Nick Nicholson, 86

Nick was born in Southern California and passed into the presence of his Lord Jesus last week after a brief battle with cancer. He graduated from Millikan High School in Long Beach and attended Long Beach State College. Nick joined the United States Air Force and was in the last class of Air Force Cadets. Nick eventually flew with the Strategic Air Command until he joined the airlines in 1965, and he loved flying his entire career.  

Nick is survived by his wife, Cherri; son Neal; and daughter Nanette. His older daughter, Shona, predeceased him. Nick’s beloved grandchildren are Alexandra, Austin, Carla, Claudia, and Nicole. Great-grandchildren are Elena and William. He’s also survived by his brother, Brian (Susie), brother-in-law Ron (Rosemary), sisters-in-law Myrna and Carolynn, and many cousins, nephews and nieces and friends. Nick loved his family with all his heart. He also deeply loved what he called his “forever family.”

Nick loved and made his “home” at His Place Church in Post Falls, Idaho. His years serving his Savior in the Gideons International were very special to him. Sharing God’s Word and sharing the Good News became his passion. He also loved his Celebrate Recovery family and helped teach and lead small groups for 10 years at his former church. Driving the bus for the youth group mission trips and the after-school ministry called Save America’s Youth, or SAY Yes, at his former church in Bakersfield were a delight to him, and he became known as “Captain Nick.” Serving at the Junk-A-Tique rummage sale and helping on mission trips to several foreign countries were another privilege in his life.  

Yates Funeral Home in Hayden, Idaho, is handling funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests making a donation to the Gideons International, P.O. Box 22, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83816.