Neal W. Schipper Jr.

Neal Walter Schipper Jr. (aka Boy, Grizz and Big Papa) was born March 13, 1946 in Lakewood Colorado. He remained in Lakewood all his life, before passing January 12, 2025. He passed in his home, full of love and surrounded by his family, just as he had wished. Neal is once again in the loving embrace of his wife of 50 years - Pamela, who preceded him by 12 years. He has also joined his loving Father Cornelius and Mother Juanita. Neal is survived by his grateful son, 2 loving daughters, a son in-law that he loved like a son, an admiring daughter in-law, 7 Grandchildren, and 5 Great Grandchildren. Neal raised a family that cherishes one another, passing along the "never give up, nose to the grind stone" mentality and a work ethic that would break an elephants' back. He loved life to its fullest extent and loved nothing more than spending time with his family – hunting, fishing, anything outdoors and yes - even remodeling his sons', daughters and grandkids houses.
Neal was raised in Lakewood and worked alongside his father in the family business – Schipper's Turkey Farm, until 1975. Brother, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandchildren all worked side by side during the busy times of the year – Thanksgiving and Christmas. He had several jobs, after the turkey farm, finally settling on a career as a Conductor for the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1976. He did not live to work, he worked to live and support a family that never knew the word "need". His time with the railroad was filled with ups and downs. Neal experienced the financial security of a Union job, but also a railroaders worst nightmare of a "cornfield meet" in Wiggins Colorado. Neal was a revered and respected Union Brother, even spending time as a Local Chairman for a short time. While he was dedicated, Neal spent as little time as possible working for the railroad. Instead, he loved to barter, trade, sale and salvage. He was the master at all those and always seemed to come out on top. After a successful 30 years, with the now BNSF Railway, Neal retired in hopes of spending as much time as he could with his family.
Neal loved to hunt, fish, garden, repair anything broken, upkeep and improve his house and help his family. Neal was a quiet man. He rarely asked for help, but he was always the first one there, with tools in hand. When he did ask for help, everyone knew it was important and the entire family would be there at a moment's notice. When Neal did speak, he always spoke with the knowledge of a life time of experience and common sense. People listened (or at least should have) when he expressed his learning experiences from the Book of Hard Lessons and a Master's degree from the School of Hard Knocks.
Neals' Life will be celebrated by all who knew him and his life lessons will be passed along for generations. We will always carry your memory in our hearts and souls.