BOMBER MEMORIAL

IRA CARL "JUNIOR"/"NICK" NICHOLSON, JR. ~ Class of 1951
1933 - August 27, 2003




Nick Nicholson died on August 27th in Nashville, TN of heart failure. In February, he had suffered a major heart attack, and his body declined after that. Although his final months were difficult, he fought hard and his family and loved ones are grateful to see his suffering end.

Nick was born 70 years ago to Ira and Betty Nicholson in Bonnerdale, AR. He was the eldest of six children. Named Ira Carl after his father, growing up he was known as Junior, a name he did not cherish. In his adult years he went by Nick, and only those tempting fate would call him Junior. Nick moved with his family from Arkansas to Washington in 1944. It was at Richland Heights Baptist Church that he met Janet Wright ('53RIP). They married in 1953 and over their 46 years together they raised five children, Carl, Renee, LaRee, Marcye and Desiree, who survive them. Nick & Janet traveled far and frequently throughout the U.S. to visit their children, grandchildren and other relatives. They retired in Arkansas, and these were among their happiest years together. After Janet's death in July, 2000 Nick met Barbara Martin a year later and she helped to lift him out of his grief and despair. He described Barbara as a miracle in his life, and he was grateful to find love and joy again. He moved to Kentucky to be with her, and although their time together was short, it was filled with happiness.

Nick was a supportive, loving, fun and adventurous father. He raised his son and daughters to be independant and to believe in themselves. He was much loved and will be deeply missed by his children and all 10 of his grandchildren. Nick and his entire family were very close, and their relationships deepened over the years. He is remebered for lighting up a room with his presence and for entertaining his family with guitar playing and singing. Nick was always upbeat with a great sense of humor, and the love between him and his family was as clear as Nick's sparkling blue eyes. He was a man of honesty and integrity, and he was looked up to by his family. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten, as he will always be in their hearts. They believe they will one day be reunited with Nick, all sitting around while he plays guitar and everyone sings.

Nick was a private and fiercely independent man who was always gentle and kind-hearted. He practiced a 'live and let live' approach to life, and had a firm commitment to fairness. He was a patriot who loved his country, serving as an MP in the U.S. Army. He was exceptionally proud of his military service, and was buried with military honors. Nick loved sitting by a campfire, driving the countryside, fishing, singing the blues, and sharing late night conversation. He did not need much, and did not desire material possesions. He felt closest to God sitting under a shade tree, feeling the breeze and the fresh air. It is fitting that his body is joined again to the earth as his spirit has rejoined God.

Olmstead Funeral Home

Published in the Tri-City Herald on 9/3/2003.