Richard Alvin Nichols

Richard (Rich) Alvin Nichols, 83, went to be with his lord and savior on November 4, 2020 in Chico, California. He was born May 19, 1937 in San Francisco to Joseph and Helen Nichols and took full advantage of being the baby of the family. Rich grew up in San Francisco and loved to tell stories of racing down the hills. He attended Riordan Catholic High School. During high school, his parents moved to nearby, Woodside, but Rich stayed in San Francisco, living with sister, Laverne. On the weekends, he would go to Woodside and worked on a horse ranch, which began his passion for ranch and farm life. Rich entered the Marianist community following high school graduation and trained there as a working Brother for two years. After leaving the community, Rich joined the US Army where he learned skills necessary to be a mechanic. While stationed at Fort Lewis in Tacoma Washington, Rich met the love of his life, Mary Margaret Hale. Their first date was to a drive in movie, in Rich's 1957 Chevy Bel Air. After serving in the military, Rich returned to California while Mary remained in Washington. After 2 months, Rich asked Mary to join him in San Francisco. She made the long drive from Oregon and moved in with Rich's oldest sister, Laverne and her 6 children. Rich proposed in December 1962 and they were married on February 9, 1963. At this time, Rich was the head mechanic at a Shell gas station on the Stanford University campus. Their first home was a basement apartment in Portola Valley. Their first child, Thomas Richard, was born 9 months later. Rich and Mary welcomed their second child, Therese Marie on May 1, 1965. Shortly after, Rich went to work at Montgomery Wards as a mechanic. Second daughter, Tracy Ann arrived in February 1968 and Tamara Lyn completed their family in May 1970. Besides his faith and family, Rich loved farming and being behind the wheel of a tractor. In 1974, Rich and Mary purchased 50 acres on the outskirts of Chico, moving their young family out of Fremont. Rich continued to work at Wards and farmed after work and on the weekends. That passion was shared with his son and grandsons. They continue to work the land today, as well as other land within the area. If you drive down Hwy 99 today, you can admire a few of Rich's perfectly disced fields. Rich and Mary continued to live on the property, which has seen many changes over the years. Rich was a 4-H Pig Leader with the Nord Cana 4-H Club for many years and served on the Butte County 4-H Council. He loved watching his kids and grandkids participate in 4-H, school and sporting events. Rich was an active member of Our Divine Savior Catholic Church, including being a Charter Member of the Knights of Columbus Giroud - St. Robert Council. Rich served as the Council's Grand Knight in 2012 and held roles as different officers. As a 3rd degree member, he spearheaded the corned beef and cabbage feeds and Cowboy Poetry event. He was heavily involved in any and every possible way. When his health no longer supported him being physically involved he and Mary would help out behind the scenes donating, preparing and providing desserts for events. Rich loved his Knights and Knighthood. Rich enjoyed Cowboy Poetry, he and Mary would travel all over listening to their favorite poet, Rodney Nelson and musician Dave Stamey, but eagerly awaited their yearly trip to Elko, Nevada for the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Rich even helped organized two events, bringing Cowboy Poetry to Durham in which hundreds attended. Rich was a member of the Chico Elks Lodge #423 and enjoyed Thursday night dinners and visiting with friends at the Elk sponsored events. Rich is proceeded in death by his grandparents, father, mother, sister Laverne Mungo, brother Joe Nichols, niece Rosemary Loum, nephew Phillip Mungo, several aunts and uncles, and great granddaughter Mary Kay. Rich is survived by his wife Mary of 57 years, children, Tom (Sheila) Nichols, Therese (Doug) Elford, Tracy (Scott) Bryan and Tami (Matt) Van Gerpen, 8 grandchildren, Kyle (Cari), Kaleb (Leina), Kory, Justin, Jason, Zach, Alex and Cici, one great grandchild, Gentry and another great grandbaby due in April. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in honor of Rich be send to: Chico Knights of Columbus - Giroud - St. Robert Council c/o KofC Council 13765 in memory of Rich Nichols 566 E. Lassen Avenue Chico, California 95973