Obituary: Pat Nichols

On June 21, 2007, Pat Nichols, 68, slipped his hand into the hand of Jesus and was ushered into Heaven. At home by his side was his wife, Joyce, who loved him dearly; his three sons Don Nichols and Ken Nichols of California, and Matt Nichols of Flagstaff; along with Robin and Mary from hospice care.

Pat loved his country, joining the U.S. Marine Corps after high school. He went on to enjoy a successful career, first with Lockheed Aircraft Corporation Missiles and Space Division working part of that time on the Polaris Missile Project. Following that he joined Union Carbide Linde Industrial Gases Division where he worked until he retired.

Among his many and varied interests he enjoyed fishing and hunting for many years with best friends, shooting and collecting firearms over the years, had a life membership in NRA, earlier was in Jaycees and JCI Senator as a life member, and was a member of Prescott Lodge #330 B.P.O.E. (though not active these last years because of ill health). As a boy he was active in Boy Scouts of America eventually becoming an Eagle Scout (later to guide his three boys into becoming Eagle Scouts). He remained active in Scouting for many years as an adult. He was a long-time member of Alcoholics Anonymous and a strength to many as they made positive changes in their lives.

Throughout their 20 years together, Pat and his wife enjoyed traveling and did so frequently. With an eye toward retirement, they made several trips to different destinations, falling in love with Prescott, Ariz., when they came here. Following several return trips, they purchased property, eventually building their dream home in 2001 and settling into retirement life. Though Pat faced serious health problems several times, he and Joyce faced each challenge together, and remained happy they had settled in Prescott. They made many wonderful new friends sharing a fun social life, entertaining in their home, welcoming family and friends from out-of-state for short stays, and found a nice church home. Proud to be a part of Freedom Alliance, which supports our military troops and families, they were privileged in sharing their last two ocean cruises with this group.

Pat, beloved husband, father, friend - he is sadly missed. He is survived by his wife, three sons and their wives, and six grandchildren; together with his wife's four children, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He loved them as his own and they him.

A Memorial Service will be 11 a.m. Aug. 25, 2007, at Alliance Bible Church, 2601 W. Iron Springs Road in Prescott. His ashes are to be spread in Colorado in an area he loved.

We take comfort, knowing he is with our Lord and free of pain of cancer. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith." (II Timothy 4:7) "Love is patient, love is kind ... rejoices with the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails - faith, hope, love ... the greatest of these is love." (I Corinthians 13)

Rather than flowers, please send any donations in his name to, Patrick E. Nichols, Granite Mountain Hospice Care, 3107 Clearwater Drive, Prescott, AZ 86305

Hampton Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.

Information provided by survivors.


Donate Report a Typo Contact
Most Read