy and Great-Grandad Charles “Red” Way, his Uncle Mike Whitley as well as Jan Whitley – the sweetest angel. Although he never met her, he was preceded in death by his Great-Grandma Jean Marie Goddard who is with him now.
Nivek was witty, way TOO smart, and fairly inappropriate. He always had a great comeback. He was not very good at telling jokes and he was a terrible liar. Although Nivek was only here for 21 years, he meant the world to many people. Those who knew Nivek have lost a small part of themselves and life is a little less bright. We all have a huge hole in our hearts full of sadness. Nivek would want us to fill that hole with all the great memories of him.
Nivek never thought that genetics were the only connection to family. His love was widespread and given freely without any expectations. Nivek had a group of friends who he always considered his brothers and we have always considered our other sons. Nivek was committed to friendship and could find a friend anywhere he went. He gave rides to people walking, he gave money to people in need on the side of a highway, he gave food to the hungry.
In the end, Nivek was able to help by giving the ultimate gift. He was able to give multiple organs to people in need. It is our hope that those individuals and their families can live fuller lives with a small piece of Nivek shining through.
