Phillip Dean Nickell Jr.

Phillip Dean Nickell, Jr., beloved husband, brother, uncle, and friend, died upon collapsing at home on March 14^th, sparing him the upcoming start of radiation and chemo treatments for recently diagnosed cancer of the tongue and neck.

He was born on May 20, 1953 at what was then Camp Gordon, Georgia. His father was an oil and gas Landman, thus Phillip and his two siblings, Rick and Linda, moved many times within the western region of the country, finally settling in Denver when he was a teen. Phillip was a Pi Beta Kappa graduate of Colorado State University. He went on to graduate first in his class at Northwestern University School of Dentistry in Chicago. Phillip and wife Barbara married while he was in Dental School, and moved back to the Denver area upon his graduation. Phillip set up his general dentistry practice in Centennial, Colorado and provided care to his patients for thirty five years before retiring in 2014. He was a member of the Colorado and American Dental Associations, a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, and a member of Christ's Episcopal Church, Castle Rock where he was a longtime member of the Altar Guild.

Phillip and Barbara were blessed with 5 nephews and nieces, the children of Phillip's brother and sister-in-law, and of Barbara's brother. Phillip and Barbara settled on having four legged children in their marriage, so the nephews and nieces were special to their hearts. After Phillip's passing they shared some thoughts about their Uncle Phillip: he loved a good joke, was generous with his time and material possessions, was a good conversationalist, often adopting an opposing view point just to get a rise out of others, possessed a dry sense of humor, had the ability to keep his eye on the big picture of life, and harbored a lifelong love/hate relationship with golf. Phillip was blessed with a keen intellect, but was never boastful; he would rather listen than speak, so he was perceived as being quiet and retiring, but he was also blessed with a keen wit and just when least expected would toss off a bon mot that would totally surprise, and then cause much laughter. He was Barbara's centering anchor, always encouraging her to step back and reconsider if she really wanted to send a snarky or hurtful response to a perceived slight. He was thoughtful, kind, and very approachable, traits which caused his employees to jokingly refer to him at times as Fr. Phil. He was a gracious, warm and welcoming host, and superb sous chef during the preparation of special occasion meals. His specialty was breakfast; he prepared golden omelets, and perfectly fried or scrambled eggs, which was in such blissful contrast to Barbara's ""treatment"" of eggs, and all things breakfast. He could always be counted on to lend a helping hand, especially ""behind the scenes"", where few people knew of his involvement. Phillip loved his family, dear friends, and his two rescue dogs. The imprint he left on many lives will live on, especially within Barbara's broken heart, for the remainder of her days.

Phillip is survived by his wife of 43 years, Barbara; brother Rick Nickell (Marsha), sister Linda Stahl (Glenn), brother-in-law Rick Rothgeb; nephews, Dean (Lauren), Doug, Nathan (Brea); nieces, Jen (Dave), Becca (Erin); grand nephews, Clint, Wyatt, Leo, Eli, Leif, and grand nieces, Amelia, and Sadie; and a number of close and very dear friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a future date at Phillip's and Barbara's church in Castle Rock, located at 615 4^th Street, when it is deemed safe for those who can and wish to gather in honor of his precious life. Phillip's body has been cremated in accordance with his wishes. The Episcopal Book of Common Prayer declares, ""Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."" Phillip's soul now rests in the near presence of his Heavenly Father.

Memorial contributions are welcome at: The Denver Dumb Friend's League 2080 S. Quebec St. Denver, Co 80231; St. Clare's Ministries 126 2^nd Av. Denver, Co. 80223; Christ's Episcopal Church Memorial Fund-(Phillip Nickell) 615 4^th St. Castle Rock, Co.; or a charity of your choice.