Myles Nalder Richard Upton was suddenly taken from us in a tragic farm accident in Silver Valley, AB, on Friday, November 10, 2017, at the age of 47 years.

Myles was born in Fernie, BC on September 11, 1970 to, Stanley E. and Adila May Upton. Both of his parents were from the U.S, which resulted in him having dual citizenship. His father wanted him to be free from the US draft system that was in place at the time, so even though he was working on the Libby dam in Montana, he moved to BC for a short while so that both Weldon, Myles’ older brother by 18 months, and Myles could be born in Canada. His father Stan had an interest in the North, so he took his young family up to the Yukon, settling close to Whitehorse. There Weldon and Myles spent their first years.

Later, as the boys grew to school age, Stan moved back to BC, staying at Chetwynd for a short time. His search for a Christian School brought him to Silver Valley, AB. where he made his home in the Mennonite community there. It was at the Northern Lights Mennonite School that Weldon and Myles took their Grades 1 through 9. Shortly thereafter, Stan moved to Oliver, BC, and Myles made his home there with him, and finished his formal schooling, finishing Grade 12.

After that, Myles had jobs in different places including: back at Silver Valley for Orrin Toews; in Vancouver for a company building yachts; and in Mission BC. Wherever he went, he became known for his amazing capacity to accomplish a lot of work in a short while, his attention to detail, and his tenacity to finish a job.

In the summer of 1995, a construction accident crushed his left hand and led to him taking some time off work in order let it heal. This led him to take a trip down to Florida to visit family.

There he met, fell in love with, and married Darlena Adaline Sikes, the adopted daughter of his aunt and her husband. This brought a dramatic change to his life, and ended a somewhat nomadic lifestyle. Through the years of raising their children, Ryan, Aimee, and Nicholas, they have made many special memories: a trip early in their marriage to Window Rock, Arizona; to see Veronica, a special friend working at a mission there at the time; a Caribbean cruise with friends, John and Fran Kinney; many after Christmas trips to visit family and friends; and special places in the US and Canada, as that was his time off as the winter months set in.

He left many unfinished projects, including a major house reno which he was hoping we would enjoy together; a trip to Hawaii with John and Fran and many others.

He left many tangible memories in his many projects that were completed, including: a 100’ tower on his place to boost cell and internet coverage; and a buffalo catcher vehicle built for Orrin who he had been working for in the last number of years. He thoroughly enjoyed his service truck which Orrin purchased, and he set up with many tools that he used much.

He wore big boots, had a big smile, a big heart, and his own share of determination, which ended up in him being fairly stubborn at times! Myles endured much adversity in his younger life, which made him determined to rise above that in his own life, and very determined that his children would have it better than him. In his own way, he cared deeply for his family, often not understanding quite how to express his love for them. His wife and children responded back to that with love, caring for him as well.

He leaves to mourn his wife Darlena; their children: Nicholas Troy, Ryan Keith, Aimee Nicole; special friend Lucas Josok; as well as a host of friends and loved ones including Donavon and Jaimee Wiebe, and Orrin and Estella Toews and family, whom he regarded as his family. He knew no stranger.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, November 17, 2017 at 2:00pm, at the Savanna Agricultural Society Rec Plex (Highway 681, Silver Valley, AB).

Memorial donations may be made to the Savanna Agricultural Society Rec Plex or to Grande Prairie and District Victim Services (10202 99 St. Grande Prairie Alberta T8V 2H4)