Don Addington Nichols

Don Addington Nichols, 77, passed away November 11, 2007, in Denver, Colorado, surrounded by his loving family. Don was born in Adrian, Michigan on July 6, 1930, to Clarence A. and Fredia Upton Nichols, and soon after his birth the family moved to Macias, New York were he grew up and went to school. After High School graduation he attended the University of New York at Cortland where he graduated with a teaching degree. Upon graduation he coached and taught at the local high school. He enlisted in the Navy and later transferred over to the Marine Corp. He went to flight school in Pensacola, Florida and served in the Korean War. When he was discharged he stopped in Denver, Colorado, and decided to go to Denver University. At Denver University he earn his Masters Degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management. Don met Mary at Denver University, and they were married in the summer of 1957. Don worked for the Duncan Heinz Company inspecting restaurants for the first year out of school. Later that year he joined the Marine Reserve unit at Buckley National Guard Base in Denver, Colorado. While in the reserves Don met a friend who set up an interview for a job at Carter Oil Company. After getting a job with Carter Oil in 1959 his first son David was born in Denver, Colorado. Rawlins, Wyoming then became home in the summer of 1959 for Don, Mary and David. In the fall of 1960, Patty was born and the growing Nichols family still enjoyed the small town of Rawlins, and the many new friends they had made. In 1962 the Nichols family relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah still working for the Carter Oil Company. Then again another move back to Denver, Colorado all the while working for Carter Oil Co. A few years later Don became an independent Landman, venturing out in business on his own. In 1966 youngest son, Jay, was born and with three children the family was complete. 1967 brought yet another move back to Salt Lake City where Don started with the Getty Oil Co. The family moved in 1972 to LaCanada, California as Don was promoted to the corporate offices for Getty Oil. Don's career with Getty Oil held many great experiences. Don traveled extensively through North America, South America, Australia and Europe. Don retired from Getty-Texaco Oil Company in 1985. As a life long athlete, Don enjoyed many great days on the golf course in summers, and winters on the ski hill. His adventures always included many good friends, both old and new. After moving back to Denver, Colorado in 1985, Don and Mary worked on many 'joint ventures' together. Don's passions in life were his family, friends, and hard work. Don shared his enthusiasm for sports as an avid fan of the Broncos, the Avalanche, the Rockies and the Denver University Hockey team. He also enjoyed any sport his grandchildren were participating in over the years. In the latter years Don has shown great fortitude and courage as he has battled Primary Lateral Sclerosis. He always had the Don Nichols twinkle in his eye to the very end. He was surrounded with family when he died on November 11, 2007. He is survived by his wife, Mary Beier Nichols, of Denver; children, David Nichols (wife, The Late Lisa Helen); Patty Van Ruiten (husband, Anthony Joseph), of CA; and Jay Nichols (wife, Kathi); 12 grandchildren, Molly E., Daniel A., Margaret R., Kathleen H., Eleanor C., Joseph P. and Peter W. Nichols; Luke J., Spencer W., Jacqueline L. and Caroline M. Van Ruiten; and Skylar Jackson. Don is also survived by two sisters, Ruth Ann Weaver and Ethelyn ""Sis"" Hansen, both of Franklinville, NY. A Graveside service with Military Honors was held on Monday, November 19th, at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 So. Sheridan Blvd., Denver. A gathering of friends and family to celebrate Don's life will be held on Saturday, December 15th, 1:30pm, at The Cherry Hills 3 Clubhouse, 2800 South University Blvd, Denver, CO 80210. Memorial donations may be made to: The Lisa Nichols Childrens' Trust c/o Patty Van Ruiten P.O. Box 332 Robbins, CA. 95676