Norman L. Nichols
Our hearts are heavy after learning that during the night or early morning hours of Jan. 30 and 31, our dad, brother and grandfather made his last earthly ride into the sunset. He met the end of the trail after a courageous battle with cancer. As with everything in his life, he fought the dirty c-word “his way.” We didn’t call him Stormin’ Norman for no reason.
Born Norman Laverne Nichols on Dec. 24, 1952, to Dave and Mae Nichols in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Norm attended schools in Dalton Gardens and Post Falls. He lived anywhere his parents could find a pasture for the horses, which was Post Falls for most of his young life.
He and his sisters and his friend, Tim Griffin, and Tim’s sister, Karleen, rode their horses from the farm on Greensferry Road to the Spokane River. In those days, there were no subdivisions to hinder a fun ride just about anywhere in Post Falls. One of the best was riding where the Highlands Golf Course is today and looking out over the valley when Walmart didn’t exist. He and his family spent many weekends going on trail rides with the saddle club and going to rodeos at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.
After graduation from high school, he decided to follow in his Dad’s footsteps and joined the U.S. Navy, where he served his country with pride. He received a medical discharge after being injured while at sea.
After the Navy, Norm went back to doing what he loved - spending time on his horses. All the jobs he had involved riding and taking care of the horses and livestock on ranches. He had a particularly fun time being a hunting guide on horseback for the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
His last move was to Helena, Mont., where his beloved son, Travis, was born. It was in Helena where he discovered he was quite good at styling beautiful furniture from the wood he harvested. He made his special creations up until his illness kept him homebound. Also at this time (and don’t tell his mule and horse) he discovered the love of the road on his Harley. He and friends spent many miles on the road together.
One of the last true cowboys has gone on to the big ranch in the sky, where we are sure God has horses. He is survived by his son, Travis (Christie) Nichols of Sheridan, Wyo., and his granddaughter, Kinzlee; sisters, Linda (Steve) DeLano of Mesquite, Nev., and Kathy (Don) Murrell of Coeur d’Alene; plus lots of nieces and nephews. Also, we would like to thank his good friends, Tammy and family, for all the help and wonderful care they gave during his illness.
He is preceded by his dad and mom, Dave and Mae Nichols; and his beloved mule and horse, Stormy.
No services are planned at this time. When weather improves and the dreaded covid subsides, a get together will take place here in Coeur d’Alene.
Happy Trails Norm. Love you and miss you.
