Larry Nichols: a life remembered
My father, Larry Nichols, of Brockport, NY, passed away on January 29, 2013 at age 76—a full life, marred by the ravages of cancer at the end. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he is survived by his wife Pat, son Tim (Kim) Nichols, daughter Maripat (Brian) Kayes, as well as grandchildren Tyler, Doug, Brian, Corrie, Jennifer, and Lauren.
Dad was a local businessman who owned and ran Nichols Service for nearly 40 years, where he garnered a well-deserved reputation as an honest and trusted mechanic. While his devotion to his customers and his business seemed consuming at times, his mind’s eye was often focused a couple of hundred miles away at Black Lake. For the last couple of decades the family has had a cottage there where he was free to putter about the barn, fish, or just do crosswords on the porch. In more recent years, he spent his summers there and his winters preparing to return in the spring. In many ways, the cottage became more the family homestead than the house in Brockport.
His life touched many people throughout the area. Family, friends, neighbors, customers, and more. You had to cast a pretty wide net to find someone who didn’t think the world of him. Dad was fiercely devoted to those he cared about. His silent strength gave the rest of us courage. He was the rock at the base of the family—quiet, often unnoticed, but supportive and essential. He lives on in our fond memories of the way he enriched all our lives. But make no mistake, there is now a Larry-sized hole in the world that will not soon be filled.
You are invited to share a video of my dad’s life in photos. It remembers a truly great man and the family he leaves behind.
Please share a message for the family, or your memories and thoughts of Larry, Dad, Grandpa (or whatever you knew him as) in the “Leave a Reply” space below. Together, we love and honor him.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 from 6-8pm at Fowler Funeral Home. A Memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb 2, 2013 at 1pm, also at Fowler’s. A celebration of life will follow the Memorial service at the Brockport Veteran’s Club. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute to the Pluta Cancer Center or Hildebrandt Hospice.
Aunt Pat, Tim and Maripat: I was so sorry to hear about Uncle Larry passing. Sorry too, about how difficult the past few months had been for him. I am grateful that his suffering is over, but so wish he could have been sparred some of that. Thinking about all of you, Kim and Brian, and all the grandkids.
I have many fond memories of Uncle Larry, but what I remember most is his calm, quiet presence. He often seemed to be quietly chuckling at all the antics going on around him duriing big family gatherings. I also really appreciated his (and Aunt Pat’s) hospitality at Black Lake a couple of summers ago. He was a wonderful man who will be remembered fondly. Thinking of you all – Amy, Karen, Michael and Libby
What a wonderful tribute to your Dad, Tim. He was indeed a man to be looked up to and admired. We know he will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him, and we send our sympathy to your Mom, Maripat, you and all of your family. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Love,
Ron and Ann
There is no greater tribute to a man than the unashamed outpouring of love from his family. Beautiful tribute Tim. Peace.
I agree with Bridget. That was beautiful. The tribute and the video of pictures was so sweet. They serve as undeniable evidence as to what a special person your Dad was.
Tim, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing.. he was a big man with an even bigger heart and gentle soul….
Tim, such a beautiful and heartwarming memorial to your Dad. While those very special memories are part of the reason your loss feels so great right now, they will help to lessen the pain as time goes on. My thoughts are with you, Kim and your family.
Pat, i am sorry for your loss. I can understand what you are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tim, we are so sorry to hear about your Dad. Your words and photos are such a touching tribute. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Extracted from the Democrat & Chronicle on 1/31:
Tim. My Condolences to you and your family for the passing of your dad
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Deryck Simpson,
Spencerport, New York
WE ARE SO SORRY.THOUGHT HE MAYBE COULD BEAT IT. I HAVE LOST A DEAR FRIEND.ONE THAT WOULD LEND A HAND OR A TOOL. LAKE WONT BE THE SAME
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JIM AND CAROL JACKON
Pat and Family
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Larry was a wonderful friend and a great classmate.
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Shirley Mercer,
Brockport, New York
We at Christ Community Church of Brockport are sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that your families are in our prayers. May God comfort you in this time.
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Christ Community Church,
Brockport, New York
Pat & Family –
You have my deepest sympathy. I know all to well the hurt you are going through. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Gil Wilk,
Churchville
Ed and family,
My most sincere condolences on the loss of Larry. It’s been a awhile, but I’ll never forget those times. Joe Lingle
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Joseph Lingle,
Strongsville, Ohio
We are sorry to hear Larry is gone, he was a good neighbor at the lake. Our thoughts and prayers are with Pat and the family.
I grew up living next to Larry and remember all the good times we had together. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Thoughts and prayers are for his entire family.
Extracted from the Democrat & Chronicle on 2/1:
Pat and Family, Our deepest sympathy to all of you. We so enjoyed our conversations with Larry at Black Lake and are glad we had the opportunity to know him. Such a pleasant easy going guy, who had to face some very difficult times. Our prayers are with you.
~
Karen & Bucky Winters,
Lake Frederick, Virginia
Extracted from the Democrat & Chronicle on 2/3-2/4:
Celebrating a life well lived, Larry was one of those guys you never forget. I only new Larry for a short time when I worked with him in 1970 before I moved to Florida. His sence of humor and work ethic made a profound and lasting impression on me.
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Joseph Chechak,
Duncan, South Carolina
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Larry. We were out of town Wed-Sun and just became aware. Larry was the best person I ever worked for. He was a source of great knowledge for me and will be truly missed. The mark of a great man is not what he for himself, but rather what he did for others. Larry was a great man.
Paul & Sue Kimball
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Paul Kimball,
Clarkson, New York
February 03, 2013
Larry was a great guy. We will all miss him.
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Fran McKinney,
Holley, N.Y.