Nicholas Triplett

Hey! It's me, Nicko the key man. Please don't worry about me. I received my angel wings March 2, 2016, and soared to heaven to be with my Lord and Savior. I want you all to know how much each of you touched my life and made my years on Earth special.

Let me leave you with this: "I have not left you – I walk straight and tall. Now I'm up above watching over you all."

– Love, Nick

ST. REGIS – Nicholas Raymond Triplett came into our lives Jan. 12, 1989, and instantly made our family whole. He spent his entire life in St. Regis and made more friends than you could ever imagine. He graduated from high school in 2007, and was very proud of all that he accomplished in his time there. His smile, compassion, and love of life were infectious to anyone who graced his path. It never mattered to him who you were or where you came from, he would express genuine interest in your life. When Nick walked into a room, you could expect a radiant smile and a warm hug. If he could put a smile on your face, he was fulfilling his goal. He wanted everyone around him to be as happy as he was.

Some of the things that brought joy to Nick's life were family, friends and his dear pets, but that doesn't even begin to scratch the surface. He also loved keys – making them, collecting them, sorting them – keys. He loved recycling cans, listening to music and cheering on his Raiders. He loved his phone so he could keep tabs on all his buddies. He never needed a contact list, though, because he could remember everyone's number by heart. He looked forward to every Sunday for church and bingo. He loved playing games (and winning them). Nick loved all things with a motor – vehicles, motorcycles, snow cats, four-wheelers – the louder the better. If he could discover the way something worked, like taking a bicycle apart and putting it back together, he was in his happy place. Nick attended "men's breakfast" every Monday morning so he could start his week off right. Little did he know, he was starting theirs' off right, too. Nick loved participating in the local American Legion with his dad. He took great pride in being their top raffle ticket salesman. Ray Welch Post No. 13 will miss him dearly.

When summertime came, Nick was outside. He loved floating, fishing, and searching for treasures with his mom by the river. Some of his greatest memories were at the family cabin, camping out and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows on the fire. His favorite outdoor activity, though, was golfing with his dad and brother … and he was darn good at it. Also, he would never miss his chance to participate in the Fourth of July parade.

When the weather got cooler, Nick transitioned into his love for St. Regis sports, 6-5-4, and good ol' St. Regis nightlife. He enjoyed honkycattin,' shakin' a leg, and pulling ticket after ticket out of keno machines. And if there was karaoke going on, watch out! Nick was going to rock the stage.

Part of what was so beautiful about Nick was his loving nature, loyalty, and being able to razz his family at the drop of a hat (or a whiff of a finger!). Nick and his dad ran the body shop side by side since 2007 when he started his own key business. He loved meeting and greeting anyone who walked through those doors. He had unconditional love for his niece and nephew – and a very similar love for mint chocolate chip ice cream. His favorite colors were black and white because of his passion for checkerboards and the symbolic meaning of yin and yang.

Nick's celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 12, at the Triplett residence in St. Regis. Food and music will be provided. Please bring good memories, stories and any drinks you may like. Also, wear Raiders colors in his honor. Let's do it up right for our beloved Nicko!

As we finish our reminiscing of our dear son, brother, uncle and friend, we'd like to leave you with a quote that was near and dear to Nick's heart.

"If you walk in front of me, I may not follow. If you walk behind me, I may not lead. If you walk beside me, I will be your friend." – Albert Camus


Read Nicholas Triplett's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.