Douglas E. Nichols

NICHOLS, Douglas E. Portage Passed away on January 17, 2007 at his home in Portage, MI with his family in attendance. Doug was born on January 10, 1930 in Lansing, MI, the only child to Herman L. and Frances E. Nichols. He attended school in Lansing where he was active in music, basketball, and track, graduating from J.W. Sexton High School in January of 1948. He was very active in Boy Scouts of America where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. After high school, Doug attended Michigan State University in Lansing, MI and received a Bachelor of Music Degree in 1953. He married Joan G. Nichols on September 8, 1951. They were happily married for 51 years. Joan passed away in November, 2002. Doug served in the Army from 1953-1955, earning the rank of Sergeant. Upon his discharge, Doug and Joan moved to Caro, MI in 1956 where he taught high school music, tutored piano, accompanied choirs and played organ in church. Huron Valley Schools offered Doug a teaching position in the subject of music and choir, eventually promoting him to assistant principal, whereby the family moved to Highland, MI in 1959. During his tenure with Huron Valley Schools, Doug earned two Masters Degrees, one in Music and the other in Education. In 1968, Doug accepted the position of principal at Brown Elementary School in St. Joseph, MI where he remained for 12 years building a very successful program with elementary school children, teachers and parents. During the summer of 1979, Doug was Director of Music at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Whitehall, MI. After resigning from Brown School in 1980, Doug received a Mott Fellowship at Western Michigan University majoring in Public Administration and living in Kalamazoo, MI. Upon retirement in 1985, Doug enjoyed residence with Joan in both Portage, MI and Naples, FL. Doug had a passion and reverence for music throughout his life. He became an accomplished cook for the family, participated in many family camping trips and enjoyed building and remodeling with wood. In addition, Doug played excellent golf. He was a master at crossword puzzles and was known for his sense of humor. Doug spent his life in service to others, educating and leading students, teachers, parents and his family. Surviving him are three children, Gail D. Nichols, Steven J. Judith K. Nichols and Laurie A. DeRosa; four grandchildren, Andrew DeRosa, Steven Burns, Christopher Burns and Alec Nichols; one great-grandson Liam DeRosa. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2007 at 11:00 o?clock at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave. with Dr. Nancy Martin Bailey officiating. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be sent to Hospice of Southwest Michigan, 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007-3882.