David Nichols

David E. Nichols, 96, of Westminster, CO, passed away on September 18, 2020.

David E. Nichols was born in McPherson, KS to Ralph and Olive Nichols.  He grew up with Brothers Elgene and Richard (Dick).  Son, Peter in 1948.

Mr. Nichols was vice-president of the 1941 senior class, after a year at Fort Scott Junior College; he entered the Army Air Corps.  Then after 33 months of active duty and 25 changes of station, he was a B-29 pilot at Moffett Federal Airfield when the war ended.

He went to college to be an architect and succeeded with 10 college degrees including a Bachelor Degrees in Architecture, Photogrammetric Surveying, Space Programming; Construction Practice and Law.

He went to work for WLA Inc. in Topeka, KS, designing schools, hospitals, courthouses, airfields and housing projects.  Moved to Colorado where he worked for URS, Inc. as a Vice-President of Architecture, designing educational, government, commercial and industrial projects, including the Genesee Bridge, Blue Cross of Denver, Denver Fire Department, Colorado School of Mines, special solutions for problems of the National Park Service, the Hawaii Department of Highways, the Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  Also designed was an entire ski resort including ski lifts, hotels and condominiums, commercial space, a golf course including roads and utilities, reconstruction of Bent’s Fort in LA Junta, CO.

Joining School District 12, he was responsible for the planning, design and construction of additions and remodeling of 16 facilities, 11 new elementary schools, 2 middle and 1 high schools.  Master planning for the American School in Amman, Jordan, Greece, was a unique sister-school project.

Taking an early retirement in 1989; has served as a planning consultant on schools, in Adams County, Ouray County, Penrose, Colorado, with special consulting was performed for St. Vrain Valley Schools and roofing problems at 8 different condominium associations in Summit County, Colorado.

Professional Memberships include President of Construction Specifications Institute, American Institute of Architects board of Directors, Council of Educational, and speaker at international conference “Selecting Qualified Design Professionals.

In 1981, he met; fell in love and married Marilyn.  This union brought Marilyn’s children, Alan, Douglas, and Debra into the family.

They enjoyed traveling with Port of Call, Sailing, weekend getaway to Dillon and Pueblo on their houseboat and all sports.  Being a kind and dependable father was of the utmost importance to David and he certainly did not disappoint when it came to wholeheartedly loving his family.

He survived by his loving and devoted wife of 39 years, Marilyn, his son Peter, Alan, Douglas (Angie), and Debra (Timothy), grandchildren, Kelsey, Kevin, Daniel, Katherine, and great grandchild, Nathan and beloved puppy Kooper.

He preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Elgene and Richard.

He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony on September 30th at Fort Logan National Cemetery.

Please share memories of David and condolences with his family by signing the tribute wall above.