Britt Lough Shipley, 69, of Valparaiso passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. He was born June 3, 1953 to Albert & Dorothy (Lough) Shipley, graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 1971 and attended Purdue University North Central. Britt made his career as Parts & Sales Manager with Sullair Corp. in Michigan City for over 30 years and concluded his working years with Sullivan Palatek in 2018. He was married to the love of his life for 50 years and loved his children & grandchildren immensely. He was a devoted follower of Christ and member of the Valparaiso Nazarene Church.
Britt’s charismatic personality suited him perfectly for the world travel his job required, having spent time in 26 countries and all 50 U.S. states, acquiring friends everywhere he went. Foreign mission trips with church and family members were also cherished opportunities along with the freewheeling outings on his Harley-Davidson. And you were probably waiting for us to mention the Cubs. If you knew Britt, we need to say no more, except how fulfilling it was for him to escort a grandson to the 2016 World Series. Knowing that all of his grandchildren would be baseball fans and watching them succeed on their way to adulthood brought great satisfaction.
On August 26, 1972 he married Linda Jasiak who survives along with their daughters; Melissa Corona, Jennifer Richey, Stephanie (Peter) Anderson, Ashley Shipley & Allyson Shipley all of Valparaiso, his mother, Dorothy Shipley of Hobart, sister, Wendy Swisher of Salem, IN & Lynn Shipley of Massachusetts, and eight grandchildren: Mercedes, Zach, Logan, Jacob, Grant, Beckett, Nevaeh & Leighton. He was preceded in death by his father.
A visitation will be held Monday from 2 – 8 pm at Valparaiso Nazarene Church, 2702 Glendale Blvd. The funeral service will begin at 10:30 am Tuesday at the church with burial to follow at Angelcrest Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Mission Program of Valparaiso Nazarene Church.
GUESTBOOK
All I can say is the world was a better place with people like Britt! He loved his family-friends and church! He battled cancer for 10 years trying many different programs that were offered. As I have often said cancer is fighting a war and we don’t always win! My sympathies to my dear friend Linda and her girls, husbands, grandchildren. He will be missed by many. RIP Britt-cheer for those cubbies as they will hear you loud and clear! -Cathy Dziadosz Smith
Sending condolences from all of my family. May you be comforted by God. Prayers and lots of love for your family. May he rest in the arms of God. -Renee Pedersen
My deepest condolences. Britt was awesome and I had the pleasure of working with him while I was at Sullair from 1982-2001. -Trina Taylor
Our deepest condolences to all of you. I'll never forget the way he impressed me at the indiana dunes banquet. I'm so glad that he was 1 of the speakers at my banquet. His courage and his praise for the lord for all the adversities he had been through was most impressive. He'll truly be missed. -Gregory Howard. (Archie)
Your presence will be immensely missed by all who knew you. There is a Britt sized hole in the world now that can’t be filled but we know you are at peace and celebrating with Jesus. To the family, you are so loved and have much support around you. -Courtney Bennett
Gail and I got to meet Britt and Linda as part of daughter Stephanie's time at Delta Delta Delta. Our daughter Brooke was there at a similar time. We remember how gregarious Britt was and the awesome mango salsa he made ! It takes a special dad to raise all girls as I know. Boiler up Britt . Heaven is all yours. Thanks for enriching our lives. With respect, -Alan and Gail Anderson
Our deepest prayers and sympathy for the family. We've come to know through the great banquet. Britt always spoke to me and his wife always spoke to my wife, Earlene. His smile and devotions to all he was involved with will sorely be missed. Prayers and love to all. -Gregory Howard ,Earlene Howard
Thoughts and prayers are going out to Britt's family as I am typing this message. I am Tommy Key and had the great pleasure of working with him for many years and I have high respect for him the way he worked around all of us. My home base was in Houston, TX, but each time I travelled to Michigan City, he would welcome me. We worked with each other while travelling to several locations in the US. He was a kind and knowledgeable person who I worked well with him on each job. I really enjoyed being around him on the job. He had a great personality. He will be missed by all who came in contact with him. God Bless each of the family members. His memory will go on for many many years. -Tommy Key
It’s with fond memories we say our goodbyes to Britt. It’s with joy that we say “see you soon”, knowing we will see each other in heaven one day. To Britt’s family, you are loved and prayed for by many, lean in them. May God bring you Comfort. -Duane and Lori Bennett
Super Dude. Always had a great time working with Britt and even more so enjoying time after hours with Britt. Many great memories throughout the years that we both worked at Sullair. Here’s to Britt…Cheers! -Jeff Crutchfield
You and your family have my heartfelt condolences, love always -Elaine Johnson
Our sincere condolences to you and the entire family. -Theodore and Patricia Soller
Linda, I’m so sorry to hear of Britt’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. -Bella Freeman
My sincere condolences to the Shipley family. May the many love-filled memories warm your hearts in the days ahead. From: Another Naz attendee and new widow, Suzanna Tudor, so acquainted with your sorrow. BUT, the good news, we will see them again. Thank you, Lord. Love and hugs to you all. -Suzanna Tudor
Dear Linda and girls, I’m so sorry to hear that Britt has gone on before you. I know you hold him in your heart and in all of your cherished memories. It’s so comforting to know you will be seeing him soon. Britt and Linda, together, you’ve both made a great pair and a wonderful witness for Jesus Christ. I will always thank my God for every remembrance of Britt. A wonderful Christian man. God bless you all. You are loved and in my prayers. -Bobbi Foster
One of my favorites! Britt always greeted me with a big hug and you knew he was cheering you on in life. He lit up a room with his smile and he never met a person he didn’t friend. Thinking of all of you and sending hugs. Love, -Carrie Campbell Grimes
Met Britt on multiple Riley Rides. He was a leader with an outgoing personality and big heart. -Jim Morehead
Words are simply inadequate in moments like these. I met Britt through the Indiana Dunes Great Banquet community, and I was honored to have served with him. We shared our many business travel stories and enjoyed our common love for motorcycles. “Mr. Bacon” as my wife affectionately called Britt. I’m sure Theresa and Britt have a tray of bacon cooking right this moment somewhere in Heaven. My prayers are raised to the Throne of Grace and Mercy for Linda and the entire Shipley family. Until we meet again, Britt! -Bob Jennings
Judy and I are so sorry for the passing of Britt. He was a very special man! I remember selling Britt his Harley motorcycle. We went down to Kerstings dealership and since I had worked there, I was his salesman. He bought it then we went out for lunch. What a great memory! Rest in peace dear brother, your pain is over and you are now safely in the arms of Jesus, who you loved and served. -Roane Follis
There are no words that can describe what Britt and Linda have meant to the Kelly family. Even though we aren't physically able to be there, our hearts and prayers are with the whole Shipley family. Britt was a special man, husband, father and the best friend anyone could ask for. We loved you Britt and you will always be a part of our hearts. We will be there till the end for Linda. -Bob and Karen Kelly and family
