Dr. Alan Niquette
April 17, 1943 - October 30, 2014
Dr. Alan “the Drama Guy” Niquette, 71, of Independence, OR died October 30, 2014 peacefully in the early morning.
He was born in Riverside, California on April 17, 1943 to Ray and Margie Niquette, the third of four children.
Alan grew up in Long Beach, CA graduating from Brethren High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from Biola University, La Mirada, CA in 1967. He then received a Master of Divinity from Talbot Theological Seminary, La Mirada, CA in 1972, followed by a Doctor of Ministry from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary, Portland, OR in 1987. Alan received his certificate of ordination from Valley Bible Church of Northridge, CA, in 1976, where he and his brother David co-pastored. Alan went on to serve local churches for more than twenty years in full-time pastoral ministries, that emphasized expository preaching and teaching.
In 1981, Alan met and married the love his life, Beth, May 14, 1983, and together they raised three children. In 1990, God called Alan to use his gifts to serve local churches, by presenting creative programs that were Bible centered, appealing and life changing. Dramatic Difference Ministries, Inc. was born on October 24, 1991, and became a full-time ministry, available to serve local churches in the United States.
He based his ministry on the deep conviction that the Bible is the very Word of God, the final authority for all that Christians believe and do. With this background, Alan committed his life to a Bible teaching ministry that was clear and practical -- that instructed young disciples, while enriching the lives of mature believers -- a ministry that moved all ages toward an authentic, growing relationship with God and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Alan’s infectious enthusiasm and passion for life touched the hearts of everyone he met; he was a great encourager and blessed countless lives wherever he went. Alan was known for his sense of humor, and kept people laughing both on and off the stage. He was everybody’s best friend. Theater was not just his work, it was his delight. His love for the Bible was evident in all of his stage plays, and you could hear his desire for others to know God in his voice when he performed. Alan also loved music and would spend nights sitting around playing bluegrass music with his family on the guitar, ukulele, bass fiddle, harmonica, and gut bucket. Cooking was one of his love languages, and he made wonderful ‘daddy tacos’, onion rings, and chip dip. He was also an adventurer, and loved hiking, biking, canoeing, and “train chasing” with his family in the middle of the night.
He was a great man of prayer, and prayed for everyone he loved, at any hour of the day or night. One of the most beautiful things about Alan was his determination to say “I love you” to his family, every single day of his life, which he did without fail.
Survivors include his wife, Beth; children Jeni, Kyndi, and Stetson; and siblings Paul, Patricia, and David Niquette, and countless more family and friends.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, November 7 at 3:30 p.m. at Baker Creek Community Church: 325 NW Baker Creek Rd., McMinnville, OR 97128. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Dramatic Difference Ministries, Inc. to help keep Alan’s dream alive: PO Box 145, Independence, OR 97351.
One of Alan’s greatest goals was to live his life in such a way, that when he finally met with his Savior face to face, he would be told, “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your master,” and we are confident those words have been spoken. (Matthew 25:21)
Farnstrom Mortuary is caring for the family. For photos, memories, and online condolences, please visit Alan’s memorial website at www.FanstromMortuary.com.